15th Annual Best Places to Retire in Washington State

Each year, Northwest Prime Time summarizes national “Best Places to Retire” lists for notable Northwest locations that achieved national acclaim as great places to live and retire.

AARP defines a livable community as one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and support services, as well as adequate mobility options which together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life. It’s a place where people can get to where they want to go, living comfortably and in good health, and being able to remain active and engaged. Importantly, the elements that make a community livable are useful for people of all ages, not just Americans 50-plus.

The organizations that rank best places to retire typically look at such factors as a strong local economy, scenic beauty and outdoor recreation, climate, access to quality healthcare, housing, transportation, services for seniors, healthy infrastructure, being near a major university, walkability and other active lifestyle considerations, and having dynamic downtowns with an array of dining, shopping and cultural experiences. Read on to learn what topped the national lists in 2016 for “Best Places” in Washington State retirement destinations.

Abundant sunshine and lower cost-of-living have boosted several eastern Washington destinations in national “Best Places” surveys, with Spokane topping the list this year. Spokane offers high-quality medical care, cultural and educational amenities, easy access to nature, 33 golf courses, more than 20 wineries and only half the rainfall of Seattle.

Last month, Kiplinger rated the 10 best states for retirement and Washington came in at a healthy number 7. Washington State’s cost of living and health care costs are about average, but what sets Washington apart is it’s friendly tax rating for retirees.“The Evergreen State can be a great place to stay refreshed throughout retirement,” says the report, which lists Washington’s great opportunities to boat, swim, climb, hike and enjoy outdoor activities. “No wonder the state ranks third in the country for physically active seniors.” Kiplinger specifically calls out Spokane as a nice choice for nature-loving retirees. Spokane is not only noted for its easy access to the great outdoors, but it also offers 33 golf courses, more than 20 wineries and many breweries and distilleries around the region. And while Seattle gets an average of close to 40 inches of rainfall per year, Spokane sees only half that amount. By the way, South Dakota came out on top of Kiplinger’s list. They cite affordability as the main factor pushing it to the top. But wouldn’t you rather live in Washington?

According to AARP, Kirkland is a top retirement destination, in part because of its walkability. Photo courtesy Merrill Images

24/7 Wall Street also ranks Washington high as one of the best states to grow old in, coming in at 8 in the nation. “Washington provides a fairly senior-friendly environment,” said the report, mentioning a high quality transit system, which can be essential for maintaining independence in old age. And the great many factors which make Washington one of the more prosperous states contributes to greater independence overall for seniors. Hawaii came in on the top of their list. Another 24/7 report identified “America’s 50 Best Cities to Live.” Kirkland was the only city in the state to make their list.

Forbes’ Top 25 Places to Retire in 2016 – Forbes’ annual list noted one Washington State city: Walla Walla. “60,000 population capital of wine country and college town in southeastern Washington State. Strong economy, median home price of $210,000. Above average doctors per capita, low serious crime rate. Good weather and air quality. Somewhat walkable.”

Easy access to outdoor recreation is one of the many factors that make Bellingham a “best place to retire” year after year. With its casual lifestyle and pleasant neighborhoods, plus Western Washington University in its midst, Bellingham remains a favorite with retirees.

TopRetirements.com is an online tool for researching retirement destinations; its annual list is a popularity contest that reflects towns that receive the most online visitors. According to Topretirements, Washington State’s most popular places to retire in 2016 are (in order of popularity) Sequim, San Juan Islands, Bellingham, Port Townsend, Spokane and Seattle.

Over the past year, Where to Retire magazine has recommended several Washington State retirement destinations. “We’ve spent some time around Olympia, the capital.

"Where to Retire" magazine featured Olympia, which shows up on “Best Places” lists each year

The setting can rate a 10 for scenery on nearly everyone’s list. It’s a clean, green environment…add a relatively mild climate, and you can see it’s a great destination for an active outdoor lifestyle,” writes Where to Retire’s Mary Lu Abbott. Their Jan-Feb 2016 issue recommends the San Juan Islands as a “tax-friendly town” for retirees. The San Juans are drier than Seattle and cooler in the summers. A low-key lifestyle, breathtaking setting, cute shops and plenty to do round out reasons retirees move to the San Juans. “While the cost of living is somewhat expensive here,” writes Jean Arthur, “property taxes are less than in other Washington counties.” Jean Arthur profiled Yakima in the May/June 2016 issue. “Its sunshine and low cost of living appeal to retirees who love the Northwest, but not its frequent drizzles,” she writes. The magazine’s Marc D. Allan looked at river towns that appeal to retirees and Wenatchee made the list. He interviewed an active couple who moved to Wenatchee for its hiking, biking, skiing and the natural beauty of the area. Although Wenatchee is on the east side of the mountains, it is green and lush from all the agriculture surrounding the city. Downtown is vibrant and there is a real sense of community. And Wenatchee has the lowest utility costs in the country.

Situated on the Olympic peninsula, this picturesque seaport was designated as a national historic district. Surrounded by coastline and resting in the rain shadow, Port Townsend exudes Victorian charm. Artisans and boaters are amongst those that call it home. The Centrum Arts Foundation presents performances and workshops year-round. FindThe Home.com rated Port Townsend as Washington's "Most Fun Place to Retire"

FindTheHome.com rated the most fun places to retire in every state. “If you’re lucky enough to be able to call it quits, you probably want to settle down somewhere with plenty to do and see,” writes FindTheHome’s Natalie Morin. Port Townsend was Washington State’s “most fun place to retire.” The report identified cities with the most attractions per capita for retirees, including golf courses, art galleries, movie theatres, bowling alleys, golf and country clubs, tennis courts and universities for those looking to take classes. Port Townsend’s “Senior Entertainment Score” was over 80, earning it the title for Washington State. Port Townsend is located in Jefferson County, whose retirement index ranked at a healthy 97.89, according to FindTheHome.

Livability, a marketing company that helps cities attract residents and businesses, listed their 25 most livable cities in America. Their top 25 cities are located in just 13 states, with California having the most at five, followed by Colorado (with four). And Washington came in third with three cities in the top 25. Livability’s top 25 included Kirkland, Olympia and Bellevue. Business Insider came up with the “50 Best Suburbs in America.” Two places in Washington State made their list: Sammamish and Mercer Island. In April, US News & World Report listed the 20 most desirable places to live in the US. Seattle ranked 7th (Honolulu was #1). This annual ranking takes into account many factors from cost of living to commute time, the job market, weather and outdoor recreation. Spokane also made the list at #52. Money’s “Best Small Cities in the Country” report noted Snoqualmie as the only Washington State city to make their list. Money likes Bellingham and Richland and as retirement destinations.

Thinking of retiring overseas? InternationalLiving.com suggests that Panama is the best place to retire in 2016, with Equador coming in second. Costa Rica, Ireland, Roatán (an island in the Caribbean) and Koh Samui (the second largest island in Thailand) were also listed. Malaysia came in first for an Asian country and Spain was listed as the best country in Europe for retirees. Their other European suggestions include Malta, Portugal and southern France. For retirees looking for somewhere to live comfortably on a modest Social Security check, InternationalLiving. com suggests Cambodia. Other low-cost living suggestions include Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Columbia. For more information on international retirement destinations, visit www. InternationalLiving.com.

Seattle, a perennial favorite on “Best Places” lists, was noted by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most desirable places to live in the country, and AARP called Seattle one of the nation’s most livable places for people over 50. Photo courtesy VisitSeattle.org

Choosing a Retirement Destination

Each organization uses its own criteria to select best places to retire. Many consider living and housing costs, how tax structures impact retirees, weather, doctor and hospital availability, crime rates, outdoor recreation such as walking and biking trails, cultural richness, as well as educational, volunteer and employment opportunities. Perhaps consider if the area is prone to natural disasters and if it has a safe and adequate water supply.

Organizations like AARP and the National Council on Aging advise looking at how your home is designed and if your community can support you as you age (does it have a senior center, transportation, health and other programs for seniors?) rather than prioritizing climate, cultural and recreational opportunities. And, they say, take a comprehensive look at what makes your life enjoyable and satisfying— factors that rankings can’t quantify. Cost and proximity to family remain the top considerations.

Wherever your retirement takes you, we wish you health and happiness.