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!

[Phil Wells]

Spokane rocks - we're getting really strong appreciation here (10%+ YOY). There's also good economic signs here too - people are moving here, money is coming, businesses are opening up and homes are getting built! 

Cost of living is also below the national average. Spokane is well worth exploring. I'm working with a ton investors who are actively investing in Spokane right now and they're making money so don't dismiss it!