The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle — the Emerald City — is also the fastest-growing major city in the United States. Despite the growth, Seattle remains among the most literate of the largest cities in the U.S. and held the distinction of having the highest percentage of college and university graduates, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2008. And as one might expect, it has become the model for green industry and sustainable development. In fact, five years ago the city committed to becoming the first “climate neutral” city in North America. Part of that effort is its devotion to mass transit, which has greatly reduced auto congestion. In the 1980s, Seattle began attracting young people as it developed in a technology center with companies like Amazon, Microsoft and T-Mobile setting up shop in the area. In addition, the Seattle metropolitan area has also become home to corporate giants like Costco, Starbuck and Nordstrom. Of course, one can’t forget Seattle’s stamp on the music scene as it was the birthplace of rock legend Jimi Hendrix as well as grunge-style rock in the 1990s.