subject: Helpful Seattle Office Space Information [print this page] Seattle is the center of the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan statistical area, the 15th city largest in the United States, and the largest in the northwestern United States, with a population of over 600,000. The metropolitan area has a population of approximately 4.1 million people. Seattle is the county seat of King County and is the major economic, cultural and educational center in the region.
Seattle office space draws the attention of major corporations. Russell Investments just recently purchased the Russell Investments Tower and will be moving to Seattle's commercial core in late 2010. And mere minutes from the University of Washington are the headquarters of another major corporation, Safeco Insurance.
The Arts industry in Seattle ranks 5th among American cities and includes 3,578 arts-related businesses employing 18,493 people. The Arts industry includes a growing film and video industry, as well as a music industry that in recent years has generated labor income of $266 million, total sales of $1.3 billion, and employment of 10,700 jobs in 3,000 music-related businesses.
Among the incentives available to businesses in Seattle/King County are modified employee training, low interest loans, and tax deferrals. In addition to federal government assistance, state and local governments in the Seattle area have offered a package of incentives to meet the distinctive needs of business and industry.
A study by Florida research firm Policom says that the Seattle-Tacoma economy is the strongest in the country, beating out 366 other metropolitan areas. Seattle's current economy is fairly strong, relative to the overall stagnant economy in the U.S. Seattle-Tacoma Bellevue rates No. 1, moving up from last year's No. 12 ranking. In 2006, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ranked No. 51 in the country.
Seattle combines a stunning natural setting and vibrant metropolitan center with world-class arts, entertainment and cuisine. Seattle exceeds in quality of life with a mild climate, a wide range of housing options, arts and culture, sports, entertainment, an abundance of shops and restaurants and easy access to outdoor recreational activities in any season. Seattle is commonly ranked among the top cities in the nation based on factors like level of education, number and quality of arts organizations, access to wireless internet connections and pedestrian-friendly environment.
