The 10 Best Places to Retire in Washington in 2021

Benton Franklin Intercounty Bridge over the Columbia River in Kennewick, Washington.

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 enthusiast’s 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

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Top 10 Cities to Retire in Washington State

1. Aberdeen

2. Sunnyside

3. Grandview

4. Kelso

5. Centralia

6. Shelton

7. Moses Lake

8. Yakima

9. Longview

10. Spokane

1. Aberdeen

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%

Median Home Value: $124,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 73

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 681

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3

Aberdeen is rated Washington’s 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 there’s easy access to the water. Visit Bottle Beach State Park, one of the best spots in the Pacific Northwest, to observe seasonal migratory shorebirds.

2. Sunnyside

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 8.3%

Median Home Value: $129,400

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 27

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 595

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3

Retirees who are looking for a small, hometown feel will love Sunnyside. Whether you want to explore the city’s unique history, relax in one of the many parks, go wine tasting, or feast on delicious seafood, Sunnyside has something everyone can enjoy.

3. Grandview

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 8%

Median Home Value: $145,400

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 13

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 240

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3

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 it’s home to many wineries. For great produce – to help you stay healthy in your golden years – be sure to stop by Bill’s Berry Farm.

4. Kelso

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.4%

Median Home Value: $148,100

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 392

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1

Kelso is a small town that has everything one could need. Retirees can spend their days exploring parks, eating delicious cuisines, or watching a movie at the local theatre. Additionally, Kelso’s Farmers Market is a popular spot for locals. Mark your calendar; it happens on the fourth Saturday of every month.

5. Centralia

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.9%

Median Home Value: $157,300

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 60

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 670

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4

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.

6. Shelton

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.5%

Median Home Value: $162,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 55

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 600

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6

Retirees who are looking for a great community that is packed with incredible nature spots will love Shelton. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, which draws local outdoors to drink in the breathtaking views. Residents enjoy golfing, hiking and/or swimming and a friendly, welcoming community. Shelton really does have it all.

7. Moses Lake

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14%

Median Home Value: $164,700

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 76

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 962

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3

Moses Lake has over 120 miles of shoreline and is a huge hotspot for boating, camping, swimming, and fishing. Blue Heron Park, The Links at Moses Point, and Potholes State Park are some of the locals’ favorite spots to connect with nature. Retirees who are looking to get outdoors will love Moses Lake.

8. Yakima

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15%

Median Home Value: $173,000

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 444

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,024

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2

Yakima is a city in Washington that is perfect for adventure lovers. Retirees can spend their days skiing, mountain biking, road biking, hiking and even camping in Yakima. Additionally, the wine and craft beer in Yakima is well known and something the locals rave about, so make sure to give it a try. Whether you are an outdoor lover, wine lover, or health food fanatic, we are sure Yakima will have something for you.

9. Longview

panorama of skyline in longview, washington

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.2%

Median Home Value: $190,400

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 101

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,102

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1

Longview is located on Lake Sacajawea and provides residents with scenic places to go walking, running, biking and/or fishing. The vibrant gardens that surround Longview make the small town an enjoyable, outdoor experience for locals.

10. Spokane

Bridge over the Spokane River in Spokane, Washington.

Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.3%

Median Home Value: $187,600

Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1.520

Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 13,048

Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 9

Retirees wanting a lively city with various activities must come to Spokane. Not only does Spokane have beautiful landscapes, but it also has a massive food-centric culture. On top of that, it offers incredible entertainment and sightseeing. Since Spokane is close to the Canadian border, you will enjoy diverse backgrounds and even more activities.

city name	people over 65	violent crimes	property crimes	access to doctors	median home price
Aberdeen	15.80%	73.00	681.00	3	$124,300
Seattle	12.40%	4,491.00	34,966.00	28	$663,100
Spokane	15.30%	1,520.00	13,048.00	9	$187,600
Tacoma	13.00%	1,864.00	11,577.00	20	$277,900
Vancouver	15.90%	889.00	5,998.00	19	$286,500
Bellevue	13.90%	185.00	4,266.00	26	$809,200
Kent	11.10%	486.00	5,203.00	31	$346,400
Everett	12.50%	341.00	3,994.00	12	$322,700
Renton	11.20%	325.00	4,184.00	30	$400,500
Spokane Valley	16.60%	311.00	4,465.00	10	$204,700
Federal Way	13.10%	330.00	4,166.00	27	$328,800
Yakima	15.00%	444.00	3,024.00	2	$173,000
Bellingham	14.90%	255.00	2,788.00	4	$374,700
Kirkland	13.10%	99.00	1,905.00	24	$662,300
Kennewick	13.50%	253.00	2,487.00	4	$215,500
Auburn	11.10%	337.00	3,007.00	27	$327,200
Pasco	8.50%	157.00	1,220.00	4	$199,400
Marysville	12.70%	144.00	1,406.00	7	$325,300
Redmond	10.80%	71.00	1,848.00	23	$703,000
Sammamish	8.00%	23.00	405.00	23	$830,000
Lakewood	15.40%	466.00	2,341.00	17	$269,200
Richland	16.20%	100.00	1,199.00	5	$263,500
Shoreline	18.40%	95.00	1,105.00	22	$519,900
Olympia	17.50%	256.00	1,884.00	8	$297,200
Burien	13.70%	180.00	1,745.00	31	$380,300
Lacey	16.50%	105.00	1,436.00	10	$262,500
Bothell	13.60%	30.00	965.00	22	$530,300
Edmonds	21.80%	87.00	910.00	21	$536,900
Puyallup	16.10%	136.00	2,218.00	16	$329,000
Bremerton	13.60%	168.00	1,360.00	18	$238,600
Issaquah	13.10%	20.00	1,139.00	25	$642,300
Lynnwood	16.50%	113.00	1,856.00	21	$395,300
Longview	21.20%	101.00	1,102.00	1	$190,400
Mount Vernon	17.20%	59.00	1,151.00	7	$269,100
Wenatchee	16.40%	62.00	638.00	4	$253,600
Pullman	5.60%	50.00	320.00	5	$272,400
University Place	16.70%	90.00	566.00	18	$367,200
Lake Stevens	9.60%	44.00	285.00	8	$356,900
Walla Walla	16.90%	114.00	1,052.00	2	$203,500
Des Moines	16.80%	86.00	1,007.00	30	$359,100
SeaTac	12.00%	130.00	1,098.00	31	$321,300
Maple Valley	8.30%	15.00	311.00	26	$414,400
Mercer Island	20.40%	8.00	371.00	28	$1,218,200
Bainbridge Island	25.70%	10.00	227.00	20	$705,400
Moses Lake	14.00%	76.00	962.00	3	$164,700
Camas	11.90%	10.00	221.00	17	$441,400
Tumwater	14.30%	73.00	648.00	7	$286,700
Oak Harbor	11.40%	31.00	134.00	7	$277,500
Kenmore	14.10%	18.00	242.00	23	$572,900
Mukilteo	16.10%	22.00	352.00	16	$582,700
Mountlake Terrace	12.60%	37.00	467.00	23	$392,600
Covington	10.80%	36.00	582.00	29	$357,300
Bonney Lake	10.40%	37.00	379.00	15	$331,200
Mill Creek	15.80%	17.00	291.00	19	$536,800
Ellensburg	10.00%	45.00	745.00	1	$234,000
Battle Ground	9.90%	17.00	444.00	15	$234,000
Tukwila	10.60%	158.00	3,350.00	31	$315,000
Port Angeles	21.30%	117.00	721.00	1	$217,100
Arlington	13.70%	47.00	704.00	6	$323,200
Monroe	7.80%	58.00	560.00	18	$357,000
Centralia	18.90%	60.00	670.00	4	$157,300
Anacortes	27.40%	22.00	393.00	7	$406,400
Sunnyside	8.30%	27.00	595.00	3	$129,400
Washougal	14.20%	24.00	235.00	17	$325,500
West Richland	10.40%	15.00	103.00	5	$270,500
Lynden	20.30%	14.00	264.00	1	$348,100
Port Orchard	14.90%	66.00	493.00	25	$324,200
Ferndale	13.80%	16.00	288.00	2	$300,600
East Wenatchee	14.40%	8.00	192.00	4	$274,800
Snoqualmie	6.60%	6.00	170.00	22	$610,700
Lake Forest Park	18.60%	3.00	196.00	22	$623,500
Woodinville	14.20%	10.00	270.00	22	$623,600
Cheney	7.30%	39.00	242.00	8	$203,500
Kelso	13.40%	33.00	392.00	1	$148,100
Sedro-Woolley	13.00%	12.00	222.00	6	$244,000
Enumclaw	15.50%	6.00	208.00	16	$299,000
Newcastle	11.90%	10.00	196.00	29	$759,500
Edgewood	16.30%	24.00	212.00	22	$409,100
Grandview	8.00%	13.00	240.00	3	$145,400
Poulsbo	21.60%	19.00	266.00	18	$360,200
Liberty Lake	13.90%	97.00	1,217.00	9	$286,200
Gig Harbor	24.60%	14.00	454.00	23	$475,400
Shelton	15.50%	55.00	600.00	6	$162,700
Snohomish	14.40%	24.00	241.00	16	$366,500
Sumner	15.30%	34.00	458.00	18	$333,000
Fife	7.40%	78.00	671.00	17	$288,500
city name	people over 65	violent crimes	property crimes	access to doctors	median home price

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s 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.