8 Charming Washington Communities To Retire Around Seattle
Between breathtaking national parks, extraordinary metropolitan landmarks, and captivating small cities filled with history and culture, Washington State is a wonderful place for nature lovers and city explorers. Plus, with its high-quality healthcare facilities, no income tax, and relatively mild climate, “The Evergreen State” is a top-notch destination to spend your golden years. From La Conner to Kenmore, discover these 8 charming Washington communities to retire in around Seattle.
La Conner
If you love living by the water, La Conner is the place to be. This scenic waterfront village, perfectly situated between Seattle and Vancouver, offers plenty of opportunities for cultural and natural adventures by the Salish Sea. Picture lovely morning strolls as you soak up the sights of Rainbow Bridge in Pioneer Park. Pick up houseware items, art pieces, wall collectibles, and other hidden treasures in Nasty Jack's Antiques. Regarding healthcare, Optum-La Conner Medical Center is right in town. Both Island Health, recognized by Healthgrades for the Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ in 2022, and Skagit Valley Hospital—given the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ in 2023, can be reached within 20 minutes. Not to mention, with 32% of residents being 65 and older (according to Census Reporter in 2023), you can make friends with similar lifestyles. La Conner Senior Center organizes engaging classes, events, and entertainment for residents, including Ballroom Dancing, Woodcarving, Mahjongg, and lunches.
North Bend
Find the perfect blend of nature and city life in North Bend, a charming mountain town under 30 miles from Seattle. Soak in the eye-catching scenery of Mount Si as you shop for fresh blueberries in the family-run Bybee Farms, and see if you can spot mountain goats. Choose from dozens of burger options and enjoy a delicious slice of cherry pie in Twede's Cafe, a famous filming spot for the mystery TV series Twin Peaks. The breathtaking Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area is also nearby and is a remarkable spot for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Additionally, with North Bend's close proximity to Seattle, both the University of Washington Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center—the two top hospitals in Washington State in 2025, according to U.S. News & World Report, can be reached within about 30 minutes.
Sequim
Situated by the Dungeness River, Sequim, a gorgeous small town known as the "Lavender Capital of North America," is teeming with beauty. Visit scenic sites like Purple Haze Lavender Farm, an exquisite place for a picnic surrounded by florals, or explore the multi-colored rows of lavender and helichrysum. Plus, with its position by the Olympic Mountains, Sequim experiences the "shadow effect," which prevents the formation of rain, clouds, and fog. As a result, the city offers a drier, sunnier climate. Soak up the sunshine in one of the most charming Washington communities to retire in around Seattle as you venture through the Olympic Discovery Trail, with its new 780-foot trestle crossing the Dungeness River. Admire the beautiful Olympic Mountains and Sequim Bay from Dockside Grill, which is a lovely spot for lunch in John Wayne Marina. Olympic Medical Center has a location in Sequim as well as Port Angeles, where 24/7 Emergency services are available.
Snoqualmie
Be prepared to feast your eyes on breathtaking natural sights in Snoqualmie. Experience the benefits of living a slower pace of life in a stunning small city within 29 miles of Washington's biggest city. Visit Snoqualmie Falls; the extraordinary 270-foot waterfall will truly make your jaw drop! History buffs will be fascinated by the incredible exhibits of the 1890 Historic Snoqualmie Depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Three Forks Natural Area is a magnificent spot to see Mount Si in its full beauty. Explore the scenic hiking trails or take your dog to the eight-acre off-leash dog park. Snoqualmie Valley Health Hospital has a 24/7 Emergency department and offers several services in town, including a Swing Bed Program for those who require extra support. You will also be happy to hear that Snoqualmie has the lowest violent crime rate in the state, according to SafeHome, in 2024. That means you can feel fully safe and secure exploring the sites and soaking up the benefits the city has to offer.
Gig Harbor
Welcome to Gig Harbor, a gorgeous waterfront community in Puget Sound. With 30.8% of citizens being 65 and older, according to the Census Bureau in 2024, this is a wonderful city to call home. Fill your days with magic, surrounding yourself with the beauty of Mount Rainier, seen from the Finholm View Climb, Bogue Viewing Platform, and other points. Learn about the region’s rich maritime past in the Harbor History Museum, where 7,000 square feet of exhibition space awaits. St. Anthony Hospital is right in town, recognized by Healthgrades for the Stroke Care Excellence Award™ and Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award™ in 2023. Plus, not only is Seattle accessible from Gig Harbor, but Tacoma is only 20 minutes away. That means Virginia Mason Franciscan Health-St. Joseph Medical Center, rated high-performing in 10 procedures/conditions by U.S. News & World Report, is also easily accessible.
Bainbridge Island
Spend your golden years surrounded by beauty in one of the most unique, charming Washington communities to retire in around Seattle. Take the ferry 35 minutes northwest from Emerald City to Bainbridge Island, where small-town charm meets coastal magic. Venture through the picturesque gardens of Bloedel Reserve; you will encompass the vibrant rhododendrons, discover the Trestle Bridge, and come across the Serenity Trail. Fort Ward Park is a lovely spot to spend time by the water, where 4,300 feet of shoreline awaits. Admire the breathtaking Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound from Fay Bainbridge Park, and find a peaceful place of reflection overlooking Blakely Harbor in Halls Hill Lookout and Labyrinth with its remarkable stonework. Regarding healthcare, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Medical Pavilion offers Primary Care, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Physical Health, and many other services in the city.
Poulsbo
Get a taste of Europe in Poulsbo, a fascinating city of Norwegian heritage. Admire the European-style architecture, taste traditional Bavarian appetizers in Tizley's EuroPub, and hop between shops in the walkable downtown area. Satisfy your sweet tooth in Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, where the famous Poulsbo Bread is served among donuts, pastries, other breads, and desserts. If you love spending time by the water, Island Lake Park is a wonderful spot for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. See if you can catch Rainbow Trout or Largemouth Bass here. North Kitsap Senior Citizen's Center arranges engaging activities to connect with others, including Fitness, Cribbage, potlucks, a Coffee Club, and special events. St. Michael Medical Center - Silverdale offers several services nearby and was ranked high-performing in six procedures/conditions by U.S. News & World Report.
Kenmore
Within 14 miles of Seattle, you will find Kenmore, a stunning city set on the northern edge of Lake Washington. With a low crime rate, you can feel safe exploring the area’s picturesque outdoor sites, knowing Kenmore is safer than 98% of cities. Log Boom Park is a peaceful spot to stroll by the water, watching the sun rise or set over Lake Washington. Discover one of the Northwest’s biggest public collections of hybrid rhododendrons in Rhododendron Park, and enjoy boating, birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and other activities in the beautiful Saint Edward State Park. Cairn Brewing is a lovely place to try sour and barrel-aged beers in a quaint setting and is even dog-friendly. Regarding healthcare, Evergreenhealth Medical Center-Kirkland, recognized by Healthgrades for America's 50 Best Hospitals Award™ from 2023 to 2025, can be reached within approximately 20 minutes.
Each of these charming Washington communities to retire in around Seattle offers its own magic and special appeal. From the mountainous vistas of North Bend to the exquisite waterfalls of Snoqualmie and the stunning shorelines of Bainbridge Island, prepare to be surrounded by beauty. Throw rich history and fascinating cultures into the mix, and you will discover a lovely place to spend your golden years, where a mild climate, no income tax, and quality healthcare facilities are available.
