Department of ChemistryThe city of Seattle is situated between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, an extensive arm of the Pacific Ocean. Both Lake and Sound are perfect for canoeing, sailing, and kayaking. Recent national surveys have listed Seattle as one of the most liveable cities in the country. Seattle offers many cultural activities, including repertory stages, opera, ballet, symphony orchestra, and an international film festival. Seattle is also home to the Mariners, Sonics, and Seahawks.
The variety of outdoor activities convenient to the city is unsurpassed. Hiking, skiing, and mountain or rock climbing are popular, with miles of trails and hundreds of peaks found in the nearby Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Temperatures are moderate, seldom falling below freezing or rising above 90°F. Snowfall is infrequent and light in the city, but the mountains receive heavy snowfall which provides for great skiing at any of the eight major ski areas within easy driving distance from Seattle.
For a virtual tour of Seattle, current events around the region, and sports and recreation, see these websites: http://www.cityofseattle.net/tour/index.htm and http://www.cityofseattle.net/html/visitor/sports.htm#cityrec
The strong Seattle-area economy provides excellent opportunities for spouses or partners seeking employment, including the rapidly growing high-tech industry (e.g., biotech, computers, telecommunications, aerospace). For employment opportunities at the University, see website: http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/uwjobs/.