These Are the Best Small Towns to Retire in Washington
Sharing its name with the American capital, Washington is a lovely state in northwestern United States. The state is a mix of everything with stunning landscapes, bustling metropolitan areas, and many major corporations. Washington is also ranked as one of the best places in America when it comes to wealth, life expectancy, and other important factors. So, the state boasts amazing spots which are perfect if you plan on retiring and settling down. That being said, if you want to sit back and spend your retirement in peace, Washington also has great small towns with everything you can ask for.
Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is a lovely small town nestled along its namesake, Gig Harbor Bay in Pierce County. It boasts a scenic coastal vibe which is visible through the town’s stunning waterfront and unique maritime history. Most of the town’s 12,000 residents spend their time relaxing along the harbor or grabbing a bite at one of the many seafood restaurants here! If not along the shore, you can visit the Canterwood Golf and Country Club which features an 18-hole championship course for a fun day out. So, if you want to enjoy a relaxing waterside vibe, Gig Harbor is the place to retire.
The town is also fantastic when it comes to accessibility as it is in close proximity to Tacoma and Seattle. These major cities boast an airport, medical facilities, and more so you can rest assured when in Gig Harbor. The town itself also houses excellent healthcare facilities under St. Anthony’s Hospital, Multi Care Health Systems, and Franciscan Medical Group. Moreover, with various retirement communities and recreation centers, you are sure to find many retired friends in Gig Harbor.
Hoquiam
With one of the lowest median home values at $135,900, Hoquiam is the perfect place to settle down in Washington. It offers all the amenities of a city without the alarming price tags! Thanks to this, Hoquiam has a stable population of 8,800 with many senior citizens! The beautiful town is flush with natural scenery such as the Ocean City State Park and Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. These sites are perfect for a relaxing day out in the sun and boast amazing hiking trails, picnic spots, and even fishing areas. So, you can meet new people, spend the day outdoors, and enjoy yourself to the fullest in Hoquiam.
While natural sights are one thing, you may also be thinking about the amenities and safety. In this regard, the town is home to multiple retirement homes such as Channel Point Village which offer ideal living areas. It is also one of the safest towns in the region and major crimes are a rare occurrence in Hoquiam. Besides this, there are dozens of hospitals, a lovely farmer’s market, many bars, and a range of other establishments which make the town ideal for retirement!
Sequim
If you want to meet new people and make friends in your retirement, Sequim should be on your list of small towns. This amazing town in Callam County is home to the highest percentage (35.7%) of residents aged 65 years or older. This means that more than 2,500 people out of the town’s 8,000 residents are senior citizens. So, no matter where you go, you’ll find someone like-minded to strike up a conversation with! Sequim is also filled with amazing cafes, restaurants, and activities to spend your free time. For example, the local Rainshadow Cafe features some of the best local beer while Hurricane Coffee is the perfect coffee place.
While you will find lots of friends in Sequim, the abundance of retired people also brings along a price tag. An average home in Sequim costs approximately $252,900 which is slightly higher than other towns on this list. That being said, the area does boast various amenities such as medical centers, an ideal schooling system, and even a marina. So, if you want to enjoy a fun retirement filled with activities and people, Sequim is a great small town in Washington.
Union Gap
This vibrant town in Yakima County is the perfect place for a fun and active retirement. Filled with thriving businesses, natural parks, and amazing people, this place offers a taste of urban lifestyle with small-town vibes. The town itself is quite small with a population of less than 6,600 people. However, you will find a range of places to enjoy such as the Fruit City farmers market, Fulbright Park, and more. The city also features lovely museums such as the Central Washington Agricultural Museum where you can learn about the region’s agricultural history
While the sights and attractions are one thing, Union Gap is also a safe and cost-efficient place to live. The city is low on crime and has a functioning police department which is active in the community. Along with this, the median home value in Union Gap is $140,200, which is much lower than the state average of $397,600. So, you won’t have to break the bank to settle down in Union Gap. To top it off, there are ample retirement centers and medical facilities for a completely secure retirement option!
Wenatchee
Often ranked as one of America’s best places to retire, Wenatchee is an ideal town to settle down. This is thanks to a range of factors such as a lot of doctors per capita, a reasonable median home price, and a range of activities. Along with this, the town is home to a vibrant culture that is eminent no matter where you go. For example, there are many local performing arts groups such as the Columbia Chorale, Wenatchee Valley Appleaires, and The Apollo Club where you can enjoy shows and events. Moreover, with a lovely climate that doesn’t get too much rain, most residents enjoy their time living in Wenatchee.
If you do plan on shifting to Wenatchee, you’ll be glad to know that the town houses many outdoor activities and attractions. Most prominently, Wenatchee is nicknamed the “Apple Capital of the World” due to an endless array of apple orchards. So, spend the day picking fresh apples for an authentic experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for visiting one of the several 18-hole golf courses, large parks, or recreation centers in town. All in all, Wenatchee is a lively town with great facilities to retire in Washington.
Sunnyside
With a little bit of everything, Sunnyside is a quaint town nestled within Yakima County. The town is home to 16,400 residents and has a hometown feel which is full of good vibes. Spend your time in Sunnyside relaxing in one of the many parks spread throughout town. Or, look into the local history which is a talking point for all the locals. Evenings are also always fun in Sunnyside as the town is home to many delicious seafood joints and wineries with lovely dishes. For example, Cote Bonneville and Steppe Cellars Winery are two of the most famous places where you’ll find people enjoying wine, chatting, and having a blast!
Another great thing about Sunnyside is that it has a great array of basic facilities. In terms of healthcare, the town has dozens of hospitals and medical centers located within a short distance. Moreover, with nearly 10% of the population over the age of 65, there is no shortage of retirement facilities and homes in the area
Aberdeen
With a vibrant culture, amazing facilities, and an overall positive environment, Aberdeen is a great place to retire in Washington. This small town offers a mix of natural sights and a small-town feel which is perfect to get away from the urban hustle and bustle. So, you can spend your days along the nearby Bootle Beach State Park fishing or relaxing with friends. Or, you can also relax at home as Aberdeen has reasonable housing rates which are ideal for retirement!
While the town exudes quaint vibes, it also boasts a number of urban advantages. Home to 17,000 people, Aberdeen is the economic center of Grays Harbor County with the largest coastal shipping port in the area. To this end, the city is home to a plethora of businesses, stores, shopping centers, and more. This makes living in Aberdeen easy as you won’t need to travel to any big city to enjoy the comforts of luxurious living. So, with a mix of small-town vibes, natural attractions, and urban benefits, Aberdeen is a great place to retire in Washington.
Ocean Shores
Nestled along Washington’s scenic mid-coast, Ocean Shores is a beautiful small town. Once a quaint cattle ranch, the town has seen immense growth over the past few decades and is now a stunning resort town. With miles of coastline, multiple freshwater lakes, and other natural sights, it is a great place to relax in your retirement years. These locations are also perfect for activities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating so you can pick up fun hobbies while living here.
In terms of accessibility, Ocean Shores is a bit secluded and can only be reached via State Route 115. This makes reaching large cities a bit more difficult and can take a few hours. Thankfully, with its recent growth, Ocean Shores offer most of the amenities you’ll need from a big city. For example, the town boasts hardware stores, grocery stores, markets, fast food places, a post office, medical centers, and much more. So, if you’re looking for a secluded and fun place to retire, Ocean Shores should be at the top of your list.
Looking at all these amazing small towns, it is obvious that Washington is a great place to retire. With so many great options, anyone can find the right place to suit their retirement needs. For example, if you want a safe environment with like-minded people Sequim is the place to be. On the other hand, Aberdeen’s natural beauty is perfect for spending your time outdoors. So, if you’re planning on retiring, these small towns in Washington are ideal locations!
