Microsoft is undoubtedly the giant in Seattle, fueling much of the growth along the east side of the Emerald City. Currently, Microsoft has more than 1 million sq. ft. (92,900 sq. m.) of space under construction within the Seattle area. High-tech firms have propelled much of the immigration and business expansion in the Seattle area. Recently biotech, dot-coms and telecommunications companies have returned to the downtown area away from the orbit of Microsoft on the east side.

"I think the pendulum has swung from where it was pretty heavy on the east side to being fairly balanced," says Craig Kinzer of Craig E. Kinzer Corporate Real Estate Services.

In addition, the downtown area is full of old buildings, perfect for high-tech companies. Acadio Corp., an online education Web site, has recently signed a $20 million lease for the 58,000 sq. ft. (5,388 sq. m.) Provident Building. The building will be remodeled and Acadio anticipates it will have the capacity to accommodate 500 employees.

Seattle also offers young employees something else: a 24-hour city full of shops and entertainment. "A lot of Internet young people really do like the club scene and pace of the city," says John Steel, a partner in a Silicon Valley law firm specializing in high-tech industries. The firm recently opened an office in the Seattle area. The pier and waterfront areas are also a great draw for young employees.

Seattle is also looking at a loss of nearly $1 billion for road improvements due to the passage of Initiative 695 last year. The initiative cuts the $30 car license fee previously used for road improvements. This cut is bound to affect traffic conditions in the Puget Sound area where congestion is already a problem. The city of Seattle has initiated a pilot program to pay residents to use carpools or public transportation. Those chosen for the program will be paid $85 per week not to use the family's second automobile. Odometers will be checked for six weeks while the city hopes to ease congestion.