7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is home to jaw-dropping scenery, from glacier-capped Cascade giants like Mount Rainier to Vancouver Island’s wild west shore, and the seven welcoming towns below show why it’s such a dream region for retirement. In Anacortes, Washington, you can stay active (and maybe make a few friends) at Washington Park and take quick ferry trips to the San Juans. And in Tofino, British Columbia, the welcoming vibe comes with a seaside twist; think sunset walks at Chesterman Beach and cozy coffee stops on Campbell Street.
Redmond, Oregon
If you want near-endless outdoor recreation paired with small-town charm, Redmond delivers. Start with natural highlights like the Redmond Caves and Tumalo Falls, then stretch your legs on the trails at Fischer Canyon. When you're ready for water, head to Lake Billy Chinook or the Deschutes River for a change of pace. Golfers can tackle the Central Oregon Golf Trail, stopping at courses like Crooked River, Smith Rock, Eagle Crest, Juniper, and the Greens. Winter keeps the fun going with skiing at Mt. Bachelor, home to the largest resort in the Pacific Northwest, or the more laid-back Hoodoo Ski Area. You'll also find an outdoor rink in town, plus the Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, a favorite for cross-country skiing.
Back in town, browsing is half the fun. Stop by the Redmond Antique Mall, then explore a mix of bookstores, ski-supply warehouses, vintage clothing boutiques, and art shops. For something sweet, swing into Sweet Oasis Chocolate Shop, or stock up on giftable goodies at Justy's Jellies. Catch a show at the Odem Theater, or opt for the latest release at Redmond Cinema. Live music is easy to come by at High Desert Music Hall, and summer brings an outdoor concert series that makes warm evenings even better. When hunger hits, dig into Mexican favorites at Diego's Spirited Kitchen or share a wood-fired pie at Grace and Hammer. Wrap up the day with a local pour at Initiative Brewing, Kobold Brewing, Silver Moon Brewing, Wild Ride Brewing, or the Doghouse Brewyard, or switch it up with a tasting at Eqwine Wine Bar or Gomper's Distillery.
Anacortes, Washington
In Anacortes, coastal living means you can start the day with sea air and the sound of waves in the background. Spend your time tidepooling, beachcombing, and walking the shoreline, or get on the water for kayaking, whale watching, or fishing. Launch a boat at Washington Park and take in the views, then explore nearby green spaces like Deception Pass State Park, Mount Erie Park, and Cap Sante Park. When you're itching for a day trip, hop on a ferry to neighboring islands such as Friday Harbor, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and Shaw Island, or even cross into Canada with a ride to Sidney, British Columbia.
Day-to-day errands are easy here, with familiar stops like Ace Hardware and Safeway, plus a weekly farmers market for locally grown produce and handmade goods. In between, browse shops that sell everything from yarn to thrifted clothing, and pick up a new read at Pelican Bay Books. If you love to cook, Anacortes Wine and Vinegar Bar is a fun place to stock the pantry, and when you'd rather let someone else do the work, grab a bite at favorites like Village Pizza, Good Bagels, and Brown Lantern Ale House. Rockfish Grill is another go-to, and it shares space with Anacortes Brewery, making it especially easy to pair dinner with a pint. On rainy West Coast mornings, warm up with a cup from Whidbey Coffee, then treat yourself at The Donut House. Throughout the year, community events like the Arts Festival and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival keep the calendar full.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint pairs Rocky Mountain scenery with the kind of everyday conveniences that make settling in feel simple. Adventure is always close by, whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or a scenic drive through places like the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and nearby state parks such as Farragut, Round Lake, and Priest Lake. Spend a sunny day on Lake Pend Oreille, or head uphill for the Scotchman Peak and Maiden Rock trails when you want a workout with a view. Golfers have plenty of options too, with courses like Stoneridge, Priest Lake Ranch Club, Mirror Lake, Sandpoint, and Elks. In winter, swap trails for turns at Schweitzer Village, then reward yourself by lingering in the lodge.
In town, meet up with friends for a pint at MickDuff's Brewing Company or Laughing Dog Brewing, or trade beer for a tasting at Pend d'Oreille Winery. Entertainment is easy to find, too, with bowling, movie theaters, library events, and shows at the Panida Theater. On drizzly mornings, settle in with a window seat at Monarch Mountain Coffee or Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters. And if you love hosting, stop by Gourmandie to build an out-of-this-world charcuterie board, its shelves are packed with meats, cheeses, wines, and beers that make entertaining feel effortless.
The festival lineup here is just as impressive. Look forward to major events like Northwest WineFest, Schweitzer Fall Fest, the Winter Carnival, FallFest, Beer Fest, and the Polar Bear Plunge, along with smaller (but just as fun) happenings such as home and garden shows, film festivals, fishing derbies, renaissance faires, art walks, boat and car shows, arts-and-crafts festivals, and rodeos.
Tofino, British Columbia
Tofino sits on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island and is best known for world-class surfing and dramatic ocean views. Hit the trails at your own pace on routes like the Tonquin Trail, or spend the day beach-hopping between Mackenzie Beach, Chesterman Beach, Cox Bay, and Tonquin Beach. For an easygoing afternoon, pack a picnic for Village Green Park or stroll to Anchor Park for photo-worthy viewpoints. On the water, you can paddleboard or join a whale-watching tour, and when the weather turns moody, storm watching and stargazing feel like signature local pastimes. Round out the itinerary with a tee time at Long Beach Golf Course, a soak in the mineral pools at Hot Springs Cove, or a fishing trip for halibut, Dungeness crab, prawns, and Chinook salmon.
When you're in town, there's plenty to do between beach days. Join local groups for pickleball, chair yoga, or pilates, or plug into community clubs like craft workshops, running clubs, and book clubs. If you lean creative, check out the Dance Society or a performance at the community theater. The events calendar stays lively with gatherings like OysterFest, the Winter Market, Harvest Fest, and the farmers market.
Start the morning with a coffee from Harborview Coffeehouse, then browse shops selling everything from seafood and organic produce to homemade kombucha, tea, picnic supplies, and ready-to-go charcuterie. Self-care is easy to prioritize here, too, with spas, acupuncture clinics, float tanks, bathhouses, meditation centers, saunas, and fitness studios. Come evening, grab dinner at Wolf in the Fog or Adriana's Sandwich Shop, then cap the night with a drink at Tofino Brewing Company or Tofino Distillery.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria blends artsy energy with outdoor adventure, making it easy to keep your days varied. Fish the Columbia River, then take time for local landmarks like Youngs River Falls and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. If you're a golfer, book a round at Astoria Golf & Country Club. Want to try something new? This is a great place to dabble in scuba diving or backcountry hiking. For a slower pace, stroll the riverwalk or browse vendor stalls at the Sunday Market.
For a night out, catch a performance at the Charlene Larsen Center for the Performing Arts or the Liberty Theater. Prefer something casual? Go bowling, join a quilting club, or spend an afternoon hunting down craft supplies at the art store and your next page-turner at the bookshop. Groceries are simple with stops like Fishstix Seafood Market and Gaetano's Market and Deli, and for bigger runs, Costco and Fred Meyer are nearby. Coffee lovers can kick off the morning at Journey's End Espresso or Astoria Coffee Company, then slide into lunch at Bridgewater Bistro. Later, head to Josephson's Smokehouse for dinner and keep the evening going with a lineup of local pours at Astoria Brewing Company, Buoy Beer Company, Baylock's Whiskey Bar, and Fort George Brewery.
The town's event calendar adds even more reasons to get out: art walks, poetry festivals, car shows, film and music festivals, and regattas, plus standouts like the annual Chowder Crawl, Wine Festival, and Oktoberfest.
Snoqualmie, Washington
Set near the mountains and within easy reach of Seattle, Snoqualmie is packed with scenery that begs to be explored. Start with the headliner, Snoqualmie Falls, then slow things down with a walk through the Three Forks Natural Area. For more fresh air, venture to Stillwater Bog or Snoqualmie Point Park, or book a tee time at Mt. Si Golf Course, the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course, or Twin Rivers Golf Course. In winter, trade hikes for ski runs at The Summit at Snoqualmie, and don't leave without warming up with a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Nearby attractions keep things laid-back. Remlinger Farms is a favorite for fall pumpkin patches (and the kind of homemade pies you'll think about later), while Chateau Noelle Vineyard and Winery makes for an easy afternoon with guests, or a romantic outing. Back in town, Snoqualmie Casino brings concerts and major events throughout the year. Between plans, browse storefronts selling everything from flower arrangements and indoor plants to home decor. If you're craving something sweet, Chickadee Bakeshop is the move. And if you've got a four-legged sidekick, the Three Forks Dog Park is perfect for letting them run, followed by a stop at the pet boutique for a new toy.
Craft-beer fans can explore local favorites like Snoqualmie Brewery, Dark Horse Brew, and Snoqualmie Falls Brewery. If you'd rather skip the pints, you can still enjoy a night out, sit down to dinner at Mezzaluna Kitchen and Francesco Ristorante Italiano, or meet friends at the Black Dog Arts Cafe and Theater.
Annual events add even more fun, including Railroad Days Festival, Music in the Park and Movies in the Park, Winter Lights, and plenty more throughout the year.
Squamish, British Columbia
Squamish sits between Vancouver's city energy and Whistler's ski-country buzz, making it a sweet spot for mountain-town living. Set along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, it's surrounded by lakes, parks, and inlets that invite you outside year-round. Keep things easy with birding, sailing tours, fishing, or a scenic gondola ride, or chase bigger thrills with canoeing, canyoning, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking. Golfers can choose between Squamish Valley Golf Course and Furry Creek Golf Course, while explorers can spend their weekends at places like Brohm Lake and Cat Lake. Nature lovers will also appreciate the lineup of provincial parks nearby, including Alice Lake, Brackendale Eagles, Garibaldi, Murrin, Porteau Cove, Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief, Tantalus, and more.
In town, it's easy to stay active with public skating at the arena and swimming at the Brennan Park Aquatic Centre. There are plenty of fitness options too, from dance styles like clogging, line, Latin, and swing to sports like badminton. The Westwinds Seniors Hub offers workshops, clubs, and field trips, and the farmers market is a reliable weekend stop for locally made goods. For an evening out, head to Squamish Plaza for events and food trucks, then wander downtown streets lined with shops selling books, board games, and outdoor gear. When it's time to toast the day, choose from breweries, distilleries, and cideries like A-FRAME Brewing, Cliffside Cider, Howe Sound Brew Pub, and Raincity Distillery. Round out your plans with dinner at spots like The Salted Vine and Free Bird Table & Oyster Bar, plus a caffeine fix from favorites such as Smoke Bluff Coffeehouse and 1914 Coffee Company.
Community events keep the momentum going, including the Squamish Beer Festival, Mural Walk, paint nights, night markets, live music, and comedy shows.
Whether you prefer slow mornings and scenic strolls or weekends packed with fresh-air adventure, the PNW makes an easy place to retire. Yes, some areas come with steep home prices, but in return, you get a region filled with memorable events, locally owned businesses worth supporting, and endless ways to stay active outdoors. Just don't forget the umbrella.
