Retiring in Washington means unlimited access to all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, especially striking mountain ranges. The Evergreen State is a nature enthusiastโs paradise, and you will always find tons of activities. Additionally, there are thriving cities throughout Washington meaning you get the best of both worlds.
NewHomeSource found the top 10 cities for retirees in Washington. Explore these thriving areas, perfect for people who want to make the most of their newfound freedom and escape the tedium that occurred when they worked all those years in the office.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Washington State
1. Hoquiam
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 23.2%
Median Home Value: $135,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 1.53
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 31.64
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 98
Hoquiam can give you the best of the best retired life in Washington State, without the Seattle price tag. This beautiful Grays Harbor County town features sublime scenery and hiking, charming historic museums, funky breweries, and exciting art spaces. Youโll never get bored when you spend your golden years in Hoquiam.
2. Union Gap
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.3%
Median Home Value: $140,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 2.43
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 94.12
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 160
Union Gap is a great town for retirees who to stay active and engaged during their golden years. This vibrant frontier town in Yakima County has convenient parks that make connecting with Washingtonโs striking scenery easy and fun. Local history museums cover topics as wide ranging as agriculture and aviation. At the end of a fun day, you can โwine downโ at the areaโs local wineries.
3. Sunnyside
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 9.4%
Median Home Value: $152,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 1.43
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 32.07
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 160
Retirees who are looking for a small, hometown feel will love Sunnyside. Whether you want to explore the cityโs unique history, relax in one of the many parks, go wine tasting, or feast on delicious seafood, Sunnyside has something everyone can enjoy.
4. Grandview
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 7%
Median Home Value: $155,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 0.90
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 18.25
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 160
Those who are looking for a close-knit community will love Grandview. The population is only about 10,000 and everyone knows everyone. It may be a small town but itโs home to many wineries. For great produce โ to help you stay healthy in your golden years โ be sure to stop by Billโs Berry Farm.
5. Clarkston
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.9%
Median Home Value: $157,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 2.29
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 46.11
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 213
You can make the most of your retirement when you live in Clarkston. This beautiful Washington town has something for every type of retiree. Nature lovers can take boat tours of the areaโs many lakes, or simply spend their days fishing and hiking. Numerous local breweries and wineries let you enjoy a different kind of natural bounty. A cute downtown makes shopping easy and fun.
6. Toppenish
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.6%
Median Home Value: $159,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 6.08
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 60.88
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 160
If you think your retirement is the perfect time to set out on an adventure, then head on over to Toppenish, a delightful town in Yakima County, โWhere the West still lives.โ A well preserved historic downtown blends seamlessly with a sublime natural setting, perfect for active adults who view retirement as a chance to explore.
7. Aberdeen
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.7%
Median Home Value: $162,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 4.27
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 40.90
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 98
Aberdeen is rated Washingtonโs best city to retire in! Those looking for a small town with a big fishing culture will love Aderdeen. There are many rivers located throughout the city which means thereโs easy access to the water. Visit Bottle Beach State Park, one of the best spots in the Pacific Northwest, to observe seasonal migratory shorebirds.
8. Ephrata
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.3%
Median Home Value: $175,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 2.06
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 47.74
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 75
Ephrata is a beautiful town in central Washington. Retirees can invest in a safe and affordable place to spend their golden years, in a town that embraces itโs frontier spirit. There truly is something for everyone in Grant County from stunning scenery to fun places to visit. When you retire in Ephrata, you can enjoy easy access to the beautiful Lake Lenore, the Wild Horse Monument, and the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center.
9. Centralia
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.7%
Median Home Value: $183,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 3.41
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 38.06
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 104
Centralia is ideal for retirees who are looking for very affordable options. In fact, the housing in Centralia is 70 percent cheaper than the rest of Washington. The Historic Downtown District is the vibrant part of the city. This means locals typically spend their days shopping at the many boutiques and antique shops, admiring the architecture and murals, or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the family-owned restaurants and cafes.
10. Airway Heights
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 8.75%
Median Home Value: $200,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes Per 1000 People: 2.830
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes Per 1000 People: 42.74
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 241
Airway Heights is a charming prairie town in eastern Washington. Nature loving retirees have easy access to truly beautiful scenery. At Palisades Park you can explore your new home and maybe spot a moose! If you love small town living, and want to enjoy a slowed down pace of life you canโt go wrong retiring in Airway Heights.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicareโs Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city.
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Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.