Welcome to Washington, where the coffee is strong, the air is fresh, and retirement dreams flirt with affordability. Whether you're eyeing chill coastal vibes, sunny desert temps, this video is going to explore the top seven retirement towns in the Evergreen State. We're talking cost comparisons, weather corks, lifestyle vibes, and yes, we'll sprinkle in a little humor to keep things lively.
So, let's have at it. Let's start with the good news. No state income tax.
That's right. Your pension, 401ks, and social security all comes through untaxed by the state. Property tax hover right around.
85%. And while sales tax creeps up between 8 and 10% depending on the area you live, it's still relatively a bargain compared to a lot of states. The trade-off?
Well, the weather varies widely. The east side of the mountains has a semi-air, dry climate, while the west side is chill and misty. So, pick your paradise wisely.
First on our list is Squim, Washington. Squim is kind of an anomaly. It boasts as the driest spot in Western Washington.
It gets only 17 to 20 ines of rain annually, thanks to the Olympic Mountains and the Olympic rain shadow. Expect summers in the mid70s and mild winters with minimal snow. Homes range between 435,000 to 540,000.
Of course, there's homes more than that, but that's the good majority of your range. And the cost of living is about 25% above the national average. But think lavender festivals, local cafes, and a retirement crowd.
About 65% of the population is over the age of 45. If you're tired of winter gloom, but still want Pacific Northwest charm, Squim is your jackpot. Next on the list is Walaw Wala.
Wine lovers rejoice. Walaw Wala is the tasting room paradise with over 130 wineries, an artistry downtown, and a box office ready small town vibe. The population sits right around 32,000 with a median home value right around 475,000.
Residents enjoy hot summers, crisp winters, and moderate living costs. It's cheaper than the coastal Washington, but you're still close enough for an adventure. If you're retirement goals include wine sipping and gallery hopping, well, Walaw Wala is your playground.
Next up is Wachi, Washington. Say hello to the Apple Capital turned retirement hot spot. With a little bit more than 120,000 residents, Wachi delivers a semi-air climate.
Hot, dry summers, uh, somewhere around the 80 and 90° temperature and cold winters dipping into the 20s and 30s. You'll experience around 27 in of snow and 9 in of rain annually. The cost of living is about 7% higher than the national average, but is still much lower than the coastal side of Washington.
Home prices in Wanachi hover right around 500,000. Utilities are a delight, about 19% cheaper than the average thanks to the local power district, but transportation and healthcare can sting a little bit. The town also sports solid hospitals and lots of senior communities, a low crime rate, and very easy access to the outdoors.
If you want sunshine, affordability, and community without the blue state prices, well, WACI is a big hitter. Next, we're going back out to the coast and we're visiting Port Townsen. Fort Townsen feels like a step into a heritage movie with there's Victorian homes, maritime festivals, artists, and they only get around 19 in of rain thanks to the Olympic rain shadow.
The population hovers right around 10,000 and the median home price sits at 600,000. Your monthly living cost is going to be right around $3,800. It's not cheap, but your extras include seaside scenery, gallery strolling, and yearround creative energy.
Retire here if charm and coastal breeze fills your soul. Hey, if you're new to the channel, by the way, I'm Amanda Dolman, your local central Washington realer. And if you find yourself looking for more sunshine and want to retire in central Washington, I would love to help you out.
Just fill out the form in the description of this video and I will get back to you shortly. Okay, now we're headed to Gig Harbor. If your vibe is boating, brunches, and waterfront living, Gig Harbor delivers.
With about 12,000 residents, home prices average right around $800,000, and your monthly budget is going to be about $4,500. The proximity to SeaTac and Tacoma means easy health care and urban excursions, but you still get to enjoy the small town charm. The weather stays mild and wet.
Thank me time coastal weather. In Gig Harbor, beaches, parks, and boating clubs are all yours if you're willing to pay the price tag. Next, we're headed to the far east of the state to Spokane.
Meet the inside out Portland of Washington, if you will. Spokane boasts home price right around $420,000. And your monthly budget is probably going to be under $3,200.
There is plenty of sunshine and about 260 days a year of it to fuel those daily adventures. The city blends robust healthcare, riverfront parks, trails, golf courses with tight housing costs. It's a little wintry, but manageable.
It's not really a downside if you enjoy all four season living. Whether strolling downtown or hiking nearby, Spokane is retirement on budget, but never boring. If you really want to open up your pocketbook, look at Banebridge Island.
For a fairybased retirement on Banebridge Island, it's a quick ride from Seattle. It's scenic, walkable, very artistic, and socially vibrant. You'll need a healthy budget.
Homes are definitely premium and monthly costs reflect luxury, but the perks include stellar community events, forested trails, beach access, but you will have to commute to Seattle by ferry. Bainbridge is ideal for those who want nature, culture, and across the water Seattle access. You just need to have the income that matches the lifestyle.
Here's our bonus round. It's quiet, budget friendly, and for those who want to live, very remote. OMAC is hidden away in North Central Washington.
OMAC is a no thrills, ultraaf affordable surprise. The median household cost is $284,000. And OMAC made Investopedia's retirement town short list.
It's rural, it's quiet, it's quaint, and perfect if you'd rather walking trails than traffic jams. Think small town with open skies, low cost, and abundance of public land. I like to refer to OMAC as the Montana of Washington.
So, which one of these towns suits your retirement needs? Is it Spokane or OMAC for affordability? Squim or Wache for sunshine and moderate costs?
Walawala for wine lovers? Port Townsen for coastal artistry? Gig Harbor or Bay Bridge for luxury with waterfront flare?
all offers great healthc care, community, and Pacific Northwest vibes. Just pick your budget, weather, and vibe. Thank you so much for joining me this week.
I am Amanda Dolman.
