8 Best Towns In Washington For Retirees

Washington State offers a stunning mix of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and relaxed living, qualities that make it an appealing place to spend your retirement years. Per Kiplinger.com, Washington does not tax income from Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, or IRAs. Median home values statewide are $606,025, according to Zillow.com, and houses in the eight towns described here are all near, or below, that state average. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, cultural activities, or simply a slower pace of life in a scenic setting, these eight towns in Washington stand out as some of the best places for retirees to call home.

Battle Ground

Retirees are moving to the Clark County town of Battle Ground for many reasons, one being that it is just 25 minutes from Portland, Oregon, providing access to big city amenities. Many also appreciate the median home values of $614,000, just slightly above average, in this town of about 20,000 residents. Battle Ground sits near the Columbia River, producing breathtaking views eastward to the mountains and outdoor recreational opportunities all around.

Battle Ground Lake State Park is at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and is filled with areas to enjoy hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. Retirees who are wine lovers will appreciate Rezabek Vineyards/Daybreak Cellars, which offers tastings spring through fall. Battle Ground Art Alliance showcases works by local and regional artists. Battle Ground Senior Citizens, Inc. sponsors events and activities specifically for senior citizens at the Battle Ground Senior Center. Medical care is available at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, just seven miles away in Vancouver. Mallard Landing has a variety of independent and assisted senior living options in Battle Ground.

Chelan

The town of Chelan, in Chelan County, sits on the southeast end of Lake Chelan in north-central Washington and is home to about 4,000 people. Median home prices in this town about 160 miles east of Seattle and 150 miles west of Spokane are $475,000. The town boasts 300 days per year of sunshine and is a short drive from the larger town and county seat of Wenatchee. Understandably, many retirees are drawn to move to Chelan.

Don Morse Park offers a sandy beach area, putting course, and kayak rentals. If you are a skier, you will appreciate that Echo Valley Ski & Tubing Area is in Chelan. The Lake Chelan Golf Course is a favorite among golfers of all skill levels. The Chelan Senior Center provides activities, meals, events, and more for senior citizens in the area. Lake Chelan Community Hospital is a general hospital serving the medical needs of most of the area's residents. Heritage Heights Lake Chelan is a senior living community in town that hosts levels of continuing care.

Forks

Situated on the Olympic peninsula in Clallam County, the town of Forks is home to about 3,300 people. Home values here average an affordable $337,000. Fans of the "Twilight" novels and movies will recognize Forks as their setting. If you like rain, Forks is for you; it is one of the rainiest towns in the contiguous United States, getting an average of 120 inches of rain per year. Natural beauty, and a small-town, welcoming atmosphere beckon retirees to Forks.

Olympic National Park, with more than a million acres to explore, is close to Forks and a must-see for those moving to the area. Hurricane Ridge, the most easily accessed mountain area in the park, creates spectacular views. The Forks Timber Museum is an interesting look into the history of the area, which was once a timber giant. John's Beachcombing Museum is open seasonally and features treasures brought from the oceans to the shore. The Forks Senior Center offers programs and services for older adults on weekdays. Forks Community Hospital, a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, serves the area's medical needs. Although Forks does not have its own retirement homes, nearby Port Angeles' Laurel Place is a popular choice among retirees who choose this style of living.

Moses Lake

Located in Grant County in central Washington, Moses Lake is a town, and a lake, in the Columbia River basin. Approximately 25,000 call Moses Lake home, and homes average a comfortable $372,000. Moses Lake is a diverse, supportive, inclusive community that is welcoming to newcomers of all ages, including retirees.

The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center explores the natural and human history of the Columbia Basin and celebrates the works of regional artists. McCosh Park in Moses Lake is a popular gathering spot for residents, and includes an amphitheater, walking trail, lighted tennis court, and more. If you enjoy gardening, Moses Lake has its own Community Gardens on Alder Street, with 24 raised garden plots and a greenhouse available. The Moses Lake Senior Center offers activities for all ages, including exercises, dances, and games. Samaritan Healthcare in town is equipped with general acute care beds and a Level 3 Trauma Service. Avamere Assisted Living in Moses Lake is a top choice for those looking for retirement home living.

Port Angeles

On the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Clallam County, right along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, sits the town of Port Angeles, home to 20,000 people. Homes average just $462,000, under the state median. Port Angeles tends to get a bit less rain than other Pacific Northwest cities, drawing retirees who are looking for a slower pace of life yet want to keep up with arts and culture.

Ediz Hook, a three-mile natural sand spit and landform that extends into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, creates Port Angeles Harbor and serves up panoramic views of Port Angeles and the Olympic Mountains. The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center includes the Esther Webster Gallery as well as event space for cultural and artistic activities. Concerts on the Pier occur in Port Angeles during the summer, offering stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca while you listen to beautiful music. Visit the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center for programs targeted to area citizens age 45 and up. Olympic Medical Center serves the needs of residents of the North Olympic Peninsula. Village Concepts of Port Angeles hosts independent and assisted living options for interested retirees.

Prosser

The small town of Prosser in Benton County, population 6,000, is near the Tri-Cities area that includes Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. Homes in Prosser are under the state average, with median prices of $421,000. Prosser sits on the banks of the Yakima River, offering outdoor activities to retirees like kayaking and fishing. The outdoors, a congenial small-town atmosphere, and affordability are just a few of the reasons retirees may wish to move to Prosser.

Prosser is called the "Birthplace of Washington Wine," with many vineyards available to explore including Airfield Estates Winery, located in Washington’s first American Viticultural Area AVA (Yakima Valley). Becky's Coffee Corner on Meade Avenue serves handcrafted coffee drinks and is a favorite gathering spot for locals. Don't miss Prosser's Parade of Ponies, a series of 20 painted pony statues inspired by the natural beauty of the Painted Hills and Horse Heaven Hills, found in downtown Prosser. The Prosser Senior Citizen's Club has a center on Dudley Avenue with activities and social events for adults age 55 and up. Prosser Memorial Health is the local hospital available to serve the medical needs of retirees and others in the area. Sun Terrace Prosser has independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care options, should additional living support be needed.

Pullman

The most populated city in Whitman County, Pullman, in southeastern Washington's Palouse Region, is home to about 33,000 people. Homes here average a comfortable $435,000. It is also home to the main campus of Washington State University, which offers a Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver for Washington state residents age 60 and over. The university's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is a favorite for art lovers to explore. It is easy to see why retirees are relocating to Pullman.

Residents of Pullman enjoy 145 acres of parks and 15 miles of bicycle and walking pathways. The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail connects Washington and Idaho through seven miles of paved trail. The Regional Theatre of the Palouse brings Broadway classics, revivals, and premieres to residents of Pullman. The Pullman Senior Center provides programs for active adults to enrich them spiritually, physically, culturally, emotionally, and mentally. Pullman Regional Hospital helps to facilitate a healthier way of life for the community. Bishop Place Senior Living has independent living, assisted living, and memory care services.

Sequim

Known as "The Blue Hole" because of its location in the Olympic Mountain rain shadow, the town of Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula is famed for its sunny, dry weather, a true draw for many retirees looking to move to the Pacific Northwest who may fear its rainy reputation. Homes are an affordable $578,000 compared to the state median. For the 8,000 who live this town in Clallam County, the beauty of the area's lavender farms, relaxed pace, and mild temperatures make them proud to call Sequim home.

Blue Whole Gallery in Sequim showcases the works of local and regional artists. The Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market is held each Saturday from May through October, and features over 50 vendors, live music, and events. The Dungeness Spit at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is a 5.5-mile-long sand spit, the longest in the nation. It is available for hiking and nature-watching. Shipley Center is home to Sequim's Senior Center and serves friendship, recreation, and education for Sequim's senior population. The nearest hospital to Sequim is Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, just 15 miles away. The Lodge at Sherwood in Sequim offers independent senior living options.

Retire to the Evergreen State

Retirees looking for a change of pace would do well to consider moving to these Pacific Northwest towns. Whether you prefer a village like Sequim, a town close to larger cities such as Battle Ground, or a college town like Pullman, moving to these towns in Washington State could be the perfect decision that helps to guarantee your happiness in retirement. If you appreciate crisp, cool, clear air, affordable housing, and a moderate climate, consider retiring to Washington, especially in one of these eight best towns for retirees.