Where You Live

The Puget Sound area is known for its natural beauty, charming coastal towns, and all of the big-city benefits Seattle has to offer. With hundreds of islands and miles of shoreline, it’s not surprising that many of the best local activities are water-based. Of course, there’s also plenty to see on land with several national parks and forests just a short drive away. Whether you like to spend your days taking in the fresh air on a mountain hike, exploring museums, or playing on the water, you’ll always find something to do in the Puget Sound region.

Treasure Valley, Idaho, is full of gems; some are hidden, and others are shining brightly. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a tourist, or considering moving to the area, you won’t regret taking the time to explore some of southwestern Idaho’s family-friendly activities. No matter what the weather is, there is always an outdoor adventure waiting for you to try it.

With the mighty Columbia River, the bustling city of Vancouver, and idyllic towns along the Pacific coast, the region that includes Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon is a beautiful place to call home. In the east, proximity to Portland offers all the amenities you could possibly need, including an airport for convenient travel. The farther west you go, the closer you can be to the water and the forested areas that offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. No matter where you live in the region, scenic views are not far—maybe even right outside your window.

With Spokane and Coeur d’Alene in the heart of the region, the Inland Northwest offers residents the option to live in a vibrant urban culture, a comfortable suburban environment, or the scenic countryside. No matter where you live, the possibilities for outdoor recreation are endless with rushing rivers, majestic mountains, and rolling hills to explore.

The Inland Northwest region spans counties in both Eastern Washington and the northern Idaho panhandle. The climate is drier than the area to the west, primarily because of the distance from the sea and the location east of the Cascade Mountains. However, the seasons are not as moderate, with colder winters and hotter summers.

The West Puget Sound area has a mixed climate depending on where each community is located. Some areas have the typical Pacific Northwest heavy rainfall, while others sit in the rain shadow of the mountains and enjoy more moderate climates. However, regardless of the season, many people enjoy outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle in the coastal and mountainous communities in Northwest Washington.

Building a new custom home in West Puget Sound ensures a lifetime of beautiful views, fresh air, and access to the majestic mountains of Olympic National Park. Retirees are attracted to the areas with consistently moderate weather, families appreciate the welcoming communities, and young professionals can be close to larger cities without the higher cost of living.

Northwest Washington has something for everybody: glistening coastal waters, majestic peaks, lush forests, and bustling cities brimming with culture. Whether you have a growing family or are looking to downsize into a smaller home in a tight-knit community, this region has many options for every lifestyle. If you are thinking of building a new custom home in the Pacific Northwest, consider the four counties north of Seattle as you explore possibilities for your new community.

With Portland in the north and Salem in the south, North Willamette Valley is known for its lush landscape, scenic mountain views, and a strong sense of community connection. The region is home to the majority of the population of the state of Oregon and some of its largest cities. However, there are also plenty of new custom home opportunities for those who want to be surrounded by open spaces, vineyards, and the many other agriculture ventures that benefit from the life-giving Willamette River and countless waterways.

The climate has been compared to that of the Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Mild winters in which the daytime temperature rarely drops below freezing make this region attractive to families and retirees who enjoy predictable weather year-round.

Idaho is a large state, but not all of the land is densely populated. Most of the people in the state live in the southwest corner, also known as Treasure Valley, with Boise being the largest metropolitan area. The mighty Snake River that flows through the region attracted early settlers and continues to be a natural resource for wildlife, industry, and recreation. The various counties in the region each have something to offer families who are considering building a new home in Idaho, whether it’s sweeping vistas, award-winning schools, or outdoor adventures.  

For home buyers searching in Central Oregon, finding the ideal home can be challenging. The market is on the upswing, and the inventory of prebuilt homes is often limited. No wonder so many Oregonians are opting instead to build a custom home—one that will ensure they wind up with exactly what they want and need.

Throughout the natural splendor of Central Oregon, cities and towns of all sizes offer incredible places to call home. The vast majority of residents here love spending time outside—and they want their homes to reflect their many interests and hobbies. Here, we take a closer look at some of our most popular floor plans for Central Oregon and tell you why the locals love them.

Throughout the picturesque state of Arizona—from the majestic Grand Canyon to the hauntingly beautiful Saguaro National Park—one-of-a-kind hiking trails beckon to nature lovers of all ages. There’s no denying that the Grand Canyon State has an abundance of scenic beauty to offer. All you have to do is find the trails that will take you to the best views possible.

Here we count down seven of our favorite Arizona hiking trails that offer the very best views and are only a short drive from Phoenix or Tucson: