7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is often seen as one of the most beautiful areas in North America, known for its stunning cliffside coastlines, dense forests, and towering mountain peaks. An outdoor adventurer's dream, the PNW is also famous for its breweries, adorable cafes, and seafood as well as its tight-knit community and endless opportunities for getting out and enjoying mother nature. The states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho as well as the Canadian province of British Columbia are often thought of as the major members of the PNW, though sometimes California and Alaska are roped in. Featuring rainy winters but beautiful summers, its mild climate draws in people who are tired of extreme cold and snowfall, and welcomes them with the beautiful Cascade Mountains, crashing waves, and the gorgeous Pacific Ocean.
Redmond, Oregon
If you're looking for an endless amount of outdoor activities mixed with small-town charm, Redmond has you covered. Experience stunning natural wonders like the Redmond Caves, or Tumalo Falls. Walk the trails at Fischer Canyon, or get out on the water at Lake Billy Chinook or the Deschutes River. Conquer the Central Oregon Golf Trail and stop at courses like Crooked River, Smith Rock, Eagle Crest, Juniper, and the Greens. In the winter, ski at the largest resort in the Pacific Northwest at Mt. Bachelor, or the more laidback HooDoos Ski Resort. There is also an outdoor rink in town, plus the Virginia Meisner Sno-Park which is perfect for cross-country skiing.
Back in town, stop in at the Redmond Antique Mall, or choose from many other shops including bookstores, ski supplies warehouses, vintage clothing boutiques, and art suppliers. Grab something delicious at Sweet Oasis Chocolate Shop, or pick up something for home at Justy's Jellys. Catch a film at Odem Theater, or watch the latest release at Redmond Stadium Cinema. High Desert Music Hall features live performances, or you can enjoy the hot weather at the summer concert series. Hungry? Indulge in some Mexican cuisine at Diego's Spirited Kitchen, or share a wood-fired pizza at Grace and Hammer. Keep the night alive and stop in for some brews at Initiative Brewing, Kobold Brewing, Silver Moon Brewing, Wild Ride Brewing, or the Doghouse Brewyard, or try something new at either Eqwine Wine Bar or Gomper's Distillery.
Anacortes, Washington
Wake up to the sound of crashing waves every morning when you live in Anacortes. Enjoy seaside activities like tidepooling, beachcombing, and long walks along the shore, or hit the waves and do some kayaking, whale watching, or fishing. Take advantage of the boat launch at Washington Park, and spend the day taking in the beautiful views. Visit the various parks surrounding the town, such as Deception Pass State Park, Mount Erie Park, and Cap Sante Park, or take a ferry ride to a neighboring island including Friday Harbor, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island, and even Sidney, British Columbia.
In town, enjoy amenities like well-known stores including Ace Hardware and Safeway, and make sure to stop in at the weekly farmers market for some locally grown and handmade goods. Browse the shops selling everything from yarn to thrift clothing, and find your new favorite read at Pelican Bay Books. Cook up a 5-star meal with the help of Anacortes Wine and Vinegar Bar, or go out to eat at hotspots like Village Pizza, Good Bagels, and Brown Lantern Ale House. There's also Rockfish Grill, which shares its space with Anacortes Brewery. On rainy, west coast mornings, treat yourself to something warm at Whidbey Coffee, and afterward, pick up a treat at The Donut House. Throughout the year, look forward to events like the Arts Festival, or the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Enjoy everything the Rocky Mountains have to offer in this town full of everyday amenities and stunning views. Explore the vast wilderness, whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or touring by vehicle at places such as the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, and state parks like Farragut, Round Lake, and Priest Lake. Sail on Lake Pend Oreille, or conquer the Scotchman Peak and Maiden Rock trails. Play some golf at majestic courses including Stoneridge, Priest Lake Ranch Club, Mirror Lake, Sandpoint, and Elks. In the winter, enjoy skiing or lounging in the lodge at Schweitzer Village.
In town, meet with friends and try some new brews at Mick Duffs Brewing Company, or at Laughing Dog Brewing. Pend d'Oreille Winery is sure to entertain, or you can have a night of fun with bowling alleys, movie theaters, events at the library, and the Panida Theater. Enjoy a rainy morning by finding a table by the window at Monarch Mountain Coffee, or Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters. Grab everything you could need to make an out-of-this-world charcuterie board at Gourmandie, where you can find shelves and displays full of meats, cheeses, wines, and beers.
Look forward to major events like Northwest WineFest, Schweitzer Fall Fest, the Winter Carnival, FallFest, Beer Fest, and the Polar Bear Plunge, as well as smaller but just as fun events including home and garden shows, film festivals, fishing derbies, a renaissance faire, art walks, boat shows, car shows, arts and crafts festivals, and rodeos.
Tofino, British Columbia
The incredible town of Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is known for its amazing surfing and incredible ocean views. Hike at your own pace at popular trails such as Tonquin Trail, or chill out at the beaches with options like Mackenzie Beach, Chesterman, Cox Bay, and Tonquin. Enjoy a picnic at Village Green Park, or snap some pictures of the views at Anchor Park. Get out on the water with activities like paddleboarding and whale watching, or stay close to shore and take part in storm watching and star gazing. Play a round at the Long Beach Golf Course, or soak in the mineral pools at Hot Springs Cove. Love to fish? Catch species such as halibut, Dungeness crab, pawns, and chinook salmon.
In town, stay active with groups offering pickleball, chair yoga, and pilates, or join clubs such as craft workshops, running clubs, and book clubs. Embrace your artistic side with the Dance Society, or at the community theater. Take part in events including OysterFest, the Winter Market, and Harvest Fest, as well as the farmers market.
Start your morning right with Harborview Coffeehouse, then shop the stores throughout town offering seafood, organic produce, homemade kombucha, tea, picnic supplies, and charcuterie boards. Keep self-care a priority with spas, acupuncture clinics, float tanks, and bathhouses as well as meditation centers, saunas, and fitness centers. In the evening, go out to eat at Wolf in the Fog, or Adriana's Sandwich Shop, then finish the night off right with some drinks at either Tofino Brewing Company or Tofino Distillery.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria brings a mix of art and outdoor adventure sure to keep your days exciting. Fish on the Columbia River, or visit landmarks such as the Young Rivers Waterfall and Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. Play some golf at the Astoria Golf and Country Club, or learn a new skill like scuba diving or backcountry hiking. Keep it casual with a stroll down the riverwalk, or get your steps in with a visit to the Sunday Market.
Catch the latest performance at the Charlene Larsen Center for the Performing Arts, or at the Liberty Theater. Enjoy bowling at the local alley, or join a quilting club. Pick up the supplies for your latest craft at the art store, or find your new favorite read at the book shop. Picking up groceries is a breeze with the Fishstix Seafood Market and Gaetanos Market and Deli, or if you need more everyday items, stop in at Costco or Fred Meyer. Love your morning cup of coffee? Head to Journey's End Espresso or Astoria Coffee Company, then afterward, grab some lunch at Bridgewater Bistro. If you enjoy going out for dinner, stop by Josephson Smokehouse, then keep the night alive with Astoria Brewing Company, Buoy Beer Company, Baylocks Whiskey Bar, and Fort George Brewery.
Events to look forward to in this seaside town include art walks, poetry festivals, car shows, film festivals, music festivals, and regattas as well as the annual Chowder Crawl, Wine Festival, and Oktoberfest.
Snoqualmie, Washington
Nestled near the mountains and only a short drive from Seattle, this cute town is a sight to behold, with dozens of natural wonders begging to be explored. Visit Snoqualmie Falls, or take a stroll around the Three Forks Natural Area. Venture out to Stillwater Bog, or Snoqualmie Point Park, or enjoy some golf at Mt Si Golf Course, the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course, or Twin Rivers Golf Course. In the winter, enjoy skiing at the Summit at Snoqualmie, and make sure to stop in for a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant.
Nearby laidback attractions include Remlinger Farms, where you can explore the pumpkin patch in the fall and pick up some amazing homemade pies. Chateau NoElle Vineyard and Winery is a great place to bring guests or enjoy a romantic afternoon. In town, make sure to stay up to date with the happenings at the Snoqualmie Casino, where various concerts and major events take place throughout the year. Shop at adorable storefronts selling everything from flower arrangements and indoor plants to home decor. Need a sweet treat? Chickadee Bakeshop has you covered with amazing pastries and desserts. If you have a furry friend, spend some time at the Three Forks Dog Park, or grab them a new toy at the pet boutique.
If you're someone who loves to sample new beers or stay up to date with the craft beer scene, check out Snoqualmie Brewery, Dark Horse Brew, and Snoqualmie Falls Brewery. If drinking isn't your forte but you still want to get out and about, why not sit down to dinner at mouthwatering restaurants like Mezzaluna Kitchen and Francesco Ristorante Italiano or meet with friends at the Black Dog Arts Cafe and Theater?
Fun events to look forward to include Railroad Days Festival, Music in the Park and Movies in the Park, Winter Lights, and so much more.
Squamish, British Columbia
The breathtaking town of Squamish is located between the bustling city of Vancouver and the ski paradise of Whistler. Resting along the sea-to-sky highway, this mountain town is surrounded by beautiful lakes, parks, and inlets. Take part in easy activities like birding, sailing tours, fishing, and a ride on the gondola, or get your heart pumping with canoeing, canyoning, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking. Golf at the Squamish Valley Golf Course or the Furry Creek Golf Course. Explore Brohm Lake and Cat Lake, or visit the eight provincial parks nearby including Alice Lake, Brackendale Eagles, Garibaldi, Murrin, Porteau Cove, Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief, and Tantalus.
Stay active in town with public skating at the arena, and swimming at the Brennan Park Aquatic Center. Fun fitness activities to join in on include tons of dancing options such as clogging, line, Latin, and swing, or sports like badminton. The Westwinds Seniors Hub offers workshops, clubs, and field trips. At the farmers market, find dozens of local vendors selling only the best handmade goods. Spend an evening out at the Squamish Plaza, where you can take part in events and sample the food trucks, or walk the manicured streets of the town and stop in at the shops offering books, board games, and outdoor gear. Have relatives visiting or want to hang out with friends? Spend an evening at one of the many breweries, distilleries, and cider companies including A-FRAME Brewing, Cliffside Cider, Howe Sound Brew Pub, and Raincity Distillery. Look forward to amazing restaurants like the Salted Vine and Free Bird Table and Oyster Bar, as well as cafes like Smoke Bluff Coffeehouse and 1914 Coffee Company.
Events to look forward to include the Squamish Beer Festival, Mural Walk, paint nights, night markets, live music, and comedy shows.
So whether you want to keep things relaxing, or want to spend your free time getting out into nature, the PNW is the perfect place to retire. Despite sometimes steep home prices, this piece of paradise will surely keep you entertained for years to come, whether it be with its fun events, amazing locally-owned businesses, or endless chances for adventure. Just make sure to pack an umbrella.
