9 Cost-Effective Towns In Washington For Retirees

Washington state is perfect for retirees. The intriguing attractions of historic downtowns, seasonal activities, and outdoor recreation are drawn from around the world. The state creates healthy, senior-friendly surroundings with low-cost housing, low crime, socializing opportunities, and access to excellent healthcare. These towns offer retirees comfortable homes as well as lively and welcoming communities and exceptional quality of life. We look at nine great destinations in Washington state for senior citizens.

Anacortes

Anacortes, Washington, offers areas of beauty and heritage. A noteworthy area nearby is the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, which has trees, wetlands, and hiking trails. Town residents can enjoy activities at the Fidalgo Swimming Pool with senior-focused swimming classes or the Anacortes Senior Activity Center. The cost of living is also attractive, with the home median costing $711,588, compared to Seattle’s $878,888. For safety, the town’s west side is the most secure. Healthcare is another reason to consider Anacortes. Its Island Hospital is known for being a 5-star rated Medicare facility.

Bellingham

Bellingham, Washington, offers natural outdoor beauty and a colorful community. A unique attraction is the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, which has exhibits on electricity and radio history. Whatcom Falls Park features scenic waterfalls and walking trails inside the city. Residents have access to excellent healthcare through PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, which earned a 2024 ‘A’ rating from Leapfrog Hospital Grades. The cost of housing is a median price of $655,758. For safety, areas like Sudden Valley, Noon / Van Wyck, and Lummi Shore Rd / Cagey Rd are the safest areas.

Lacey

Lacey, Washington, is a short drive from Olympia, the state capital. Here, seniors can enjoy a retirement community with many attractions, including Woodland Creek Community Park, where residents can engage in year-round fishing. To get to places, transit in Lacey is provided by Intercity Transit and is disabled accessible with services like Dial-A-Lift. This laid-back lifestyle includes inexpensive housing and great healthcare. Housing in Lacey has a median price of $491,444, less than Olympia’s $529,802. For healthcare access, residents have several services to choose from, including facilities in nearby Olympia.

Long Beach

Long Beach, as its name suggests, is near a beach. The area features the Long Beach Boardwalk, stretching about a half mile. Home to the International Kite Festival, the Long Beach downtown reflects the area’s playful spirit with the World Kite Museum. As a town, the attractions and inexpensive housing are among the reasons for seniors to choose Long Beach for retirement. The median house price in Long Beach is $354,343, substantially less expensive than elsewhere in the state. For safety, the best neighborhoods are Seaview, Oceanside, and City Center.

Oak Harbor

For affordability and attractions, you can’t beat Oak Harbor. The town’s median house price is $500,654. Crime rates are good, with Oak Harbor being fifty percent safer than all American cities. This is a bonus for an area offering beautiful scenery, such as Deception Pass State Park. With a bounty of outdoor activities, the park is for those who prefer quiet, contemplative activities. Beach exploration, fishing, and bird watching allow seniors to relax in the serene wilderness. Another draw is the island’s health system, the local community-directed Whidbey Health Medical Center.

Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores has miles of beaches and an annual Sand and Sawdust Festival, drawing visitors worldwide. Residents can take in the relaxing beach scenery or participate in local activities like those at the North Beach Senior Center. The center operates as a place for seniors to meet, socialize, play games, and have free or low-cost meals. For seniors, the main attraction is the area’s low housing cost. The median home value in Ocean Shores is $361,699. Crime in this area is less than 38.11 percent below the national average.

Port Angeles

The median home value in Port Angeles is $446,010. While inexpensive housing costs may be the first thing seniors consider, the area has opportunities for fun, such as Olympic National Park. This park offers hiking and other outdoor activities. Seniors in the town can enjoy viewing local art at the Fine Arts Center. Port Angeles boasts excellent healthcare services with Olympic Medical Center, recognized with US News and World Report’s high-performing list for stroke and hip replacement. Some safe areas in Port Angeles are Crane, Lower Elwha, and Agnew.

Vancouver

Don’t confuse this one with the city located in British Columbia. Vancouver is just north of Portland, Oregon. The historic town offers a great housing market, healthcare, and outdoor options. Residents can access outdoor recreational choices, including Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Portland's Forest Park. A greater draw to the area is the inexpensive housing market, where the median price is $496,932. For an added perk, in addition to a cheaper housing market, the city is close to shopping in Portland, Oregon, where the state does not have sales tax.

Sequim

Sequim, unlike Vancouver, WA, is closer to British Columbia. Across the way of the border, in fact. But that doesn’t define the town. Sequim is notable for its inexpensive housing, with a median cost of $572,585. Safe areas in Sequim include Sequim East, Sequim North, and Old Town. Seniors can retire comfortably here and find companionship. The Shipley Center is a nonprofit senior center dedicated to friendship, recreation, and education. At the center, seniors can meet friends, go on organized shopping trips, find educational activities, and socialize at Leo’s Café.

Why These Towns Are Perfect for Senior Living

These Washington state towns showcase the region’s history, outdoor attractions, and low-cost housing markets. Whether you fancy a stroll in a wooded glen, local history, or downtown shopping, easy-living towns like Vancouver, Long Beach, and Lacey offer the state's least expensive lifestyles. The healthcare available in the state and these towns is among the best in the nation and offers great places for seniors to retire.