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. 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 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.
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 cityโs 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 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.
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, Kelsoโs 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 localsโ 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
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
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.
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.