7 Best Places To Retire In The Pacific Northwest

Every retirement situation is unique, and there are many attributes to consider when deciding on a location. Hobbies, preferred landscapes, health care access, and proximity to family, to name a few. The Pacific Northwest offers beautiful scenery for reflecting on a life well lived while starting a new chapter. This region includes Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and features lakes, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, and the Pacific coastline ideal for outdoor recreation. This article provides an overview of the 7 best places to retire in the Pacific Northwest.

Bend

This laid-back, artsy city is in the heart of the Cascade Mountain Range. Bend is a city to consider if you enjoy being active outdoors and love a good brew. Bend has the third most breweries per capita and countless trails that surround it for hiking and mountain biking.

St. Charles Medical Center offers a range of medical services and specialties in Bend. It ranks highly for cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, according to U.S. News & World Report. There is a variety of healthcare alternatives as well. Yoga is huge in Bend, studios like Yoga Shala and Namaspa enable retirees to connect with a supportive community. Bend Senior Center is an affordable way for retirees to get involved socially, offering fitness classes and creative activities.

The Bend housing market is competitive. It is also the priciest city on this list, with a median sale price of $697,000. Retirees wanting to try the city before committing to a purchase can expect rental prices of around $1800 a month. There are also 55+ communities in Bend that offer independent and assisted living. Communities like Touchmark or Stone Lodge have spacious floor plans and nearby amenities for a convenient lifestyle.

Bend is relatively safe in terms of violent crime, with a 1 in 536 chance compared to Oregon’s 1 in 306. Property crime is more common at 1 in 62. Bend has a dry, high- desert climate. It sits at 3623 feet and averages 27 inches of snow throughout the winter months. Bend is known for 300 days of sunshine.

Astoria

Postcard-worthy and waterfront, Astoria is becoming a popular retirement spot. The population is around 10,000, with 19% of that small portion being over 65 years of age. Astoria appeals to those seeking tranquility and rich history. It is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, with restored buildings and museums to explore.

The median home price in Astoria is $505,000 as of 2024, and the average monthly rent ranges around $1300 for a one-bedroom. The top 55+ communities are Catsop Care Retirement Village and Trustwell Living at Astor Place. Residents can choose from fully independent living or assistance with long-term programs available.

The Astoria Senior Center supports retirees and seniors in the town with helpful resources and activities. Retirees will enjoy walking along the Riverwalk trail or visiting the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which gives seniors a discount. As the town is located on the water, the seafood is excellent. Residents enjoy grabbing a seafood meal at South Bay Wild Fish House.

Astoria’s crime rate appears high per capita, but the actual number of incidents is low due to its small population. Astoria is a small population and residents report feeling very safe in their communities. Columbia Memorial Hospital is the main healthcare facility in town and ranks high amongst residents. They offer a full range of care and specialties.

Astoria stands out as a nice alternative to a big city. It’s ideal for creatives and active retirees; the community here is welcoming and senior friendly.

Tri-Cities

Tri-Cities are located along three prominent rivers: Yakima, Snake, and Columbia. It's made up of the three cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland that all border each other. This region sees over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a highlight of cloudy Washington.

Average monthly rent in the Tri-Cities is $1500. Median home prices tend to be close to $500,000. The overall cost of living is 17% lower than Washington average and 2% lower than the national level. 55+ communities are available within the Tricities. The Village at Southridge in Kennewick is a popular neighborhood for independent living.

Kadlec Regional Medical Center and Trios Southridge Hospital are the two prominent healthcare centers in Tri-Cities. Kadlec is recognized for its excellence in cardiac care. Visiting Angels is a great option for specialty care like Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

Tri-Cities has an array of outdoor activities and entertainment to keep retirees busy. Candy Mountain and Badger Mountain are popular with hikers. Richland Players Theatre offers live comedy shows and plays. Tri-Cities area is a prime wine country. Visiting Tulip Lane in Richland, The Red Mountain AVA area, or hopping on the Water2Wine Cruise are all favorite activities with local retirees.

Boise

Boise frequently ranks among the best places to live. The “City of Trees” is popular for its friendly locals and outdoor recreation. Retirees will find Boise appealing for its entertainment options and a strong sense of community.

Boise has grown immensely in the last decade, median home prices are around $520,000 and average monthly rent is $1600. Retirees wanting to live within a 55+ community have options like The Terraces of Boise. They consider themselves a Life Plan Community with the majority of residents living independently.

Boise’s main health centers are St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus. The Boise VA has been ranked as one of the top 25 VA Hospitals in the U.S. based on patient satisfaction scores. St. Luke's, Saint Alphonsus, and Primary Health Medical Clinic operate urgent care centers throughout the Treasure Valley. Boise has specialized geriatric care through the Keystone Center for Geriatrics and home care through Visiting Angels.

Boise has very low crime rates compared to the national average. It’s safer than 29% of U.S. cities, and the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 368.

Boise’s Greenbelt is a 25-mile paved pathway that runs along the Boise River. It’s popular with runners, walkers, and bicyclists. Boise has several hiking and mountain biking trails in the nearby foothills, like Table Rock and Hull’s Gulch. Retirees can enjoy the Idaho Shakespeare Festival—an outdoor theater—and explore downtown Boise's dining scene at beloved local spots like Bardenay and The Wylder.

Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores is becoming increasingly popular for retirement. It’s a small town with affordable housing and a growing community of retirees. The town sits on a beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline and serves up some amazing seafood.

Median home prices are approximately $429,000 with average rent at $1700 monthly. The town is an affordable, coastal alternative to the more expensive cities like Seattle. Options for assisted or independent living include Brookdale, Channel Point Village, Beehive, and Golden Sands.

Ocean Shores has a small population of 7500 and above-average safety ratings. It scores higher than 89% of neighborhoods in Washington to retire in. Healthcare facilities include Ocean Shores Medical Clinic and Harbor Regional Health in nearby Aberdeen. For specialty care and more extensive healthcare, Seattle is 2.5 hours away.

Ocean Shores residents enjoy walks along the town’s expansive beachfront, grabbing some seafood at Bennett’s Fish Shack, or hiking along the Weatherwax Trail. Golfers enjoy the Ocean Shores Golf Course. The North Beach Senior Center is an excellent way for retirees to meet local friends and get involved in the Ocean Shores Community.

Coos Bay

The largest coastal town in Oregon, Coos Bay is a small town with lovely scenery and amenities for any kind of retiree. It’s a celebrated tourist destination with plenty of things to keep residents occupied and happy.

The average housing cost in Coos Bay averages at $316,000 and renters can expect to pay about $2250 monthly. Evergreen Court Independent Living and Inland Point Retirement Community are excellent choices for retirees wanting a more inclusive experience with the option of assisted living.

Coos Bay experiences cool summers and mild winters with plenty of rain throughout the year. Although there are many overcast days, the town sees an average of 186 sunny days per year. Bay Area Hospital serves Coos Bay with a wide range of services. They offer advanced care at their Cardiovascular Center and Bay Area Cancer Center.

Exploring state parks like Shore Acres and Cape Arago is a favorite activity around Coos Bay. Visitors can observe migrating whales, hike scenic trails, and view tidepool life, and look for seals and sea lions at Shell Island or Simpson Reef. Art and entertainment lovers will enjoy the Coos Art Museum or a live performance of Egyptian Theatre.

Coeur d'Alene

A northern Idaho beauty, Coeur d’Alene is an aesthetically pristine city to call home.

Average home prices are around $500,000, and monthly rent costs are about $1300 for a one-bedroom apartment. The city has dedicated neighborhoods for 55+, like Jasper Falls, that cater to amenities tailored for older adults. Assisted living facilities are also available; North Star and The Renaissance are common choices.

Kootenai Health and Heritage Health are the largest healthcare providers in Coeur d’Alene. They have many facilities and clinics within the city. Kootenai Health is recognized as one of the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals in the U.S. Chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Coeur d’Alene is just 1 in 331. Property crime is more common at 1 in 95. Coeur d’Alene is safer than 33% of U.S. cities.

The city of Coeur D’Alene has many outdoor activities for retirees to get involved in. Hiking, biking, watersports, and winter sports are all popular hobbies. Tubbs Hill has hiking and biking trails that overlook the lake. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders enjoy the Lookout Pass Recreation area. Golfers will feel at home with several challenging courses to choose from. The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf course has the world’s only floating and moveable green.

Retirement Living in the Pacific Northwest: A Region of Variety and Vitality

The Pacific Northwest offers retirees a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities in the natural variety of its landscapes. While it’s not all beaches and sunshine, the region maintains all four seasons with undeniable beauty. Retirees looking to continue an active lifestyle will thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Regardless of where you choose to settle in the Pacific Northwest, access to quality healthcare and welcoming communities are aplenty!