8 Best Places To Retire In Washington
Choosing an ideal retirement destination is no easy task. After all, as retirees, it’s about more than finding an affordable place to call home. You also want to live somewhere that offers high-quality healthcare, scenic views, recreational activities, and a strong sense of community. Thankfully, there are several towns in the beautiful state of Washington that offer just that. From the seaside town of Port Townsend to the Bavarian-themed beauty of Leavenworth in the mountains, continue reading to learn more about these eight best places to retire in the state.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a charming, laidback community on Washington’s coast. So, if you’ve always wanted to live by the ocean, Port Townsend might be the perfect fit. Home to just over 10,000 people, this tiny coastal town sits on Townsend Bay, just across from Seattle. Residents of Port Townsend have Olympic National Park right in their backyard, as well as easy access to Port Angeles and Whidbey Island. Closer to home, Port Townsend has a lovely downtown core full of old Victorian architecture, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and an ice cream shop. History buffs will also love visiting Fort Worden Historical State Park and the Coast Artillery Museum. Local retirees may also enjoy attending one of the many festivals that the town plays host to, including the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival.
Sequim
Sequim, pronounced “Squim,” is a small town of 8,000 residents on Washington’s northwest coast. Right across the water from the British Columbia capital of Victoria, Sequim is known for its fresh crabs and lavender farms. However, there are plenty of other reasons that retirees will love living here. For example, it’s a great spot to enjoy golfing, hiking, fishing, and baking year-round. Sunland Golf Club and Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course are both located here, as well as Carrie Blake Park, Railroad Bridge Park, and Sequim Bay State Park. Further, Olympic Medical Center services the area and there are multiple recreation centers, including the YMCA of Sequim.
Wenatchee
Nicknamed the Apple Capital of the World, Wenatchee is a large town with a population of roughly 35,000 people. It is tucked away in central Washington near the breathtaking Cascade Mountains. Its location away from the coast means far less rainfall than other parts of Washington and much warmer, sunnier summers. The town is home to multiple healthcare facilities, including Confluence Health Hospital, Central Washington Hospital, and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center. The cost of living in Wenatchee is also below the national average, which makes it an ideal spot for retirees. Plus, with the Columbia River running through the town, there are tons of local hikes and walking trails, with a few of the most popular being Saddle Rock, Jacobson Preserve, and Sage Hills.
Gig Harbor
Retirees will enjoy the sense of community that they’ll find in Gig Harbor, Washington. Tucked away on Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is a lovely place to call home if you’re a fan of coastal living. The downtown core of Gig Harbor is on the water and boasts plenty of outdoor cafes, restaurants, a brewery called 7 Seas Brewing, gift shops, book shops, and more. It’s also home to the Harbor History Museum, which chronicles the town’s maritime history. If you enjoy getting outdoors, you won’t have any shortage of parks. Sehmel Homestead Park, McCormick Forest Park, and Sunrise Beach Park are all located here. For added convenience, Gig Harbor is 20 minutes by car from the nearby city of Tacoma.
Snohomish
If you’re looking for a quiet town with close proximity to Seattle, then you’ll love Snohomish. Situated roughly 40 miles northeast of Washington’s largest city, Snohomish is affordable, has a population of just over 10,000 people, and offers a mild climate. There is also plenty for retirees to do in Snohomish, from exploring the Blackman House Museum or seeing a play at the Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater to signing up for a class at the Snohomish Aquatic Center. Plus, since you’ll only have to drive 45 minutes to get to Seattle, residents can also enjoy top-notch dining, entertainment, and shopping when they want to. The University of Washington medical centers are also located nearby.
Port Orchard
West of Seattle on the Sinclair Inlet lies the town of Port Orchard. Mountain views, water access, and exciting attractions are what you get in Port Orchard. Manchester State Park is only a stone’s throw away, while Olympic National Park is just over an hour’s drive. Meanwhile, two other top attractions are the Hobbit House and Elandan Gardens, which is home to 1,000-year-old Bonsai trees. When you aren’t busy enjoying the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and the Port Orchard Farmers Market along Bay Street. Seniors can also take advantage of a number of clinics in the area, including Harrison Port Orchard Urgent Care, Peninsula Community Health Services, and Kaiser Permanente Port Orchard Medical Center.
Longview
Longview is a historic town in southwest Washington. It sits at the confluence of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers, so retirees who enjoy getting outdoors will love this Washington town. There are plenty of walking trails along the river, as well as parks within the town itself. Lake Sacajawea Park is one of the most popular, and it even has a Japanese Garden. Longview boasts mild weather throughout the year and less snowfall than many other parts of the state, allowing residents to stay active year-round. The town of approximately 37,000 inhabitants also has its own medical hospital, the PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. There’s also a movie theater, a bowling alley, a dog park, and several shops and restaurants. For big city amenities, Vancouver, Washington, is roughly an hour by car, and Portland, Oregon, is another half an hour past Vancouver.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is another central Washington town that may appeal to retirees. Roughly two hours east of Seattle lies Leavenworth, which can be accessed by train. What’s unique about Leavenworth is that it is made to resemble a Bavarian village. You will find all sorts of German-inspired bakeries, restaurants, and shops in this quaint destination. It also hosts some of the biggest festivals in the region throughout the year, including Oktoberfest, Christmastown: Village of Lights, and Maifest. Leavenworth is also a great jumping-off point if you love getting outdoors. The Enchantments, known to be one of the most stunning mountain ranges in Washington, is less than 15 miles from Leavenworth. Lake Wenatchee State Park is also less than half an hour by car. Finally, Leavenworth has its own medical center, Cascade Medical. However, the larger town of Wenatchee has multiple larger healthcare facilities and is also only half an hour away.
As you can see, there are plenty of ideal spots to retire in Washington. If you’re looking for a town with a modest population, recreational activities, quality healthcare facilities, and access to the outdoors, just look to any of the destinations listed above. Plus, the towns on this list won’t break the bank. You can afford to live there while also reaping the other benefits of doing so. Whether you end up in the Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth or in one of the waterfront communities of Port Orchard or Gig Harbor, we are confident that you’ll love your retirement years.
