9 Best The Pacific Northwest Towns For Retirees
Those who have been to this showy corner of the U.S. will confess that the Pacific Northwest is where nature ups its artistic game and consistently decides to throw out humility. The natural scenery here is mostly raw and pristine, although punctuated with flashes of modernity and novelty. You will find ice-capped mountains, beautiful beaches with golden sand, and lush, pine-speckled forests. If you want a small, charming town to retire to, especially one that offers epic outdoor attractions, you can bet on the Pacific Northwest to deliver. Keep reading to discover the nine best Pacific Northwest towns to retire.
Westport, Washington
Westport is a cute spot to retire, especially if you love access to soft, sandy beaches or enjoy top-notch fishing. Reeling in a yummy catch on a random afternoon, especially at places like the Chehalis River (it's known for its salmon runs), and in various spots around the Westport Harbor Marina, will make your golden years fun and fulfilling. Then there is whale watching, especially from March through to early May. The party continues at the Westport Light State Park, an oceanside jewel that spans more than 200 acres and offers several recreational opportunities. Ditto the Twin Harbors State Park, a beautiful spot with peaceful, well-cared-for campgrounds.
According to data from realtor.com, as of August 2025, the median listing home price in Westport was $399,500, way lower than the statewide median of $649,950. Harbour Regional Health Community Hospital is just about 20 miles down the road and among a select group of hospitals nationwide providing the highest standard of stroke treatment.
Tumwater, Washington
In August 2025, the median listing home price in Tumwater was $587,500, more than $60,000 lower than the state median. Tumwater has long been associated with the Olympia Brewery, once one of the largest brewers in Washington. Today, it draws retirees who love its proximity to Olympia, the capital of Washington state, its location near the shimmering inlets that flow from the Pacific Ocean, and its galaxy of peaceful parks and green spaces. For example, Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is outrageously beautiful, especially with its setting along the river and the short loop trails that meander within. Other outdoor pleasure spots include Barnes Lake, Pioneer Park, which has access points for swimming and floating, and Capitol Lake, which is ringed by a paved loop trail.
On healthcare, Providence St. Peter Hospital is the leading hospital in southwest Washington. It was founded in the 1880s by the Sisters of Charity of the House of Providence.
Central Point, Oregon
Central Point is not just for folks who love cheese, but if you consider good cheese a huge factor, then that point alone can swing your decision. You will be at the doorstep of the 92-year-old Rogue Creamery, one of Oregon's longest-operating dairies. Meanwhile, Table Rocks is a well-known spot for hiking and can quickly become a favourite outdoor spot. Keep in mind that you are near Interstate 5, implying quick access to other regional towns (such as Medford), a regional airport with regular flights, and the scenic Rogue River, one of the finest spots for whitewater rafting in the nation. Rogue Valley Family Fun Center has an arcade with a wide selection of games and is always a cool spot to take grandkids, while Forest Glen Park is a neat, pretty place with a paved walking path.
In August 2025, the median listing home price in Central Point was $529,000, slightly lower than the statewide median of $569,500. Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in neighbouring Medford is a 378-bed regional referral and trauma center known for nationally recognized heart and stroke care, orthopedic services, cancer care, and countless other specialties.
Rexburg, Idaho
Rexburg is an amazing place to put down roots, and if you know something about the Pacific Northwest, you know that Idaho is way cheaper than Washington State, whose beautiful coastline is often a huge draw with retirees. In August 2025, the median listing home price in Rexburg was $454,400, a price point that is lower than the statewide median of $473,000. The iconic Brigham Young University-Idaho is the largest private university in the state and gives the town a touch of vibrancy, while Madison Memorial Hospital, which first opened its doors in 1951, was given a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2021.
Tenderfoot Mountain Bike Trail is a great beginner MTB trail, and in the same vein, Nature Park is a roomy, tranquil space with fishing ponds, a disc golf course, and a running path. Teton River flows through the town and is bordered by outdoor jewels such as Eagle Park & Campground, which offers more than 20 sites for tent camping.
Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla is a beautiful place with great people and a wonderful quality of life. The area draws a lot of visitors during the summer, meaning locals can take advantage of world-class restaurants, interesting shops, and a fun, lively atmosphere. It is becoming a popular retirement destination, meaning you should find plenty of people to mingle with. Also, you will enjoy lots of activities related to wine and music (such as at Foundry Vineyards), immediate access to a private university affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and 30-minute proximity to the Columbia River and Lake Wallula. V
eterans Memorial Golf Course is at your doorstep and is a cool place to enjoy a midweek game, then linger a bit for a life-renewing sunset. Then there's Walla Walla Country Club, with its unbelievably beautiful views. It doesn't end there. Providence St. Mary Medical Center is right in town and has previously been recognized for the Stroke Care Excellence Award. In August 2025, the median listing home price in Walla Walla was $552,500.
Prosser, Washington
There's a serious contest in the Pacific Northwest, but many will agree that Prosser is among the most lovely and adorable spots. Life here is easy and convenient, especially with the presence of the Prosser Memorial, a critical access hospital offering emergency, surgical, imaging, and a variety of specialty and outpatient services. The hospital’s dedication to quality has earned it national recognition, including a recent 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
Famous for its hot air balloons, Prosser boasts numerous other appeals. One can occasionally spend the afternoon by the water at the Crawford River Front Park, float down the Yakima River, or drift into bliss at Grant Ave Park, a riverside beauty with waterfront views and fishing opportunities. In August 2025, the median listing home price in Prosser was $515,000. By the standards of the Pacific Northwest, this is an incredibly good deal.
Baker City, Oregon
You will fall in love with Baker City and not just because of its relaxing atmosphere or small-town charm. First, Baker City is unbelievably affordable, with houses in the town fetching a median listing price of just $355,000. Not just that. You will enjoy beautiful views of the Blue Mountains, well-preserved architecture, and decent amenities, including Saint Alphonsus Medical Center-Baker City, a Level IV Trauma Center with an Emergency Department.
When you feel like getting out and washing your face in the fresh air, there is Central Park, a nice place to rest or enjoy beautiful river views, Powder River Recreation Area, which has nice trails to explore, and Philips Lake. The Wallowa Mountains — often called the “Alps of Oregon” — are in your backyard. You will find turquoise lakes, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and mountain goats perched like statues on rocky ledges.
McMinnville, Oregon
It has been a while since Forbes named McMinnville the best place to retire in Oregon in 2018. However, nothing huge has dented the town's retirement allure, meaning you will still enjoy the beautiful wineries, charming downtown, low congestion, and a cool, laid-back atmosphere. With places like the McMinnville Senior Center, which offers a range of recreational opportunities and leisure pursuits, and Tice Park, a beautiful space for a mid-morning stroll, you will have a lot of positives to cherish. Keep in mind that Portland is less than 50 miles down the road, meaning you can get to Oregon's largest city in less than an hour.
You can practice your swings at Michelbook Country Club, which doubles up as an awesome spot to catch up with fellow old-timers, or float down the South Yamhill River, which drains water from the Northern Oregon Coast Range. To know that life here is easy, Willamette Valley Medical Center is in town, while the award-winning Providence Newberg Medical Center is a heartbeat away in Newberg. The median listing home price in McMinnville was $499,000 in August 2025.
Grants Pass, Oregon
If you like how a big city makes you feel anonymous, and you also like how small towns are delightfully authentic and intimate, Grants Pass should be a beautiful compromise. It has a population of about 40,000, a sweet spot between big and small. The Rogue River, which flows through the town, gives a mist of rustic charm to an already beautiful place. It is also an idyllic spot for fishing and other outdoor recreational activities. You also have the pine-speckled Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the most floristically diverse National Forest in the United States. There's also Riverside Park, a leafy space right on the water with picnic areas, lots of shade trees, and a relaxing atmosphere. Moments after entering, you will feel like a heavy load has been lifted from your shoulders.
If a good hospital is a deal-breaker, the Asante Three Rivers Medical Center is a previous recipient of the Patient Safety Excellence Award, which speaks to its commitment to excellence and high-quality care. In August 2025, the median listing home price in Grants Pass was $499,700.
Small Towns, Big Charm
When the time comes to pull the plug on your work life, so you can begin a golden phase filled with fun and freedom, consider a spot in the Pacific Northwest. Many small towns in the region are backdropped by jaw-dropping natural scenery, the kind that always lifts the mood. You will find safe, peaceful neighborhoods, world-class recreational venues, and warm, friendly folks. The trick is to pick a town with excellent healthcare access.
