The Best Cities To Retire In The Pacific Northwest

The diversity of the Pacific Northwest is its main defining feature, with deep coniferous forests, the Pacific coastline, and volcanic mountains. The area is known for its temperate climate and a laid-back lifestyle, whether in small towns, coastal hamlets, or large cities. For retirees seeking a high standard of living and an active urban lifestyle, the cities of the Pacific Northwest offer many options and access to natural wonders and outdoor activities.

Known for green politics and environmentalism, coffee and beer cultures, and rugged coastal vistas, the Pacific Northwest offers vibrant locations for the active retiree, whether you choose Washington, Oregon, or Idaho.

Vancouver, Washington

For retirees looking for city life and access to other urban centers such as Portland, Oregon, Vancouver is a great choice. There’s a bonus in the absence of income tax, making Washington perhaps a little more desirable than its neighboring states. Located on the north bank of the Columbia River, Vancouver takes its name from George Vancouver and grew around Fort Vancouver, a fur-trading outpost. It sits right on the Washington-Oregon state line, just north of Portland, and is considered part of the Portland metropolitan area. The city’s history and situation on the riverfront make it a wonderful place to settle, and it still has many options for daytrips, both urban and natural.

Vancouver’s waterfront along the Columbia River is a big part of its culture. For strolling and dining, the pier is a great place to take in views of the river. The Grant Street Pier in Waterfront Park is a large cable-stayed pier, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants along Grant Street. In the warmer months, Vancouver offers free summer concerts, including the Columbia Tech Center's Sunday Sounds series at the college's Center Park. Just north of Vancouver is the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The area has extensive wetlands to explore, which make for outstanding birdwatching. For dining options, Amaro’s Table Downtown is a chandelier-lit bistro with an extensive menu of original cocktails. The Cove offers marina views and is a great place for seafood, including a raw bar.

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is a city located between two rivers and is close to the coast. It is also home to the University of Oregon, Bushnell University, and Lane Community College. This inland college-town atmosphere is ideal for active retirees looking for a lively urban center to settle down in. The city is also known for its laid-back, artistic culture, which is often expected in urban Oregon. Located at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene sits at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. Retirees seeking an active outdoor lifestyle will appreciate the ample opportunities for cycling, hiking, rafting, and kayaking.

This mix of urban and natural is a big part of Eugene’s appeal, and it is especially known for its extensive craft beverage scene in the Fermentation District. Food options include Fisherman's Market for fish and chips and other seafood choices, plus a take-home market section. The 5th Street Public Market is a center for upscale boutiques, dining, galleries, and cafes. There is also the Eugene Saturday Market, in operation for over 50 years, and features local fare, artisans, live music, and food. For some nature right in the city, the Willamette River Bike Trail is a network of paved trails along the river. And for seeing wildlife up close, head to the Cascades Raptor Center, a nature center and wildlife hospital where visitors can see dozens of resident birds or prey in outdoor aviaries.

Bellingham, Washington

With epic coastal views, nearby natural areas suited for hiking, and a small-town atmosphere, Bellingham is a great place for active retirees looking for a maritime culture and access to outdoor activities. Just south of the Canada-United States border, between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, the city is located on Bellingham Bay, a bay of the Salish Sea in northwest Washington. Historically a coal-mining city, the industrial areas along the waterfront have been redeveloped for mixed-use. With its history, maritime culture, rugged coastline, and small-town coastal vibe, Bellingham offers much for retirees looking for an urban coastal lifestyle.

For a scenic coastal drive, Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway winds along the cliffs overlooking Chuckanut Bay. You can stop to walk along some hiking trails, and there are plenty of opportunities for fresh oysters, including The Oyster Bar, located just off Chuckanut Drive. Food options in the city include The Birch Door Cafe for breakfast and lunch, plus beer and wine, and it is located in a wooden cabin. Or, Keenan's at the Pier serves local American food with outdoor seating and bay views. The Fairhaven Historic District is a restored area with red-brick buildings, home to bookstores and cafes. Nearby, the Boulevard Park Boardwalk is a boardwalk over water located between downtown and Fairhaven village. For some nature right at the city limits, Whatcom Falls Park is 241 acres with four waterfalls, old-growth forests, and hiking trails.

Bend, Oregon

Located in central Oregon, Bend is located east of the Cascade Range on the Deschutes River. Historically a logging center, Bend was reborn as a recreation destination, particularly for skiing. The city is located in the high desert and is bordered by the Deschutes National Forest to the southwest. As a tourist destination, the city has a thriving brewery district and plenty of outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and skiing. Bend is also home to the last Blockbuster video-rental store.

The High Desert Museum is an interactive indoor-outdoor museum situated on 135 acres, with a focus on regional history, wildlife, and art. The Old Mill District is a former lumber mill complex that has been transformed into a riverside shopping and dining district. It features more than 55 restaurants and over 40 shops, ranging from boutiques to big-name stores. A place for food anytime of day is Jackson's Corner - Old Bend, a highly rated all-day eatery featuring local, seasonal menus. Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint is an extinct volcano located within the city’s limits. You can hike or drive to the top for 360-degree views. On the 4th of July, it is a favorite location to watch the fireworks. Experience the Deschutes River with Float the River, a chance to tube down the river right through the middle of the city.

Boise, Idaho

The capital of Idaho, and its largest city, Boise, is rapidly growing and is popular for both families and retirees looking for a different lifestyle rich in outdoor activities and a dry climate. Located on the Boise River, the city is about 110 miles north of the Nevada border at an elevation of 2,704 feet above sea level. Located on the historic Oregon Trail, Boise’s main industry was mining. With the arrival of the railroad, it became a commercial hub, and irrigation projects created opportunities for agriculture. In recent decades, Boise has become a technology center, being home to Micron Technology and Hewlett-Packard. As the state's seat of government and center of education and health care, much of the state's economy is located in Boise. It has a high standard of living that would suit retirees looking for a well-developed city to relocate to.

Culturally, Boise is home to the Boise Art Museum and the annual Treefort Music Fest. The greenbelt running through and around the city offers recreational opportunities within the city limits. For food options, Fork offers farm-to-table local fare in a brick-and-wood space, while Trillium Kitchen + Cocktails features a modern American menu emphasizing local ingredients. Idaho’s Basque heritage is celebrated in the Basque Block, with a museum, food, and Basque culture in the Boise downtown district. For a look at the area’s rugged past, Old Idaho Penitentiary, in operation from 1872 to 1973, offers tours of its sandstone cellhouses, the solitary confinement unit, and the gallows. For a more recent history, Boise is home to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, the only memorial dedicated to Anne Frank in the United States.

Retire in Style in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest offers a variety of coastal locations, desert climates, mountains, deep forests, and vibrant cities suited to the lifestyles of active retirees. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, ocean views, unique West Coast culture, or just a place that’s a little bit different, the Pacific Northwest offers many options for the retiree looking for an active and urban location for settling down.