It's a good idea. University of Washington is a great school, and you have a ton of top tech employers in the area. Cost of living is high but not as bad as Silicon Valley.

But honestly I'd say keep your options open. Find the programs and professors that interest you first, and see where you get the best match. You'll only be in the program for a few years, so you're not making a lifetime commitment to a region.

Considered any schools internationally?