8 Best Places To Retire In Washington

Retiring in Washington means proximity to some of the best nature in the country, including Olympic National Park, along with beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery and mild coastal weather. On top of that, you will be close to Canada for easy weekend trips. Port Townsend and Sequim both have more than 40% of residents age 65 and older, so they clearly appeal to retirees who want coastal scenery and strong access to recreation. Other towns on this list bring different advantages, from Leavenworth’s mountain setting and festivals to Wenatchee’s sunnier climate, making Washington a surprisingly varied place to spend your retirement years.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend is a charming, laidback community on Washington’s coast. So, if you’ve always wanted to live by the ocean, Port Townsend might be the perfect fit. Home to just over 10,000 people, this tiny coastal town sits on Townsend Bay, just across from Seattle. Residents of Port Townsend have Olympic National Park right in their backyard, as well as easy access to Port Angeles and Whidbey Island. Closer to home, Port Townsend has a lovely downtown core full of old Victorian architecture, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and an ice cream shop. History buffs will also love visiting Fort Worden Historical State Park and the Coast Artillery Museum. Local retirees may also enjoy attending one of the many festivals that the town plays host to, including the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival.

Sequim

Sequim, pronounced “Squim,” is a small town with 8,000 residents on Washington’s northwest coast. Situated just across the water from Victoria, British Columbia, it’s famous for its fresh crabs and lavender farms. But there are many other reasons retirees will enjoy living here, including excellent golfing, hiking, fishing, and year-round baking opportunities. The town features Sunland Golf Club and Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course, along with Carrie Blake Park, Railroad Bridge Park, and Sequim Bay State Park. Additionally, Olympic Medical Center serves the area, and residents have access to various recreation centers such as the YMCA of Sequim.

Wenatchee

Known as the Apple Capital of the World, Wenatchee is a sizable town with about 35,000 residents, located in central Washington near the stunning Cascade Mountains. Its inland position results in less rainfall compared to other parts of Washington, along with warmer, sunnier summers. The town hosts several healthcare facilities, including Confluence Health Hospital, Central Washington Hospital, and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center. The cost of living here is lower than the national average, making it attractive for retirees. Additionally, the Columbia River flows through Wenatchee, offering numerous hikes and walking trails like Saddle Rock, Jacobson Preserve, and Sage Hills.

Gig Harbor

Retirees will enjoy the sense of community that they’ll find in Gig Harbor, Washington. Tucked away on Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is a lovely place to call home if you’re a fan of coastal living. The downtown core of Gig Harbor is on the water and boasts plenty of outdoor cafes, restaurants, a brewery called 7 Seas Brewing, gift shops, book shops, and more. It’s also home to the Harbor History Museum, which chronicles the town’s maritime history. If you enjoy getting outdoors, you won’t have any shortage of parks. Sehmel Homestead Park, McCormick Forest Park, and Sunrise Beach Park are all located here. For added convenience, Gig Harbor is 20 minutes by car from the nearby city of Tacoma.

Snohomish

If you’re seeking a peaceful town close to Seattle, Snohomish is an excellent choice. Located approximately 40 miles northeast of Washington’s largest city, it offers affordability, a population of just over 10,000, and a mild climate. Retirees will find plenty to do, such as visiting the Blackman House Museum, watching a performance at the Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater, or taking a class at the Snohomish Aquatic Center. Additionally, with only a 45-minute drive to Seattle, residents can enjoy premier dining, entertainment, and shopping whenever they wish. The University of Washington medical centers are also easily accessible nearby.

Port Orchard

West of Seattle on the Sinclair Inlet lies the town of Port Orchard. Mountain views, water access, and exciting attractions are what you get in Port Orchard. Manchester State Park is only a stone’s throw away, while Olympic National Park is just over an hour’s drive. Meanwhile, two other top attractions are the Hobbit House and Elandan Gardens, which is home to 1,000-year-old Bonsai trees. When you aren’t busy enjoying the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and the Port Orchard Farmers Market along Bay Street. Seniors can also take advantage of a number of clinics in the area, including Harrison Port Orchard Urgent Care, Peninsula Community Health Services, and Kaiser Permanente Port Orchard Medical Center.

Longview

Longview is a historic town located in southwest Washington, situated at the meeting point of the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers. This makes it ideal for retirees who love outdoor activities. The town offers numerous walking trails along the river and several parks, including Lake Sacajawea Park, which features a Japanese Garden. With its mild climate and less snowfall compared to many other areas in the state, residents can stay active year-round. Approximately 37,000 residents live here, and the town has its own medical facility, PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. Additional amenities include a movie theater, a bowling alley, a dog park, and various shops and restaurants. For more urban conveniences, Vancouver, Washington, is about an hour away by car, while Portland, Oregon, is an additional half-hour drive past Vancouver.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is another central Washington town that may appeal to retirees. About two hours east of Seattle, accessible by train, it is uniquely designed to resemble a Bavarian village. Visitors will find various German-inspired bakeries, restaurants, and shops in this charming destination. The town hosts major regional festivals throughout the year, such as Oktoberfest, Christmastown: Village of Lights, and Maifest. It's also an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Enchantments mountain range—one of Washington's most breathtaking—less than 15 miles away. Lake Wenatchee State Park is also within a half-hour drive. Additionally, Leavenworth has its own medical center, Cascade Medical, while the larger town of Wenatchee, just half an hour away, offers several major healthcare facilities.

As you can see, there are plenty of ideal spots to retire in Washington. If you’re looking for a town with a modest population, recreational activities, quality healthcare facilities, and access to the outdoors, just look to any of the destinations listed above. Plus, the towns on this list won’t break the bank. You can afford to live there while also reaping the other benefits of doing so. Whether you end up in the Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth or in one of the waterfront communities of Port Orchard or Gig Harbor, we are confident that you’ll love your retirement years.