Seattle is a thriving, progressive city nestled between the Willamette and Columbia rivers, surrounded by the Cascade Mountains and the rugged Washington Coast. Some of its most popular areas include Capitol Hill, North Beach & Greenwood, Phinney Ridge/Fremont, as well as the central and western regions of the city. Also, Tacoma and its neighboring communities are only a few miles away. Residents take pride in a pedestrian-friendly downtown and limited urban growth, making it a comfortable and clean place to live. Among the factors that make Seattle a magnet for people who want the excitement and opportunities of a metropolitan center with the relaxed lifestyle offered by many diverse, small communities are its thriving cultural scene, outstanding natural beauty, vibrant and attractive waterfront, world-class dining and efficient public transportation.