Best markets in the Pacific Northwest

[Brandon Courtney]

Hello Bigger Pockets community!

I've been a broke millennial the majority or my working life but now at 33 I finally have the money to buy a house (my first).  I've had my eye on Austin lately but a conversation with a friend reminded me life's not all about money and chasing returns.  He made some good points, so I wanted to look into states that are a better fit for me from a lifestyle standpoint.  I'd like my first home to be an investment first - but also some place I live.  My work is location independent.  I wanted to see if there was somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with:

1. The sort of access to the mountains/outdoors I grew up with
2. A housing market poised not only for appreciation but also rental price increases

I apologize if this is the wrong Forum Category.  I am newer on here and this could have gone in "General Landlording & Rental Properties", "Starting Out", or a number of others.

Please let me know if I'm missing anything or if I can answer any more questions.

Thank you!