12 Best Places To Retire In Washington
The state of Washington is situated alongside the Pacific Ocean. The state of Oregon borders it to the south and the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north. A part of the Pacific Northwest, Washington is renowned for its lovely sights. It is also not too difficult to find affordable homes, with the state's median home price of $630,800. If you are hoping to retire in one of the loveliest locations in the United States, then you may want to consider any of these 12 towns for your next home.
Sequim
The beautiful city of Sequim is tucked against Sequim Bay and features homes with a median price of just $530,000. Boat lovers will find plenty to enjoy, particularly if they join the Sequim Bay Yacht Club. Powerboats, sailboats, and rowboats all set out from the waterfront, and regular events ranging from races to dining are hosted each month. A short drive away, Marlyn Nelson County Park provides daily views of the bay for those retiring in the area. Residents can enjoy any of the daytime picnic tables before strolling along the coast, or head onto the water from the boat launch. Retirees who prefer to spend time indulging in the arts may instead want to head to the Sequim Museum and Arts. In operation for nearly 75 years, the museum not only displays works of history and art but also offers free workshops for those who want to learn a range of skills, from computer coding to laser engraving.
Wenatchee
Lovely Wenatchee enjoys views of the Columbia River at modest costs, with a median home price of $590,000. Retirees in the area will enjoy regular views of the water, particularly from Walla Walla Point Park. The park offers numerous spots for an afternoon barbecue, scenic trails along the river, and areas for swimming. Racing fans will want to stop by the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval. The Oval hosts races from April through September on one of the longest asphalt tracks in the entire world, all against the backdrop of nearby Horse Lake Mountain. Those who want to socialize with their new neighbors while enjoying time on the green will want to head to Wenatchee Golf and Country Club. This 18-hole course features an elegant dining area and hosts regular events for residents, including bingo and trivia nights.
Hoquiam
The city of Hoquiam is a lovely place to retire, offering affordable homes with a median price of $215,370. Retirees to the area will enjoy lovely views of the bay, particularly from Gary's Grove. The grove is notable for its history tied to the cannery industry that helped shape the city of Hoquiam. Sporting individuals may want to join the Grays Harbor Rifle and Pistol Club, which features ranges for practice and hosts monthly events, such as the trap shoot, where members target clay targets. For anglers, the nearby Levee Street Boat Launch is perfect for setting out onto the Hoquiam River before heading out onto the bay.
Walla Walla
Walla Walla is a go-to retirement destination for those who enjoy small-town living, with a median home price of just $492,130. A popular spot for residents is Abeja Winery, which features incredible countryside views while you enjoy a glass of wine, a gourmet breakfast, or even a night on the grounds at the Abeja Inn. Those who want to know more about the city's history will want to visit the Kirkman House Museum, an 1866 Victorian home that showcases life as it was for prominent residents of the area in the 19th century. Those who prefer time in the great outdoors will want to head to Mill Creek and Bennington Lake instead. The Kingfisher Trail runs along the lake and can be accessed from Rooks Park, where residents can find spots to picnic before heading out on the trails.
Ocean Shores
Fantastic views of North Bay and the Pacific Ocean are easily enjoyed from Ocean Shores, where homes sell for a median price of just $388,370. Anglers will love living in the area, with multiple boat ramps such as Marine View Boat Launch and Duck Lake Boat Launch providing access to the city's canals, lake, and bay itself. North Jetty Beach is aptly located against the North Jetty, and residents will enjoy plenty of shoreline for afternoon walks and golden sunsets. An exquisite golfing experience is also available at Ocean Shores Golf Course, where residents can enjoy waterside views while teeing off with new neighbors.
Clarkston
Despite featuring homes with a median price of only $315,000, Clarkston enjoys a desirable location along the Snake River. Active retirees will love nearby Hells Gate State Park, which sits just across the border in Idaho. A ten-minute drive will have you enjoying waterside hikes or the chance to stay overnight in one of the park cabins. Red Wolf Golf Club features an 18-hole course for retirees who enjoy time on the green, and the course is particularly notable for its exquisite views of the river. Those retiring to the area may also want to learn more about the city's history at the Nez Perce County Historical Society. The museum showcases the history of Nez Perce County, from the time of the local indigenous tribes to the town's involvement in the timber industry.
Port Angeles
True to its name, Port Angeles sits on the Salish Sea, offering incredible views of the water, and it also boasts homes with a median price of only $394,500. New residents in the area will want to head to Harborview Park for spectacular views of the city's inner harbor as well as sights of the nearby Olympic Mountains. Those who enjoy time on the water might want to consider joining the Port Angeles Yacht Club, which hosts activities such as planned cruises and sailboat races. These events are an excellent way to socialize and meet your new neighbors. Art lovers, on the other hand, will want to visit the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. An art gallery featuring unique architecture and an outdoor art park, the center not only displays interesting art exhibits but also hosts workshops for those hoping to learn to create art themselves.
Longview
Longview enjoys a lovely location along the Columbia River, with homes boasting a median price of only $374,000. Those who love spending time outdoors may want to visit nearby Seaquest State Park, a 475-acre park where camping is available year-round. Biking, kayaking, hiking, and other activities are available on the grounds. A unique spot that provides a different view of the outdoors is the Lake Sacajawea Park Japanese Gardens. The park is an island where Japanese-inspired plants coexist with water features, creating a serene environment for residents to enjoy. The surrounding Sacajawea Park offers boat access to the lake for those hoping to cast a line into the water. Residents hoping to make new acquaintances might want to consider visiting the Longview Country Club. This 18-hole championship golf course hosts both a men's and women's association, which includes tournaments and social mixers.
Centralia
Centralia is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting homes with a median price of $409,990. It is easy to stay on your feet in Centralia, with the Chehalis River Discovery Trail located just minutes away. Birdwatchers will want to be on the alert as they explore the nearby Chehalis River and surrounding farmland. Days can be spent enjoying views of Fort Borst Lake from aptly named Fort Borst Park. The park features a dog park for animal lovers, soccer fields, and the Ed Wheeler Field and Stadium, which hosts baseball games. The Historical Borst Home should be a destination for new residents in the area. The home has sat on the grounds for a century and depicts what life was like in Centralia during the earliest days of its founding.
Union Gap
Union Gap is a lovely city situated along the Yakima River, with a median home price of $260,000. Those who love the great outdoors will want to take advantage of Yakima Sportsman State Park, which sits right by the river and is a destination for anglers hoping to cast a line into the water. It is also an ideal spot for picnics and camping. Those who truly want to stay active in retirement may want to head to nearby Cowiche Canyon, which features two trailheads leading to paths that provide incredible views of the surrounding rivers. Art lovers will instead want to patronize the Larson Gallery, where paintings highlighting various themes have been on display for nearly a century. Art and shows celebrating everything from Dia De Los Muertos to abstract art by local creators can be found within its halls.
Poulsbo
Another town to retire to if you want to enjoy the sights of the water is Poulsbo, where homes sell for a median price of $600,280. Anglers will enjoy easy access to Liberty Bay from the Port of Poulsbo, a marina that hosts seven main docks and hundreds of boat slips. Daily walks along the water are available at American Legion Park, which features numerous sites to enjoy an afternoon picnic or a leisurely walk on the trails. New retirees to the area may want to visit the Poulsbo Maritime Museum, where the maritime history of the city is depicted through stories that cover the city's fishing and oyster farming past, as well as events that bring the history to life.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen enjoys a lovely location along the Chehalis River, yet it offers homes with a median price of $279,870. Retirees to the area enjoy plenty of waterside views, including those from Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Residents consider this a hidden gem, perfect for birdwatchers seeking a glimpse of songbirds. Boat owners will want to look to the 28th Street Boat Launch to head out onto the bay and get a better view of nearby Rennie Island. Those retiring with a hope of spending more time on the green will want to visit Highland Golf Course. The 18-hole course also offers lessons for those looking to improve their game.
Washington state is a beautiful place to retire, offering a wealth of activities while providing affordable homes. From the shores of Liberty Bay to the halls of the Kirkman House Museum, residents in the region can enjoy a diverse range of experiences, from breathtaking vistas to the rich history of the area. If you are considering where to retire, consider any of these towns as your future home.
