10 Best Washington Towns For Retirees
Washington State, with a population of around eight million, including approximately 1.3 million residents aged 65 and older, is a stunning and diverse place to enjoy retirement. From wild coastlines and lush forests to snow-capped mountains, the state offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. For retirees, Washington’s small towns strike the perfect balance of affordability, safety, and community spirit.
These towns often feature lower housing costs and a strong sense of community, making them ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and budget-friendly lifestyle. Many are nestled near beautiful natural beaches, lakes, mountains, or forests, yet still provide easy access to quality healthcare and cultural amenities. Whether you’re drawn to a historic community, a peaceful inland retreat, or a coastal escape, here are the ten best towns in Washington that offer retirees comfort, convenience, and a vibrant quality of life.
Gig Harbor
Often referred to as the "Maritime City," Gig Harbor is a wonderful option for retirees seeking a tranquil coastal lifestyle combined with small-town charm. Nestled on Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier, this charming harbor town is an ideal spot for retirees, with adults 65+ making up over a quarter of the population. With a strong sense of safety, its crime rate, which is around 140 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, is far below the national average of 380 per 100,000 residents. The vibrant waterfront defines downtown, offering scenic walking paths, charming outdoor cafes, and locally owned boutiques filled with gifts, books, and art.
For enriching activities, seniors can stroll the historic waterfront district lined with boutiques and seafood eateries, enjoy serene bay-side walks along the Harborwalk, or rent a kayak and explore the calm waters. Culture and history come alive at the Harbor History Museum, while golfers can tee off at the nearby Canterwood Golf & Country Club. Finally, art lovers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the annual Maritime Gig festival, which showcases local arts, maritime heritage, and stunning harbor vistas. While the median home value of around $800,000 is slightly higher than the state average as of July 2025, the waterfront homes make it worth the price.
Port Townsend
Nestled at the tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is a top choice for retirees seeking charm, safety, and access to nature. With a mild climate, summer highs averaging 73°F and winter lows around 38°F, and just a few inches of snow each year, Port Townsend stays relatively dry due to its location in the Olympic Rain Shadow, making it a comfortable and appealing destination year-round. Even when at home, the median home value of $650,000 will ensure homebuyers can afford an excellent abode within $50,000 of the state average.
The Port Townsend Historic District, a National Historic Landmark District full of ornate Victorian-era buildings, is perfect for strolls and architecture enthusiasts. At the same time, the vast Fort Townsend State Park presents shoreline picnics, gentle hiking trails, and wildlife watching along the bay. Cultural highlights include touring the Rothschild House Museum for a glimpse into 19th-century life and visiting St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a charming Gothic Revival landmark. Healthcare access is excellent, with Jefferson Healthcare Hospital offering comprehensive medical and emergency services locally.
Liberty Lake
Liberty Lake is a charming lakeside town of around 12,000 residents just east of Spokane, offering retirees a perfect blend of safety, natural beauty, and small-town warmth. The town flourished in the early 1900s as “Spokane’s Inland Seashore,” known for its lively resorts, dances, and pavilion. Today, Liberty Lake retains that inviting atmosphere with its peaceful namesake lake, scenic parks, and well-maintained trails. It’s also one of the safest towns in Washington, with a low violent crime rate of just 72 per 100,000 residents, and access to top-notch healthcare via nearby MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care and Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley. The median home value sits around $575,000, offering relative affordability for a growing community.
Retirees will find year-round recreation, from leisurely walks along the 4.4-mile shoreline trail to birdwatching at the serene Saltese Flats Wetlands, where seasonal migrations offer prime wildlife viewing. History buffs can visit the town’s restored red barn, a charming tribute to its agricultural roots, while active seniors can enjoy the Trailhead Golf Course, a relaxed, beginner-friendly option with social events and a welcoming clubhouse. Rocky Hill Park, a 13-acre gem, features paved walking paths, tennis courts, a playground, and a community garden, fostering social interaction and fitness. Cultural life in Liberty Lake is just as vibrant, with events and performances at the local TAC at the Lake theater, where residents gather to enjoy community talent.
Walla Walla
Nestled in the scenic Walla Walla Valley, a picturesque region known for its rolling wheat fields, vibrant vineyards, and charming small-town atmosphere, Walla Walla is a perfect place for seniors who love nature. This bizarrely named Washington town offers a median home value of about $400,000, making homeownership feasible for many retirees. Moreover, retirement homes like Wheatland Village offer an alternative with a strong social circle and amenities. Healthcare is well covered by two major institutions: St. Mary Medical Center and the Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center, ensuring excellent medical access.
The area is also a renowned wine destination, home to over 120 wineries and tasting rooms that draw visitors from across the country. In addition to its agricultural richness, the Walla Walla Valley boasts a strong sense of community, historic charm, and access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Active seniors will appreciate the city's proximity to picturesque landscapes, including the rolling Palouse hills and Walla Walla River, perfect for gentle hikes or riverside walks. Seniors can also explore a vibrant downtown historic district, experience local arts at the Walla Walla Symphony, or enjoy seasonal produce at the Walla Walla Farmers Market.
Port Angeles
Nestled in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Port Angeles serves as the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its unique blend of natural beauty and charm. As the main gateway to Olympic National Park, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic destinations, this coastal-meets-mountain town offers a captivating mix of rich history, scenic landscapes, and adventure. With its small-town appeal and access to world-class outdoor experiences, Port Angeles is the perfect place for seniors to escape urban woes through the Olympic Peninsula. The median home value hovers around $460,000, with modest year‑over‑year growth, making it comparatively affordable for the Pacific Northwest.
Retirees will find plenty to enjoy: stroll through the historic Joseph Paris House (also known as the Airplane House), admire the architecture of the old Federal Post Office, and explore the waterfront Harbor and Ediz Hook, which offers scenic marine views and bird-watching. Services are well covered by Olympic Medical Center, a community hospital with a Level III trauma center, plus robust in-home‑care options and senior support through local agencies.
Sunnyside
With its affordable cost of living, strong medical infrastructure, engaging local culture, and tranquil yet vibrant setting, Sunnyside is an ideal retirement destination in Central Washington. With a population of around 16,000, retirees will appreciate the intergenerational vibrancy alongside mature, welcoming social circles. Housing is particularly affordable, with median home values ranging around $330,000, nearly half the state average of $610,000.
Retirees will find no shortage of enjoyable activities: the historic Sunnyside Historical Museum offers insight into the area's heritage; the beloved Lighted Farm Implement Parade brings festive community spirit in December; the serene Jerry Taylor Veterans Plaza provides a peaceful place to reflect; and local parks and canal-side paths invite gentle walking, birdwatching, and seasonal events. Healthcare is well-supported: Astria Sunnyside Hospital provides 24/7 emergency services and primary care, complemented by Sunnyside Healthcare Center. For supportive living, Sun Terrace Retirement & Assisted Living offers comprehensive services in a caring community.
Sequim
If you're looking for a peaceful retirement surrounded by nature and a strong senior community, Sequim is an excellent choice. Pronounced “skwim,” this small town has the highest percentage of residents over 65 in the state, nearly 42% and a median age of 60.3, making it a natural hub for retirees. The median home value hovers around $580,000, which is notably more affordable than in Seattle yet reflects the area’s desirability. Nestled in the Olympic Rain Shadow, Sequim enjoys a drier climate than much of western Washington, with cool breezes, green forests, and beautiful misty mornings. It’s also famous for its lavender farms, second only to those in France, and is a hotspot for Dungeness crab lovers.
Beyond everyday comforts, Sequim offers engaging leisure and cultural scenes. Seniors can stroll through vibrant downtown Sequim, with its boutique shops, First Friday art walks, and farmers’ markets. Nature lovers will treasure the Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge, which includes a scenic trail to the iconic New Dungeness Lighthouse and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Healthcare needs are well met through local clinics like Jamestown Family Health, services from Olympic Medical Center, and easy access to the Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, just 25 minutes away.
Cheney
Cheney is a welcoming and secure haven for retirees, combining the charm of a small college town with abundant access to nature and essential services. The median home value sits around $430,000, which is solidly affordable given its quality of life. Downtown Cheney invites visitors to browse local shops and relax in cozy cafés, while nearby Fish Lake provides the perfect spot for fishing, boating, and laid-back picnics by the water.
Nature-loving seniors will appreciate easy access to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, which has gentle trails and bird watching. History buffs can also explore the Cheney Historical Museum and charming downtown landmarks. For healthcare, residents benefit from local clinics like CHAS Health Cheney Clinic for primary needs. At the same time, full-service hospitals such as Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane are just a short drive away. Senior care is supported by Cheney Assisted Living, which offers personal care and support in a comfortable environment close to home.
Wenatchee
Often called the "Apple Capital of the World," this scenic town sits along the Columbia River near the Cascade Mountains, offering retirees a mix of natural beauty and community appeal. Healthcare needs are well covered: Central Washington Hospital and numerous senior-focused clinics ensure access to reliable medical care, including assisted-living and memory-care options. Moreover, seniors planning to settle down rejoice at the average home value of $490,000 as of July 2025.
Nestled at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers and surrounded by forested foothills, Wenatchee provides retirees with an abundance of outdoor recreation, such as serene riverfront walks on the Apple Capital Recreation Loop, picnics at Wenatchee Confluence State Park, or snowshoeing and skiing nearby at Mission Ridge. Seniors can also enjoy exploring the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center’s historical exhibits and strolling through charming downtown shops and cafes.
Longview
Located in southwest Washington at the meeting point of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers, Longview serves as the heart of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s ancestral lands. Longview has seen steady population growth over time, including a rising number of retirees drawn to its affordable cost of living, mild climate, and proximity to nature. Housing remains relatively affordable, with a median home value of around $395,000. Compared to other Washington towns, Longview experiences relatively light snowfall, averaging just four inches per year while enjoying mild seasonal temperatures, with summer highs around 79°F and winter lows near 34°F.
Longview offers seniors serene escapes like Lake Sacajawea Park, ideal for strolls, picnics, and riverside relaxation, as well as scenic trails through lush local greenery. For a mix of leisure and culture, retirees can enjoy the quirky Nutty Narrows squirrel bridge, catch a show at the historic Columbia Theatre, visit architectural gems in the Civic Center Historic District, or browse local shops and cafés along the vibrant downtown corridor. Seniors benefit from solid healthcare access thanks to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, a 256‑bed facility providing comprehensive services including emergency, cardiac, cancer, and rehab care. Those seeking supportive senior living options can consider Canterbury Gardens, a highly rated assisted living and memory care community known for its attentive staff and vibrant resident programs.
Settle Down In Washington State
Washington State offers a diverse and enriching retirement backdrop, with its scenic landscapes, vibrant communities, and strong healthcare access. The ten towns for retirees each bring their unique charm, whether it's the small-town feel of Liberty Lake, the natural serenity of Cheney, or the cultural vibrancy found in places like Olympia and Wenatchee. These towns strike the right balance between affordability, safety, and quality of life, making them ideal for seniors seeking comfort, connection, and adventure. No matter your pace or preferences, Washington has a retirement haven waiting for you.
