9 Best Small Towns to Retire in The Pacific Northwest in 2024
Those who have visited the Pacific Northwest can attest to its status as a showcase of natural beauty in all its pristine glory. From awe-inspiring mountains to surreal high deserts, sandy beaches, and lush forests, this region has it all. And, of course, Olympic National Park is criminally underrated. If you want to retire in a small, charming town, especially one that scores big on its outdoor offerings, you can bet on the Pacific Northwest. From Westport, Washington, to Rexburg, Idaho, discover below the nine best small towns to retire in the Pacific Northwest.
Westport, Washington
You will be drawn to Westport, especially if you love access to soft, sandy beaches or enjoy top-notch fishing. Waking up to the sound of singing waves, barking seals, and magical sunrises will warm the heart of any resident, let alone retirees. Then there is whale watching, especially from March through to early May. Plus, homes here are relatively affordable, fetching a median price of $350,000. Also, Harbor Regional Health in Aberdeen, which is only about 20 minutes away by car, can meet your healthcare needs. The highly ranked Willapa Harbor Hospital in South Bend can also come in handy — being just under an hour away. With a median age of 49.4, you are assured of finding folks in the same age bracket with whom you can share the joys and pains of retirement life.
Redmond, Oregon
While you may associate the Pacific Northwest with beaches and whales, this three-state region is home to varied landscapes, including the surreal, high deserts around Redmond, Oregon. If you want to spend time caving, biking, or floating on the water, Redmond should be on your radar. The Redmond caves, most of which are adorned with stunning stalactites, offer an enchanting subterranean adventure experience and are often fun to explore. Being just 17 miles from Bend, Central Oregon's largest city, one should not worry about access to desirable, big-city amenities, including hospitals and shopping venues. The median price for a home in Redmond, as of January 2024, stood at $504,000. However, since Oregon does not have a sales tax or tax social security retirement benefits, you may find the cost of living here to be slightly more affordable. With a median age of 36 years, Redmond is ideal for retirees who do not mind interacting with young people and tapping into their enthusiasm and passion.
Tumwater, Washington
Although the famous Olympia Brewery has closed its doors, Tumwater remains enchanting, arguably even more so than when it hosted one of the nation's largest brewers. Residents love watching the salmon run at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, hiking the scenic trails, and viewing the roaring falls. Tumwater is very close to Olympia, the capital of Washington State. There's no need to doubt the accessibility of hospitals or shopping venues. Still, if one wants more options and a larger scene, Tacoma, the third-largest city in the state, is just half an hour away. With a median age of 35, this town is anything but dull and spiritless. In January 2024, homes in Tumwater were selling for a median price of $500,000.
Central Point, Oregon
If you love cheese, you should start packing for Central Point. Retirement here comes with living close to Rogue Creamery, one of Oregon's longest-operating dairies. For perspective, the property’s Rogue River Blue Cheese was named World's Best Cheese at the 2019 World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy. But Central Point's appeal extends beyond just cheese. The area is rich in attractions, including the fantastic hiking destination of Table Rocks. Plus, the community here is known to be friendly and close-knit. With a median age of about 40 years, residents can enjoy the company of both younger and similarly aged peers. Medford, which is not only one of the largest cities in Oregon but also one of the prettiest, is just 10 minutes away by car. Retirement here, therefore, comes with awesome access to desirable amenities. If the January 2024 data is anything to go by, homes in Central Point sell for a median price of $415,000. This town is also fairly diverse and boasts a Hispanic population of about 16%.
Gig Harbor, Washington
The breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, standing majestically in the backdrop of Gig Harbor, are something any retiree would relish. Besides, Gig Harbor boasts a downtown area that is beautiful and walkable, as if purposefully designed for retirees. And since it is right on the waters of Puget Sound, the climate here is relatively mild, partly because of the moderating effect of water. This town’s median age stands at about 41. This means it is neither loud and wild — nor dull and lifeless. While houses here can be pricey and fetch a median price of about $750,000, it offers good value for your buck, especially considering what Gig Harbor has to offer. Tacoma is just about 12 miles across a stunning bridge while Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, is a mere 40-minute drive.
Hood River, Oregon
Set against the visually stunning Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is a picturesque town that enhances the living experience for seniors with its beauty and lifestyle. Farm-to-table delicacies, scenic hiking trails, and numerous craft breweries — all combine to provide an adventure menu that is sumptuously rich and varied. And just so you know, Hood River has been called “The Windsurfing Capital of the World.” Boasting a median age of 36 years, one will not feel abandoned in an old-age asylum. And do not worry about access to healthcare. The highly regarded Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital has been recognized for the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Plus, Hood River is fairly diverse; Hispanics make up an enticing 24% of the town’s population.
Anacortes, Washington
A typical American small town, no matter how quaint or charming, cannot compare to Anacortes, with its stunning natural surroundings and charming Washington character. You will be retiring on an island, next to the pristine waters of the Salish Sea, and in an environment that features lush forests, waterfront vistas, and awe-inspiring mountains. Plus, the community here is friendly and family-oriented. Island Hospital is right in town and has been recognized for the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Boasting a median age of 48.6, you will easily link up with folks in the same age bracket and tap into the town’s social support networks. Finally, homes here fetch a modest median price of $638,000 — if the January 2024 data is anything to go by.
Rexburg, Idaho
Idaho is the most affordable state in the Pacific Northwest, and Rexburg, with its array of attractions, deserves serious consideration. For starters, Rexburg is a college town. You will be right next to Brigham Young University–Idaho, the state's largest private university with a 136-year history, ensuring Rexburg's vibrant atmosphere. Expect an eclectic mix of eateries, grocery stores, and retail shops. In case of a medical emergency, Madison Memorial Hospital, which first opened its doors in 1951, is right in town and can come in handy. Still, for even better options, Idaho Falls is just 27 miles down the road. Idaho Falls Community Hospital is particularly viewed favorably and was the recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award for two years in a row. Additionally, homes here are not eye-wateringly expensive, selling for a median price of just $300,000.
Walla Walla, Washington
If you love wine and relish the idea of sipping fine Cabernet Sauvignon in serene settings, Walla Walla should be on your list. The Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area spans more than 2,900 acres and hosts well over 120 wineries. This represents the largest concentration of wineries in Washington. Walla Walla also provides excellent amenities, including hospitals. It will be a big relief, therefore, to know that Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla was in 2022 recognized for the Stroke Care Excellence Award. And you do not need to wipe your savings buying a home here; homes in Walla Walla fetch a median price of just $355,000. Plus, if you want to mingle with both the young and those in your age bracket, you may love the fact that Walla Walla boasts a median age of 36.5 years.
The Takeaway
It may not boast Florida’s weather, Mississippi’s cost of living, or California’s diversity, but when it comes to the spellbinding beauty and diversity of its natural landscapes, only a handful of regions, possibly none, can hold a candle to the Pacific Northwest. Mount Rainier and Mount Hood, which frame the region like a jeweled necklace, provide a snapshot of what awaits retirees here. But you need to choose wisely and consider several factors, including access to healthcare, not just mountains and rivers. For specific recommendations, check out Westport, Washington; Redmond, Oregon; Rexburg, Idaho, and Walla Walla, Washington. Walla Walla is particularly spot-on if you love good wine.
