The 10 Best Places to Retire in Washington in 2023

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. Hoquiam

2. Union Gap

3. Sunnyside

4. Grandview

5. Clarkston

6. Toppenish

7. Aberdeen

8. Ephrata

9. Centralia

10. Airway Heights

1. Hoquiam

marina in Grays Harbor County, Washington

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. You’ll never get bored when you spend your golden years in Hoquiam.

2. Union Gap

a covered wagon in Union Gap, Washington

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 Washington’s 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 “wine down” at the area’s 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 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.

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 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.

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 area’s 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, “Where the West still lives.” 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 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.

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 it’s 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 can’t go wrong retiring in Airway Heights.

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.