7 Top-Ranked Towns in Washington for Retirees

While many may associate retirement with a house on the beach or a small cabin surrounded by pristine nature, Washington adds its unique twist to the anticipated lifestyle by not being limited to just one environmental setting. Situated in the Pacific Northwest region of America, Washington appeals to retirees for being one of the very few states with no income tax and enjoying a balance of all the natural atmospheres that make America the most diverse country. However, along with its advantages comes demand, as the Evergreen state is a hotspot for retirees looking to experience all seasons to their fullest, enjoy an active lifestyle, and enjoy top-notch amenities of healthcare and care homes. From the surprisingly affordable summer escape town of Long Beach to the wild-west town of Winthrop and the predominantly senior community of Sequim, read along to find the best town to retire in Washington. 

Wenatchee

One of the best places to retire in Washington is where mountainous atmospheres meet an urban setting in the north-central part of The Evergreen State. Wenatchee is a popular retirement spot for its lively, engaging community that makes all newcomers feel right at home, along with its big city amenities of care centers, health facilities, shopping districts, and more. Highgate Senior Living, Blossom Valley Care Center, and Golden Years Family Home are a few of the endless care homes in Wenatchee. With a remarkable 18.5% of its population aged 65 and older, Wenatchee caters to diverse lifestyles, ranging from those who seek the allure of nature to those desiring the coziness of centrally located homes within walking distance to all necessities.

According to the U.S. News and World Report, the typical listing price for a house in Wantachee is $571,073, while average monthly expenses in 2022 were $2,309, ranking Wenatchee as one of the more expensive places to retire. However, differing from one retiree to another, costs may be justified based on the high quality of life and tax exemptions that complement the town’s appeal. The 194-acre Wenatchee Confluence State Park allows relocators to enjoy a natural balance of atmospheres in the moderately metropolitan city of Wenatchee. Additionally, the welcoming small-town allure of Wenatchee can be attributed to community markets and events like the Pybus Public Market and the annual Washington Apple Blossom Festival. 

Sequim

Sequim ranks for having the highest population of seniors in Washington, along with its endless healthcare and wellness options.Thanks to its exceptional weather that inspired the nickname Sunny Sequim, and with abundant healthcare and wellness options, 35% of the town's residents are aged 65 or older. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, Sequim lives up to its nickname, Sunny Sequim, for having some of the best climates on the Washington coast, with minimal snow and rain in the winter. Sitting adjacent to the city of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, Sequim is also a popular small-town escape among nature enthusiasts for being a gateway town to the Olympic National Park. With similar housing costs to other common retiree towns in Washington constantly increasing in value, relocators to Sequim can purchase a home for an average cost of $570,000 and expect to spend an average monthly expense of $2525.

Thanks to the town’s prime location, it is heavily rooted in agriculture. Some of its most prominent community events are the Annual Irrigation Festival with parades and more, along with the vibrant Sequim Lavender Weekend hosted on the third weekend of each July. Senior retirement homes in the town focused heavily at its central Washington St, with some of the top-rated options including Suncrest Village Retirement Community and Home Instead, while major healthcare facilities are centered near Henderson Rd, like the Sequim Medical Plaza and Obria’s Medical Clinics. 

Winthrop

Winthrop is one of the less common destinations in Washington to retire, yet it appeals to seniors for its old-school atmosphere, small population, and abundance of untouched nature. From the American all-west design of the town’s buildings to hospitable locals and cultural events that attract tourists, like the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival and the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival, Winthrop is one of the smallest yet most inviting small towns to retire in Washington. Despite Winthrop being one of the more expensive destinations to retire, it remains a popular option among seniors looking for a countryside lifestyle while enjoying some level of community engagement, which mostly increases in the winter for the town’s many resorts and skiing slopes.

Average home prices in the wild-west towns are valued at $621,500 according to the Best Places Housing Report, yet most of the homes in the area are relatively spacious compared to the typical suburban house in other Washington towns, offering more green space of backyards and private land. Jamie’s Place Adult Family Home stands out as one of the only assisted living centers in the area, along with a few wellness centers like Methow Valley Center and Confluence Health Clinic, making Winthrop an ideal destination to enjoy the active senior living lifestyle.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend, located on the Puget Sound, is a well-rounded balance of amenities, age demographics, and atmospheres. The community enjoys a historical element that gives it its welcoming allure, which can be experienced through browsing local architecture from the early 1800s and walking the downtown beautified with a vibrant art scene. Port Townsend is also an excellent retirement destination, being a drive away from Seattle, sitting 57.7 mi away, qualifying the town to be a preferred destination for city dwellers seeking a laid-back community not too far away from home.  Warden State Park and its beaches are the town’s main attractions. However, relocating to Port Townsend, you’ll find that its appeal lies in its upscale atmosphere of architecture and downtown community.

The classy Rose Theater, The Rothschild House, and the Romanesque castle-like post office are some of the most notable aesthetically pleasing contributors to the town’s Victorian charm. The Median home prices in Port Townsend are $579,900, similar to other popular retirement community options in Washington. Browse Water St near The Old Farie Dock, familiarize yourself with the downtown scene before relocating to Port Townsend, and browse quaint galleries for more insights into your potential new hometown. The Pacific Traditions Gallery is a Native American historical display, while the Grover Gallery showcases local talents with contemporary and classic paintings. Top-rated senior care homes in town include Avamere at Port Townsend and Victoria Place near Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park.

Long Beach

The quaint town in Pacific County stands out as one of the more affordable top-ranked retirement destinations in Washington, offering a unique twist on the typical retirement community by infusing a delightful summer escape vibe. While Long Beach may not always boast sunny and swimming weather, it exudes a cozy charm, making it an ideal place to call home with its many community events, an abundance of aqua-centric activities like fishing and kayaking, a lively wildlife scene of over 300 bird species, and more.

The average home price in Long Beach is $331,339, with a single-person monthly expense of $2,909, making the small coastal community a budget-friendly option for seniors seeking an active lifestyle. Due to the town’s waterfront location, much of its charm is centered around maritime culture, from its central fresh Seafood restaurants like Patty’s Fish Tacos to its assisted living centers like Harbors Home Health & Hospice, located a short walk from the beach. Additionally, nearby towns of Long Beach, like Ocean Park, located 9 mi away, offer a similar and cost-effective lifestyle with different amenities to broaden your relocation options. 

Gig Harbor

One of the most scenic waterfront towns in Washington, Gig Harbor appeals to retirees and seniors for its enchanting balance of natural atmospheres and proximity to major cities. Known as a small-town weekend escape destination, the small town is enhanced with backdrops of Mount Rainier. With a rich maritime history, Gig Harbor enjoys an entertaining local scene with everything from its annual events, such as The Gig Harbor Film Festival, to the infamous Kite Festival.

Located 12 mi from Tacoma and 43.8 mi from Seattle, Gig Harbor is a common town among retirees for its various recreation centers and sizable retirement communities for its various recreation centers and sizable retirement communities. Retirees in Gig Harbor make up more than 25% of the city’s population with a vast array of specialized care centers like the Brook Harbor Bay Alzheimer’s Care Center. Annual events like the Narrows Classic Car Festival, The Gig Harbor Summer Cider Swig, and endless live music venues in the summer are a few of the many events to get to know locals and learn more about the town. However, accompanied by the lively atmosphere is a hefty cost of $753,059 for a typical home and annual expenses of $2,886, making Gig Harbor one of Washington's more expensive retirement towns.

Walla Walla

Off the beaten path of Washington is the laidback small town of Walla Walla that sits near Oregon borders. While most of the popular retirement communities in Washington enjoy a waterside or forest setting, Walla Walla is the complete opposite, balancing dry dessert landscapes with surrounding mountainous vistas and seasonal climates that amplify each season, making summers hotter than other parts of Washington and Winters that are much snowier than most of Washington: parks, wineries, breweries, and a range of locally owned restaurants. Farmlands also play a significant role in the town’s overall appeal, allowing for a countryside lifestyle, affordable seasonal produce, and community events developed around the farming scene.

Popular agricultural events in town include the Walla Walla Spring Release Weekend, which celebrates the grape growing season, and Lavender Days at Blue Mountain, which offers insightful tours of floral farms in the area. With housing costs of $435,205, 18.2% of locals in Walla Walla are 65 or older, and the primary demographic is college students, comprising 25.5% for Walla Walla University and Whitman College. The moderate cost of living in Walla Walla is also accompanied by a diverse option of healthcare facilities such as The Heritage Clinic, Providence Urgent Care, Providence St. Mary Medical Center, and many more.

Retiring in Washington presents a diverse array of atmospheres and communities, with each small town offering a unique lifestyle that sets it apart from the rest. Key factors to consider in finding the perfect retirement town include varying living costs, the intensity of winters, and the community's openness to visitors. While online resources provide valuable insights into various options, the most effective approach is visiting cities that appeal to you and engaging with locals to gain a deeper understanding of each community. Visit the 7 Top-Ranked Towns in Washington for Retirees and ensure a well-informed decision in choosing the perfect retirement destination in the state.