10 Towns in The Pacific Northwest that Are Ideal for Seniors
Seniors searching for a laid-back retirement surrounded by scenic mountains, lush forests, and national parks will find the Pacific Northwest the perfect destination. While this region is known for its rainy spells, it also offers ample sunshine across all four seasons. Washington’s lack of a state income tax and Oregon’s sales tax-free shopping make both states attractive to retirees. Whether it’s the dune-backed beaches of Coos Bay, the serene coastal charm of Ocean Shores, or the mountain-backed tranquility of Sequim, these towns combine natural beauty with affordability and healthcare access. Explore the following ten destinations for a retirement lifestyle rooted in nature, community, and comfort.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Coos Bay is the largest city on the Oregon Coast, located southwest of Eugene. It offers residents various outdoor recreational opportunities, including local city parks and larger State parks like Sunset Bay State Park, Bullards Beach State Park, and Shore Acres. Seniors can also fish and boat in the Lower and Upper Empire Lakes. Moreover, Coos Bay is home to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The dunes are for adults and seniors who want to hike, ATV, or play in the sand.
The senior residents of Coos Bay have a senior center for group outings, educational classes, and recreation. Coos Bay is senior-friendly and affordable despite its West Coast location. The median home value as of June 2025 is $330,000, far below the state median of $510,000. Coos Bay offers several local healthcare options, including the Bay Area Hospital and Medical Center and Southern Coos Hospital. Seniors have several choices for retirement communities, like New Friends of Coos Bay, or other assisted living and nursing home options.
Blackfoot, Idaho
Retiring in Blackfoot provides seniors with unique activity options within a tight-knit but friendly community. Check out the Idaho Potato Museum and the Eastern Idaho State Fair. The town offers movies at the Blackfoot Movie Mill or walk through the Butterfly Haven with its farm and apiary. Blackfoot sits along the Snake River and includes the Blackfoot Green Belt for hiking and camping.
The median housing value as of June 2025 is $365,000. The local Bingham County Senior Center provides seniors with activities, social events, and community connections. Plus, there are exercise and educational classes. Blackfoot hosts several affordable local Farmer’s Markets throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Blackfoot provides seniors with several options for quality healthcare at the Blackfoot Medical Center, Grove Creek Medical Center, and the Bingham Memorial Hospital.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Retirees looking for coastal beauty and a serene setting select Ocean Shores. Ocean Shores is the perfect place to enjoy the uncrowded beaches. Bird watching and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes for Ocean Shores retirees. Grab breakfast and head out to walk the beach—exercise surrounded by incredible scenery.
Ocean Shores is an affordable community with a median housing price of $350,000 as of June 2025. There are two grocery stores in town and plenty of local shops and restaurants, like Bennett’s Fish Shack and the Oyhut Bay Grill. Shoppers and walkers enjoy The Boardwalk Shops of Ocean Shores. Seniors will find several healthcare options locally, like the Sea Mar Ocean Shores Medical Clinic.
Lebanon, Oregon
Lebanon is in the Willamette Valley, near Corvallis and Albany. Residents enjoy the scenic vistas of the Cascade Mountains and the South Santiam River that runs through town. Lebanon supports several city parks, like Cheadle Lake Park, which has walking trails, fishing piers, and decks. For those looking for more challenging hiking or biking, visit Sodaville Springs State Park.
The median housing value for this Pacific Northwest location as of June 2025 is exceptionally low at $395,000. Lebanon is an affordable location with plenty of activities and options for seniors, including the Lebanon Senior Center. The center helps seniors participate in social activities, exercise, and educational programming. Additionally, it helps seniors understand local services and available housing options. Healthcare services are available at the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and related health clinics.
Hayden, Idaho
Hayden, Idaho, is an excellent choice for retirees looking for easy access to winter and summer outdoor activities. Hayden borders Hayden Lake on the western edge of Coeur d'Alene National Forest. Residents enjoy the serenity of the small town with access to 40 miles of shoreline. Seniors looking for a challenging golf course will take advantage of Hayden's two golf courses: The Avondale Golf Club and the Hayden Lake Country Golf Club. Hikers, bikers, and even seniors who simply want to stroll and take in the scenery find plenty of adventure in Hayden.
The median home price as of May 2025 is a reasonable $630,000. Idaho offers seniors lower property taxes and does not collect state income tax on social security. Hayden offers residents a variety of local housing options, including retirement communities or assisted living options like Harmony House and Peterson Place. Residents can find general healthcare services at the Heart of Hope Health, Summit Health and Wellness, or the Family Medical Care Clinic.
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Klamath Falls is a beautiful and affordable community. The town is located in south central Oregon near the California border and is known for its proximity to Crater Lake National Park. Residents utilize Upper Klamath Lake for water activities, kayaking, boating, or swimming. Klamath Lake has both water activities and an exceptional population of bald eagles.
Nearby, Klamath Falls seniors can take advantage of the Collier Memorial State Park, which has camping, trails, and a logging history museum. The park also hosts a trout fishery and plenty of scenery for leisure and relaxing amongst the trees. Klamath Falls has several healthcare options for seniors, like the Sky Lakes Medical Center, Klamath Health Partnership, or Cascade Comprehensive Care.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim sits in western Washington near Olympic National Park. More than a third of the population is seniors. Sequim offers retirees a beautiful location. Sequim sits at the pinnacle of the Olympic Mountains. The mountains form a rain shadow effect, meaning Sequim gets less than half the annual rainfall of Seattle. Seniors seeking a peaceful, scenic, small-town experience will love “Sunny Sequim.”
Active seniors who love the outdoors find ample options for hiking, camping, and exploring. Hike the Olympic Discovery Trail that runs through Sequim. The multi-use trail makes for an enjoyable biking, hiking, and horseback riding experience. The town is near several golf courses and the Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the US.
The median home price as of June 2025 was $580,000. Retirees looking for more affordable housing should consider renting. As of June 2025, rentals in Sequim were $300 cheaper than the national average, at $1,800 per month. Healthcare facilities in Sequim include the Jamestown Family Health Clinic and the Olympic Medical Center and Hospital. For additional options, residents drive 25 minutes to Port Angeles.
Happy Valley, Oregon
Seniors looking for access to outdoor activities and interstate highways find Happy Valley the perfect choice for retirement. Happy Valley is located southeast of Portland. Like most Pacific Northwest towns, Happy Valley is surrounded by lush green forests, scenic views of mountains, and the Columbia River. Seniors can hike, bike, or explore Mount Hood National Forest or Mount Talbert Nature Park. Mount Talbert provides wildlife viewing opportunities and a nature center for kids, adults, and seniors.
Happy Valley is close to Portland. Hence, the 2025 median home price is $710,000, which is near average for a West Coast small town. Seniors choosing Happy Valley have several local healthcare options, including the Providence Medical Clinic, Sunnyside Health & Wellness, and Adventist Health Primary Care. However, residents need to travel to nearby Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington, for hospital care. Happy Valley does have several additional options for seniors, including Sunrise Senior Living and MorningStar of Happy Valley.
Kingston, Washington
Retirees living in Kingston enjoy a year-round view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Kingston is a ferry ride away from Seattle, making it easy to take advantage of big city amenities while living in the country. Naturally, there are numerous outdoor and indoor activities to keep seniors healthy and connected. Lovers of the outdoors can hike, bike, boat, swim, kayak, fish, and view a nearly endless array of wildlife.
Retirees find Kingston exhibits a strong sense of community. There are frequent seasonal events and a weekly Farmer’s Market. The median home price as of June 2025 is average for most of Washington, where the city is near Seattle at $650,000. It’s affordable for many looking to retire near Seattle, but in a small, tight-knit, and quiet community. Kingston offers seniors several local healthcare centers, including the Peninsula Community Health Services Center and the Kitsap Medical Group. Moreover, one can select from assisted and nursing care at Rosewood Courte Memory Care or several other local communities.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Gig Harbor is a bay town connected by woodlands and surrounded by Puget Sound. The town sits west of Seattle, just 15 minutes from Tacoma. Residents enjoy the picnic tables and benches that line the area, which include scenic views of the lighthouse guarding the bay. Seniors looking for a golf course will find the Madrona Links. Hikers, bikers, and beach walkers find Gig Harbor the perfect location. Active seniors who fish, boat, or kayak have plenty of open coastlines to explore. Retirees interested in maritime history can visit or volunteer at the Harbor History Museum.
Gig Harbor has a senior population of 30%. Living in this small coastal town isn’t inexpensive. The median housing cost to purchase a home as of June 2025 is $840,000. However, each neighborhood in Gig Harbor has varying pricing, and sometimes less when renting within a retirement or 55+ community. There are many senior communities like Rosedale Village and Harbor Place at Cottesmore in or near Gig Harbor. Gig Harbor has several local healthcare options for seniors, including St. Anthony Hospital and Novel Healthcare. Within the town are Urgent Care centers and community health centers with specialty programs like Sea Mar.
Finishing Thoughts
The Pacific Northwest states offer retirees the opportunity to enjoy oceans, forests, and mountains in a single location. Explore the region's old-growth forests, trails, fishing, boating, and kayaking options. Take advantage of local senior centers and enjoy local healthcare services. Some towns are less affordable than those in coastal areas, but seniors must decide the value of tax-saving measures and find the town that suits their retirement budget and lifestyle needs.
