11 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Washington

Washington’s rich and green landscape attracts retirees from across the country. With a warm desert to the east and a Pacific coastline to the west, this state offers plenty of ways for active retirees to enjoy suburban, city, and rural life, no matter where they go. As one of the few states with no income tax, no tax on social security or pension, and no tax on retirement accounts, much of the state is quite affordable. Residents even have low property taxes, adding to the appeal for anyone enjoying their golden years. If Evergreen State sounds like the right place for you, check out these places to retire in Washington.

Tucked-Away Places To Retire In Washington State

Gig Harbor

The city of Gig Harbor near Puget Sound is one of the best places to retire in Washington. The area is relatively quiet with easy access to healthcare and a low population of about 12,000 residents. Take relaxing walks along the coast, enjoy an afternoon boat ride, or pack up your fishing gear for the morning. Plus, with an airport 30 miles away, retirees can travel outside of the state to visit friends and family without a long drive.

Lynnwood

Of the 40,000+ residents in Lynnwood, a whopping 15.3% of the population includes seniors and retirees. Even though it has a few separate recreation centers, it sits 16 miles from Seattle for a quick trip into the city whenever they want. It has a higher tax rate than other cities, but the overall cost of living is substantially less than in Seattle.

Olympia

Towards the southern portion of the Puget Sound, you’ll find the capital of Washington – Olympia. While some retirees prefer to stay away from busy areas, there are many nature conservation areas, parks, and medical centers within the area for anything they need. Of the 55,000 residents in Olympia, retirees and senior citizens are just under 25% of the population.

West Seattle

Relocating to another city or state can be expensive, but West Seattle’s low cost of housing is part of the appeal for retirement. With over 80,000 residents, this area offers many parks where people can enjoy local nature, but it also has some of the most coveted neighborhoods. It has a more relaxed tone than other big cities, supporting the community with its environmentally conscious vibe.

Port Townsend

Located on the northwest side of Puget Sound, the view of the Victorian houses offers a sense of history in Port Townsend. With a lower population of about 10,000 residents, it has many beaches and a lively downtown area. The charm of the historic district and busy arts community ensure that retirees always have somewhere to explore. While fewer retirement communities are on the list than other cities, Port Townsend is fairly conservative now despite a fairly wild past in the 19th century. It was formerly called the “City of Dreams.”

Sequim

Sequim has many senior citizens and retirees, comprising 37% of the total population of adults. Found on the peninsula, many locals enjoy the 17 inches of rainfall annually, giving them plenty of sunlight for outdoor activities like hiking or fishing. The cost of living in Sequim is about 6% cheaper than the national average, but it is average for the state.

Snohomish

Offering a local historic district with many antique shops, Snohomish is the place to retire in Washington for people who want to turn back the clock. Seniors and retirees account for over 14% of the population, but you’ll need to find a home in one of the quiet neighborhoods to get away. With only a handful of retirement communities, this area’s big appeal is its connection with the local community and its 16.6% tax rate.

Federal Way

Washington attracts people who love city life and nature, but the Federal Way area offers a unique suburban vibe. There are plenty of restaurants, parks, and coffee shops, making it the perfect fit for a retiree who still wants to socialize. It gets you away from the speed of a city with a botanical garden to walk through. Federal Way even has some of the best retirement communities in the entire state.

Camas

Camas offers a way to escape heat and humidity without having to get into a big city. With 20,000+ residents, this area takes only a little time to reach nearby cities like Portland and Vancouver. It is on the Columbia River, and it features a historic downtown area. It is a little more expensive in its cost of living, but it has some of the best outdoor activity options for retiring adults who want to stay active. 

Clarkston

Found along Snake River, Clarkston is quite close to the border of Idaho, in case you want a change of scenery. There’s only one retirement community in Clarkston right now, squeezed into the small-town environment. Even though it is reminiscent of years gone by, there are many restaurants and shops to visit, appealing to young families and recent retirees alike. With minimal growth in the last few years, Clarkston is a close community with a fair bit of distance from any metropolitan area.

Wenatchee

Recognized by Forbes as one of the top places in the country to retire, Wenatchee still maintains a small population. The cost of living is lower than the national average, as well as the crime rate. It is the place to retire in Washington if you want to relax at a winery or take in a show at the local performing arts center. It also has less rain and more outdoor recreational activities than nearby areas.

Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Washington: A Summary