IBA, as the premier business brokerage firm in the Pacific Northwest, is firmly established as a respected professional service firm in the legal, accounting, banking, mergers & acquisitions, real estate, and financial planning communities. Periodically, we will post guest blogs from professionals with knowledge to share for the good of owners of privately held companies & family owned businesses. The following blog article has been provided by Cindy Kelly of Compass (https://cindykelly.com/):
Why the Seattle Metropolitan Area is a Community to Call Home
Having grown up running barefoot through the redwoods of Northern California and later living in both Central and Eastern Washington, moving to the Seattle area truly felt like coming home. There’s something about this region — the blend of salt air, mountain mist, and evergreen forests — that instantly feels grounding and alive. The Pacific Northwest has a magic that’s hard to describe until you’ve lived it: a perfect harmony between nature and city life that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Here in Seattle and across the Eastside, beauty surrounds us in every direction. To the west, the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Mountains shimmer across Puget Sound. To the east, the Cascades rise like a painting. And standing proudly to the south, Mt. Rainier reminds us daily that we live in one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Add in our stunning lakes — Washington, Sammamish, and Union — and you’ll understand why so many people fall in love with living here.
And the rain? I’ve never minded it. The rain keeps our air so fresh and our landscapes so lush. It gives everything that deep green hue we’re famous for, and when the sun comes out, well — there’s nothing quite like it. The world glows, the mountains come alive, and there’s a collective sense of joy that spreads across every park, trail, and coffee shop patio.
As someone who loves the outdoors, I never take it for granted. One of the best things about living in the Seattle area is that adventure is never far away. Whether it’s a walk around Green Lake, paddleboarding on Lake Sammamish, or hiking through the foothills of the Cascades, there’s a trail for every mood and moment. One of my personal favorites is Double Bluff Off-Leash Dog Park on the west side of Whidbey Island. You can walk for miles along the beach with your pups, with the sparkling water on one side and Mt. Rainier rising in the distance — it’s pure magic.
Of course, life in Seattle isn’t all about the great outdoors. The city itself is full of life, culture, and creativity. From iconic landmarks like the Space Needle to the newly revitalized Seattle Waterfront and the always-buzzing Pike Place Market, there’s no shortage of things to do in Seattle. Take a stroll “Beneath the Streets” on the historic underground tour, or explore the thriving arts scene that ranges from live theater and symphony performances to small jazz clubs and pop-up galleries.
When it comes to food, Seattle is in a league of its own. The culinary scene here is a perfect reflection of the region — fresh, diverse, and full of character. You’ll find everything from Michelin-level dining to hidden neighborhood gems that make you feel like a local. Whether it’s a cozy café in Ballard, a waterfront oyster bar in Kirkland, or a wine lounge in Woodinville, the options are endless. And the Eastside has truly come into its own, with Bellevue and Kirkland now boasting some of the area’s most celebrated restaurants and rooftop spots.
That’s what makes this area so special — the seamless balance between urban energy and natural serenity. You can spend the morning kayaking, the afternoon exploring local shops and restaurants, and still make it home in time to watch the sunset over Lake Washington. Every season brings something new to appreciate: spring blossoms in the arboretum, golden fall hikes in the Cascades, and long summer evenings when the sky doesn’t darken until nearly 10 p.m.
Seattle and the Eastside aren’t just places on a map — they’re a lifestyle, a mindset, and a community built around an appreciation for both the outdoors and modern living. It’s where innovation meets authenticity, and where you can truly have it all — whether that means a sleek downtown condo, a lakefront retreat, or a view home nestled in the hills.
For me, it’s more than just where I live — it’s where I belong. The Pacific Northwest has a rhythm that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present. And whether you’re hiking through evergreens, sharing a meal with friends, or watching the sun set behind the mountains, you can’t help but feel grateful to call this stunning corner of the world home.
About the Author
Cindy Kelly is a Real Estate Advisor and View Home Specialist with Compass, serving Seattle and the Eastside communities including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Woodinville. With over two decades of experience, she helps clients find and sell homes that reflect the beauty and lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not helping clients, you’ll find her in the garden, exploring local trails with her Afghan hounds, or enjoying the sunset over Lake Washington.
If you have questions relating to the content of this article or buying residential real estate in the Seattle metropolitan area, Cindy Kelly of Compass would welcome the opportunity to answer them. Ms. Kelly can be reached at (425) 260-2017 or cindy@cindykelly.com.
IBA, the Pacific Northwest’s premier business brokerage firm since 1975, is available as an information resource to the media, business brokerage, mergers & acquisitions, and real estate communities on subjects relevant to the purchase & sale of privately held companies and family owned businesses. IBA is recognized as one of the best business brokerage firms in the nation based on its long track record of successfully negotiating “win-win” business sale transactions in environments of full disclosure employing “best practices”.