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Home ยป 55+ ยป The 10 Best Places to Retire in Washington in 2021

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 enthusiastโ€™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

river near aberdeen washingotn

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 Washingtonโ€™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 thereโ€™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 cityโ€™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 itโ€™s home to many wineries. For great produce โ€“ to help you stay healthy in your golden years โ€“ be sure to stop by Billโ€™s Berry Farm.

4. Kelso

lake sacajawea in kelso, washington

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, Kelsoโ€™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

misty morning in shelton, washington

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

sunset over moses lake, washington

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 localsโ€™ favorite spots to connect with nature. Retirees who are looking to get outdoors will love Moses Lake. 

8. Yakima

yakima, washington

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, Medicareโ€™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.

Other Washington Resources

Top 10 State Parks in Washington
2022 Healthiest States to Live In
Best Tiny Home Builders in Washington
The 10 Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Allergies
Top 5 Best Places to Live in Washington
How to Build a House in Washington
2022 Most Affordable Cities in Washington
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Washington State
Best Suburbs Near Seattle, Washington
Moving To Seattle? Our Relocation Guide Will Help
Drew Port

Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.

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