7 Top-Ranked Towns in The Pacific Northwest for Retirees

When it's finally time for retirement, pack your binoculars, walking shoes, and appetite for waterfront seafood because the Pacific Northwest delivers retirement towns that feel like a daily getaway. In towns like West Linn, mornings start near Willamette Falls, and in Redmond, high-desert skies and the Dry Canyon Trail start right in town. Head south to Central Point for Rogue Valley views near the Table Rocks, plus a quirky stop at the Crater Rock Museum. On the water, Anacortes and Gig Harbor serve marinas, charming downtowns, and postcard views. These towns and many more are our top-ranked towns in the PNW.

West Linn, Oregon

Often called “the city of hills, trees, and rivers,” West Linn provides a peaceful escape from the urban sprawl. A key attraction is Willamette Falls, the largest volume waterfall in the Pacific Northwest. Retirees value its proximity to Portland, offering easy access to city amenities like excellent hospitals and shopping. The median age is around 44, helping retirees connect with both younger and older residents. Despite this, homes typically cost about $725,000, which offers good value given West Linn’s safety, peaceful environment, amenities, and accessibility.

Redmond, Oregon

Redmond's high desert landscape offers a distinctive, almost lunar-like appeal. It provides numerous outdoor activities for empty nesters, including scenic trails, parks, and waterfalls. The Dry Canyon Trail, famous for its vibrant wildflowers, is conveniently close to Redmond, and a park called Dry Canyon is located at the town's center. With approximately 37,900 residents, Redmond is smaller and more charming than Bend, its southern neighbor. However, all the amenities of Bend, such as hospitals and cultural sites, are only about 17 miles away. The median home price in Redmond is $503,887, compared to Bend's median of $692,258. Additionally, Redmond receives an average of 8.8 inches of rainfall annually, making it one of the sunniest spots in the Pacific Northwest.

Tumwater, Washington

Tumwater ranks high among Pacific Northwest towns for retirement, partly because of its convenience to Olympia, the capital of Washington State. In a medical emergency, Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia is less than seven minutes away. Plus, Tacoma, the state's third-largest city, is just about a half-hour drive. Tumwater’s median age is around 35 years, offering retirees the opportunity to engage with a younger demographic, which can enhance their sense of purpose and overall quality of life. Additionally, homes in Tumwater are relatively affordable, with a median price of $500,000. A notable highlight is the opportunity to watch salmon leap up the falls at the enchanting Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.

Central Point, Oregon

Central Point is renowned for its scenic beauty and welcoming community. Located south of the Table Rocks in the Rogue River Valley, about 30 miles north of the California border, the town offers picturesque surroundings. Don Jones Memorial Park, with its lush trees, green lawns, and open fields, provides an excellent spot for outdoor activities. The Crater Rock Museum adds to the town's charm with its extensive collection of rocks, minerals, petrified wood, and fossils. For retirees, affordability is a key advantage, with median home prices around $415,000, making it accessible to many. The town features a diverse population, with Hispanics making up about 15%. Its close proximity to Medford, the county seat of Jackson County, offers convenient access to amenities such as hospitals, further enhancing its attractiveness for retirees.

Anacortes, Washington

Anacortes is renowned for its exceptionally friendly community and offers a quaint, suburban atmosphere brimming with charm. Such attributes make it an appealing destination for anyone, especially retirees. The town's median age of 48.6 years facilitates connections with peers, fostering opportunities for social interactions. Anacortes is equipped with numerous healthcare facilities, including Island Hospital, which has received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Contrary to Seattle's weather, Anacortes enjoys a more pleasant climate, enhancing its desirability as a retirement spot. With its beautiful beaches and hiking trails, discovering Anacortes could indeed mark the end of your search for the perfect retirement locale.

Gig Harbor, Washington

Gig Harbor lives up to its name with a prime waterfront location in South Puget Sound, opposite the Tacoma Narrows Bridge—the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the US. Its waterfront position grants it a milder, more pleasant climate than one might expect. The town is also known for its highly educated residents, with 24% having post-graduate degrees, contributing wit and insight to local discussions. Conveniently, the commute to Tacoma via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge takes only 20 minutes, and Seattle is roughly 45 minutes away by car, offering extensive amenities. Although the median home price is around $750,000, the stunning views of Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and other natural sights make it a worthwhile investment.

Hood River, Oregon

Homes in Hood River have a median price of $710,000, yet they provide access to some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River features a stunning landscape. Known as the Windsurfing Capital of the World, it attracts outdoor enthusiasts with numerous activities that help retirees stay active and socially connected. Plus, Portland, the “City of Roses,” is less than an hour away. Hood River itself offers good amenities, such as Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, which 81% of patients highly recommend—11% above the national average. The median age of residents is 39, encouraging intergenerational connections and a lively community atmosphere. With Whites constituting 66% and Hispanics 24%, Hood River also celebrates a welcoming diversity.

The Takeaway

As a retiree—or someone considering retirement—you likely value beautiful natural scenery, outdoor adventures, diversity, access to quality healthcare, and safe, friendly neighborhoods. The Pacific Northwest is home to several towns that meet these criteria. Despite the region's reputation for gray skies and harsh winters, places like West Linn (corrected from West Lynn), Oregon; Redmond, Oregon; and Tumwater, Washington, stand out as excellent options. Choose your destination, pack your belongings, and embark on a fulfilling retirement journey in this enchanting corner of the United States.