narrowing the choices

After considering our basic criteria for where to buy, the following areas warranted further inspection:

Cle Elum

• Kittitas County, Washington
• Population: 1,872
• Drive time from Seattle: 1.5 hours
• Popular area for camping and other outdoor activities
• Average high: 80 / Average low: 24 / Average snowfall: 65.2 inches
• Number of sunny days: 201

Lake Chelan

• Chelan County, Washington
• Population: 3,890
• Drive time from Seattle: 3 hours
• Sits on the southeast tip of Lake Chelan
• Average high: 85 / Average low: 24 / Average snowfall: 32.7 inches
• Number of sunny days: 196

Methow Valley

• Okanogan County, Washington 
• Population: 5,144
• Drive time from Seattle: 3 1/2 hours (summer), 4 1/2 hours (winter)
• Popular spot for cross-country skiing and hiking
• Average high: 82 / Average low: 13 / Average snowfall: 122.1 inches
• Number of sunny days: 190

Mt. Baker / Glacier

• Whatcom County, Washington
• Population: 211
• Drive time from Seattle: 2.5 hours
• Awe-inspiring views of Mt. Shuksan, one of the most photographed mountains in the world
• Average high: 76 / Average low: 25 / Average snowfall: 42.7 inches
• Number of sunny days: 158