6 Senior-Friendly Towns in Washington

A place of mist, rain, tall trees, and valleys, the Evergreen State earned its name for the abundance of peculiar forests and beautiful springs. However, the state's natural wonders are hardly the whole story, as Washington is also home to small towns that welcome all with open arms. In this context, the best the state offers is its quiet gems, which are especially great for senior living and relaxation. To showcase Washington's merit, learn more about six senior-friendly towns in the state.

Port Townsend

Coming in with a population of just over 10,000, 40% of the town is over the age of 65. With a locale that blends both a new and old atmosphere, the prices of Port Townsend also hit a sweet spot. The median gross rent is $1,111, which means that much more money can be spent on the town's charming forms of entertainment.

Truth be told, Port Townsend is a multi-dimensional town of art, nature, and history. Places like the Northwind Art-Jeanette accentuate the artistic allure of this seaside polity, while Chetzemoka Park sits at the top of a hill and is a prime spot for a painter or walker. With the pleasant sight of the Cascade Mountains in the distance, Chetzemoka is not the only cool and specific site of interest. Far from the park is Point Wilson Lighthouse, Port Townsend's claim to fame—a preserved relic from a bygone era that serves to educate all who visit (and also is a recognized lighthouse of historical significance).

Sequim

Hovering around 8,000 people, Sequim, too, has an older and more mature population, with 37.3% of them being over the age of 65. With a medium gross rent of $1,063, the town is a much slower, low-cost, and quieter place to live.

The first and foremost thing to know about Sequim is that it prides itself on its remote and country views. One can expect to see lovely farms, parks, and everything in between. Fittingly, the Purple Haze Lavender Farm has come to be known for its vast fields and shades of purple, but not merely that. Food, perfumes, apparel, and many other things are available in bulk and are made locally, if not from the farm itself.

Besides the many farms available in Sequim, the natural sights cannot be discounted. From the beautiful coastline of the Dungeness Recreational Area to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, there is always plenty to do in Sequim.

Leavenworth

In complete contrast to the usual seaside coastal towns of the state, Leavenworth takes inspiration from European architecture found in Bavaria. Resting in the Cascade Mountains, the town of a meager 2,000 residents with a median age of 40 has many surprises and picturesque spots that may fool one into believing they are in Europe.

While the quaint and historic town square in winter is enough to make one stay, the town provides many novel experiences. One is the famous Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, a collection of rare and exotic nutcrackers and special exhibits that both speak to the town and the collection. If that is not enough, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm has gained fame for being able to enter the reindeer enclosure itself, along with a myriad of other hosted events and parties.

Buying a home here is a bit pricey, with the median home listing price around $880,000. While Leavenworth may be a smaller town, it has plenty to do and see beyond the farm and museum. In close proximity to lakes, mountains, and state parks, it truly is a town of great character and beauty.

North Bend

Picture this: Not so far away from the grime and filth of Seattle lies a paradise in a clearing hidden by trees, and in the distance, a tall and majestic mountain looms overhead. Such is the living place of nearly 8,000 residents, and with a median gross rent of $1,700, North Bend is a bit more on the pricey side of towns, but what is the cost of beauty?

Although the iconic series Twin Peaks revitalized interest in North Bend, it by far has a lot more to offer than the now legendary restaurant Twede's Cafe (the Double R Diner in David Lynch's masterpiece). Excelling in activities for the outdoorsman, North Bend is a popular spot for the sheer number of state parks nearby and local trails. Among them are the lovely (contrary to its name) Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and the rushing waters of Olallie State Park.

Prosser

Prosser, a serene town situated amongst an unsuspecting plot of land, is especially hidden, as the population is hardly above 6,000. According to realtor.com, the median listing home price is $429,000, which speaks to a slightly lower than average cost for housing, coupled with a median gross rent cost of $990 (according to the US Census).

Noted for being a town of wine, its air leans towards a more refined crowd. The 14 Hands Winery is proof of this and is committed to creating quality fruit wines, while Prosser remains its central outlet in the area for tasting and promotion. Besides more than 10 other wineries and tasting rooms, Prosser has its own chocolate artisan who works under the company name Chukar Cherries. Combining chocolate with nuts and fruits grown in the area, the finished product is sure to pair nicely with a perfectly chilled wine.

Snohomish

Exactly as it is spelled, Snohomish is a small town of 10,000, with nearly a fifth of its population over the age of 65. With an average listing price of $970,000 and median gross rent of $1,200, the small town on the banks of the river with the same name offers a luxurious yet cozy experience.

Offering both history and nature, the town has a few interesting key points that demand a visit. The first is the Blackman House Museum, a museum that tells the tale of the Blackman brothers, who, in the 19th century, helped create with their bare hands what eventually would be Snohomish today. After a personal and guided tour, one can visit Lord Hill Park and take in the elevated view of a wilderness trail that leads right out of town.

Why These Towns?

More than anything, these towns are so drenched in culture and quirkiness that it makes it hard to pass any of them. It is also true that the bulk of the Evergreen State's gems are already populated by a wiser and more mature crowd that has already settled in a place where they are comfortable spending the rest of their lives. Clearly, their choices have been made well, as each of these towns represents a slice of tranquility and fun and interesting spots that one can appreciate for as long as they stay.