6 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest region of the United States, encompassing Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, making it an attractive destination for retirees seeking a peaceful place to enjoy their golden years. If you are considering this region of the country for retirement, affordability, safety, and amenities are likely key factors in your decision-making process. Learn more about six of the most affordable towns in the Pacific Northwest where retirees can ensure a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
From Oregon's scenic vistas to the charm of neighborhoods in Washington and Idaho, these towns offer a place where community and natural beauty meet affordability.
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Nestled along Lake Ewauna in Klamath County, Oregon, is Klamath Falls, a town with just over 21,000 residents. This town is an excellent place for retirees to place their roots, as it’s known for having a quiet suburban feel and being home to Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake National Park. There is no shortage of areas to enjoy the natural beauty of Klamath Falls, as there are ample locations dedicated to outdoor hobbies like birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and golfing spread throughout this area. Moore Park sits on Upper Klamath Lake and is a great spot to have a picnic or play pickleball, while Eulalona Park is ideal for pet owners seeking a park with a dedicated dog area.
One reason Klamath Falls is an excellent retirement location is due to the affordable cost of living. The median home value in Oregon, according to Zillow, is around $498,000, while the average in Klamath Falls is roughly $287,000. The low housing costs, in addition to the large number of senior living facilities in the area, push this town to the top of the list of best retirement places in the area. Crystal Terrace of Klamath Falls is a highly rated independent living community on 22 acres of stunning land on the mountainside. The town also has Sky Lakes Medical Center, an award-winning hospital and emergency room that provides quality care to its patients.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim is a small town in Clallam County, Washington that sits at the base of the Olympic Mountains. The town has grown a reputation for being the "Lavender Capital of North America" and even for having one of the driest climates in the Western Washington area. Sequim is a popular destination for older adults relocating for their retirement for several reasons, one of the most prominent being that the median age in town is 57. There is an opportunity to create a sense of community with similarly aged neighbors, and the town focuses on creating senior discounts and opportunities for older adults.
Additionally, home prices in Sequim are affordable when compared to the average cost in the state. Home values in Sequim average around $567,000, while Zillow reports that the state average falls at $591,000. There are also several assisted living facilities available locally, including Sherwood Assisted Living, Trustwell Living at Sinclair Place, and The Cottages of Sequim. Residents can get primary and emergency care at Olympic Medical Center in nearby Port Angeles, which is just a 25-minute drive. For those who want to explore the outdoors and get their steps in, Purple Haze Lavender Farm has beautiful sights and an ice cream stand, while Dungeness River Nature Center is a dog-friendly park with space for picnicking and a railroad bridge.
Priest River, Idaho
Located in the Idaho Panhandle region is Priest River, a town with a population of around 1,750 people. Priest River boasts a four-season climate, with snowy winters and comfortable summer temperatures that support the town’s focus on activities like hiking, biking, and river running. The town sits about 75 miles from the Canadian border and has a senior center with numerous amenities, such as activities, hot meals, and a place for fellowship. Housing is relatively affordable in Priest River, with the average rental price being $1,100 or 48% lower than the national average.
Priest River is best for individuals who enjoy the outdoors and have hobbies that take them out into nature. Residents can spend an afternoon trekking the 2.5 miles to Mount Roothaan and Chimney Rock in Priest Lake State Forest. Bonner Park West offers an opportunity for swimming and a dedicated boat launch, all while being a dog-friendly location.
Port Angeles, Washington
Port Angeles, Washington, is a coastal town with around 20,000 people, and its motto describes it as “where the mountains meet the sea.” It is right next to Olympic National Park, a truly one-of-a-kind park with incredible landscapes ranging from sprawling mountains to dense forests along the shore. Yet, even with the park’s vast size totaling nearly one million acres, there are numerous accommodations that can help older adults, such as campgrounds with accessible restrooms, picnic table extensions, and paved campsites. Nature lovers can also spend time at Shi Shi Beach and Rialto Beach, both in the Olympic National Park, as well as the Salt Creek Recreation Area.
Those concerned about the cost of living can take comfort in knowing that, according to Zillow, the average home value in Port Angeles is roughly $430,000. This is considerably lower than the state average of $591,000 home value, highlighting the area’s affordability for seniors. There are several in-town retirement communities, such as Village Concepts of Port Angeles - Park View Villas and Laurel Place Assisted Living & Memory Care, offering services ranging from independent living to full memory care. Olympic Medical Center is also conveniently located in Port Angeles and is listed as a recipient of the 2024 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital recognition for the ninth year.
Baker City, Oregon
Retirees looking for a smaller-sized town in Northeastern Oregon should consider Baker City, an area full of charm and rich cultural heritage. This quaint town has a population of just over 10,000 people and has a suburban, walkable feel while being close to several mountain ranges. The two ranges that highlight the town’s skyline are the Elkhorn Mountains and the Wallowa Mountains, providing a picture-perfect scene no matter the season. Baker City has no shortage of parks and areas for outdoor recreation, with Cedar Acres Park and the centrally located Central Park. Those looking for a little more action can try hiking some of the loops at Webb's Mtn. and Geiser Pollman Park.
Baker City offers affordable living for retirees who want to rent or purchase a home. The average rental price in Baker City is 7% lower than the national average, at $1,950, while home prices fall around $245,000. Additionally, Baker City is home to Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc., which strives to keep seniors active in the community and ensure they have resources for programs like food assistance and caregiver support.
Island Park, Idaho
Island Park is one of the smallest towns in the state, with just under 200 year-round residents calling this area home. However, the small population doesn’t mean this is a dull area, as it’s filled with one-of-a-kind landscapes that range from dense pine forests to vast meadows. This town also has the longest main street in the United States at 33 miles and is under 30 minutes from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Island Park is the type of town that’s best for older adults who want to live in a quiet area that still has access to amenities and healthcare facilities. The Island Park Medical Clinic is located in town and provides sick visits and laboratory services.
The housing cost is slightly higher than the national average in Island Park, with the median home value around $500,000, but a large number of amenities help to bridge this gap. Countless hiking trails, fishing spots, and working cattle ranches make this town a gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Harriman State Park and Wildlife Refuge and Henry’s Lake State Park are two popular locations for both summer and winter outdoor activities, while the Yellowstone Playhouse at Island Park dinner theater is great during any season.
These small Pacific Northwest towns can offer retirees an affordable cost of living, a strong sense of community, and amenities that help older adults thrive while maintaining their independence. There are towns like Priest River in Idaho with low rent prices and a bustling senior center, while Klamath Falls in Oregon is a haven for nature-loving individuals. No matter which area you choose to spend your retirement in, the Pacific Northwest has numerous towns you can feel comfortable calling home.
