The greater Seattle area has a population of over a million people. It is the largest population complex north of San Francisco and west of Minneapolis, and thus offers urban advantages along with unmatched natural attractions. The city enjoys a temperate marine climate. Winter temperatures only occasionally dip below freezing. Snowfall is unusual in the city, but frequent and heavy in the mountains from November to April.
Summers are generally cool, dry and pleasant.
The variety of outdoor activities available near Seattle is possibly unsurpassed. Large adjacent water areas make sailing and boating a favorite pastime for many, while others enjoy salmon, steelhead, and trout fishing, or digging for clams or oysters along the tidelands. The Cascade Mountains rise thirty miles to the east, while the Olympic Mountains border Puget Sound to the west. Both are snowcapped throughout the year. Glorious views of mountain panoramas are available from the city, as well as from the University.