When people think about Washington, they usually think of Seattle, the skyline, Space Needle, Mariners losing in the playoffs potentially. They think of coffee. Really, a lot of charm and IPAs that are horrible to drink and that don't taste good.
It's just my opinion. >> But when it comes to retirement, you may be surprised that there are some fantastic cities that have a little bit more than just coffee or bad IPAs. Some offer more sunshine than Los Angeles.
Some make you feel like you're in a Scandinavian town. Some you will feel like you are living in a resort all year round. So today we are counting down the top eight.
I didn't get that right. The top eight best cities to retire in in Washington in 2025. We'll show you some hidden gems with unbeatable weather, some amazing waterfront views, and some vibrant cultural hubs where staying active and social is effortless.
We're Joe and Charity with the Live Well Home Group and we help people just like you every week who are considering moving to the great Pacific Northwest. Let's jump in. >> And we're going to start with a place that shatters every Washington state stereotype, especially on the western side, and that is a place that gets less rain than LA.
Now, thanks to the Olympic rain shadow effect, Squim actually gets only 16 in of rain per year. That is actually less than LA. So, if you're thinking, I would like some dry weather, but I'd like to be on the western side, this might be a spot you wouldn't consider.
>> And if golfing is important to you, then just think of how many days you have in retirement golfing at Sunland Resort. In Squam, you will wake up to sunshine almost every day. Stroll through the beautiful lavender fields, golf at Sunland Golf Club.
What could be better in retirement than that? Healthcare is always important in retirement. So, you'll be glad to know that Olympic Medical Center is highly regarded throughout the region.
And for social activities besides golf, you will find pickle ball leagues, which are also important right now, outdoor clubs and active garden clubs, and so many other ways to spend your time in retirement. >> The great news is even with all those retirement amenities, it is not expensive comparatively to other towns in the Northwest. The average price is between 450,000 to 550,000.
And if you know anything about Seattle, that is less than half the cost. >> Well, Squim offers tons of sunshine. This next town is going to surprise you with their unique Scandinavian charm.
>> So, when I think of Scandinavian culture, I'm thinking of Vikings. I'm thinking of someone with a big beard, braided hair, and a big hatchet in his hand. What's great is people like that don't wander around this town very often >> or at Paul.
But when you come into the town, you actually are greeted by a giant wooden Viking. So that fits that description. >> It does.
Far safer. >> Paula feels like stepping into a Norwegian village filled with Scandinavian charm and one fantastic Scandinavian bakery which always has a line no matter what time of day it is. >> And it's worth it.
>> It is worth it. >> There are so many quaint shops and they are all themed in a Scandinavian style. So you get to step back into history or maybe like you're on the other side of the world when you're there.
>> Yeah, it's their Christmas season is to die for. It is one of those things that we go up and spend a day to have coffee and lunch and kind of meander around and get some items crossed off of our Christmas list. So it is really a wonderful place to spend a day >> and it is right along the water.
So really gorgeous setting. Have some amazing sunsets right over the water. A really lovely place to walk around.
There's beautiful parks when you're done walking through the shops. And we can just go ahead and walk over to the water. Look at all the amazing boats as well.
Harrison Medical Center offers great local care. And if you need something more specialized, you can jump on a ferry and get right over to Seattle without the need to even worry about parking on the other side. And for other things to do, you're going to have active community groups, senior center, and of course, don't forget you've got the water right there.
So get out on the water, no matter what size boat you're in. Now, the price point of houses in this area is between 500 and 700,000. Now, if you're wanting to have a waterfront or water view, expect to pay a little bit more, and depending on that, it could be significantly more than that.
However, because of the charm of the community, this is definitely a spot that you'd want to consider. >> Norwegian charm is great, but maybe you want something that isn't quite so themed out. So, we're going to take you next to an island that has its own sense of charm.
Now, Bashon Island is very unique and very special. It attracts environmentally conscious people, creative, independent thinkers. It is has its own unique vibe and I love it.
This isn't your typical retirement destination. There isn't any big box stores, any chain restaurants. This is local, creative, environmentally conscious, wonderful people that love the Northwest.
So, if you're into that, this might be your place. But you don't have to worry about being completely isolated from some of the larger amenities because it's only a very very short ferry ride over to Tacoma or over to Seattle. So you've got everything basically at your fingertips.
On the island itself, you've got beautiful beaches, forested trails, organic farms, cultural heritage sites, community involvement groups. This is an area you can move to and really get to know the people around you because of how much community involvement there is. The Strong Arts community offers galleries, regular studio tours, opportunities to learn to do new art.
Joe and I love going over there just to visit all the things going on with the art scene on Vashon Island. Because it is so small, you're not going to have any hospitals, but you are going to have very quick access, as we mentioned, on the ferry to get over to Tacoma or Seattle. So, you are really located in a great spot to get wonderful medical care.
>> Now, the prices of homes in this area are going to range from around 600,000 on the low end to 800,000 in that range. And if you want a water view or on the water, expect to pay significantly more than that average price point. However, the charm is throughout the area and you're going to find wonderful homes that are kind of more embedded in trees and feel nestled in.
Both vibes are there for you to consider and to explore. Now, island living and creative culture might not be exactly what you're looking for, but you still want to be on the water, then you are going to love our next destination. >> Gig Harbor is one of my favorite places.
It consistently ranks as one of the top places to retire in Washington State, and for a very good reason. >> The pictures harbor creates a daily backdrop that never Oh, it is perfect for going on strolls. Right in that area of downtown, you have wonderful shops and restaurants, coffee shops, and so much to do when you just want to get out and stroll every lovely morning of your retirement.
>> There are year round events that happen down around the harbor that you're going to want to participate in that really do fill up your schedule. >> There are events that happen at Christmas time. There are several events that happen over the summer.
There are there's music in the park right down there at the harbor that's happening all summer long. There's so many things going on and so many ways to connect with others in your community. >> In fact, this past summer, we went out to their art walk and I was astonished on how amazing some of the local artists were.
Now, it wasn't just specific local artists. Some of them came from around the region, but the talent level was really amazing to me. >> Yeah, it was the highest quality art that we had seen all in one place.
We go to most of the art walks that are in the areas around here and this one was by far the best and we wanted to take so many items home. >> We didn't but we wanted to. >> So if you want to get outdoors in this area, it's also an ideal location.
There are beautiful parks all throughout that give you beach access that give you wonderful views of Mount Reineer and the harbor and the water itself. You can jump on a charter boat. You can jump on kayaks, paddle boards.
You can also get in a gondola which is very unique. I have never seen one in another place other than in Venice. So, you have so many things to do right there on the water as well.
>> And of course, you're just a short drive across the bridge over to Tacoma for other excellent medical care services. The prices of homes in the Gig Harbor area are around the 7 to 900,000. And if you want a water view or on the water, expect to pay significantly more than that average price point.
>> Yeah, we just saw a house that was listed that was 7. 5 million and it was really cool. It was in the shape of an S and had glass everywhere.
There are some really amazing properties on the water here. >> It's very charming. >> Harbor views are fantastic, but let's take you to another island that has similar upscale feel as Gig Harbor, and that is Banebridge Island.
>> Now, Baybridge Island to me provides the most sophisticated island retirement living in all of Washington. I say that because it provides small town community intimacy with big city cultural access. In fact, there are quite a few people that live on Bainbridge Island that work in Seattle and they just take the ferry to commute every day.
So, it really is a convenient location if you like to get into Seattle and enjoy all the big city things, but still have this very nice, quaint, small island life. You may not always feel like jumping on the ferry, so you'll be glad to know that the community itself has an exceptionally strong art scene with local museums, galleries, and cultural events that are going on throughout the year. On top of that, there's garden clubs, civic event clubs, cultural clubs, and so many things to get involved with when you are spending your time in retirement.
And the natural beauty of this island is amazing with beautiful forested areas, waterfront views, and just a place that feels like you are really part of the Pacific Northwest. Price point is going to be somewhere around 800,000 to 1. 2 in the average.
And once again, if you're on the water or with an amazing view in a large home, and that price is going to go up significantly. >> We understand Island Living is not for everybody. So, we are going to take you next to State Capital, Olympia.
They have a very unique offering for all those heading into retirement. And because it's a state capital, it provides residents with cultural richness and civic engagement activities. Because it's also a college town with Evergreen State College, there are opportunities in retirement to take classes.
In fact, I just had a retiree talk to me specifically about wanting to move to a city in Washington state that is stimulated by the educational environment. So, there are opportunities whether you're enrolled in school or not to engage in some of the activities and lectures that they provide. >> Some of the things that we really love about it is its location.
It is conveniently located both to Portland and Seattle, basically being in the middle between the two. And if you're into outdoor activities, there are so many things for you. There are great trails within the city limits as well as access conveniently to you like Mount Reineer or the Olympic Peninsula.
Other things that we love about it is access to water. So, if you're into kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, all of those are conveniently located throughout the area. >> One of the most unique things about Olympia is its art scene.
Now, we've talked about the art scene in all the areas, but this one is a very earthy art scene. In fact, they have what's called the procession of the species, and you can look that up. It's where people spend six weeks making these elaborate costumes that portray what they feel about the environment and then everybody goes on this parade and it is beautiful and amazing what people create.
It's so fantastic. So, if you want to be in a community that you can get involved in something like this, this would be a great place for you as well. You'll also be happy to know that the healthc care in this area is fantastic.
We've got Providence St. Peters Hospital and Capitol Medical Center as well as many specialty clinics throughout the region. There are two wonderful retirement communities, Ovation at Oak Tree as well as Jubilee.
>> So, if you're looking for a 55 plus community where you have everything provided for you, clubhouse, swimming pool, classes, and a way to connect with people, Olympia actually for the size of town has more 55 plus communities than any other area in the region. So, this could be a spot if that's important to you. >> Now, the prices homes in the area are going to range from 450 to 750,000.
And if you want to be on the water or water view, expect to pay a little bit more for that. But also be aware that there are very good values for that in this area. In fact, we observe that Olympia has some of the most affordable waterfront and waterview homes in the South Puget Sound area.
>> Capital City is great. There's a lot going on, but you may want something that's a little bit smaller and makes you feel like you are living in antique world. >> Now, Port Townsen has Victorian charm throughout the community.
You will see these beautiful 19th century Victorian houses and shops downtown and you are right along the seapport. So you have this charm up on the hillside and this beauty out in front of you. It is really a stunning place to live.
>> There is a thriving arts community in this region and that encompasses art galleries, writing groups, music venues as well as maritime festivities. >> Strolling through downtown is always enjoyable. There are so many quaint shops and you've got the water view the entire time when you're strolling.
Even if you don't choose to retire in this town, you'll definitely want to visit a couple times a year. >> Now, for outdoor activities, Fort Warden State Park is beautiful. Beaches and trail along the water for your enjoyment.
And because of its location, it is very convenient to explore the Olympic National Forest. >> So, finding things here to do is definitely not a problem. So, if that all sounds great and you want to live here, what are the prices?
Well, they are about 550,000 to 750,000. And remember, you're probably going to get a very old house and it might be fixed up and it might not. So, keep that in mind.
Now, there are some newer homes available, but overall, there is a lot of Victorian charm when it comes to living here. Now, there's going to also be more expensive houses if you have one of those Waterview properties. >> What is also great about this community is Jefferson Healthcare is highly rated for its care for seniors.
Historic Charm offers a great backdrop for retirement living. But if you want the ultimate resort style living, then we are going to take you next to Port Lelo. What makes Port Lelo unique is its resort style plan communities with over 100 community clubs and organizations, its championship 18hole golf course, its 300 slip marina, and you'll find everything from hiking to sailing groups to art groups and everything in between.
And on top of that, you've got two community centers which provide pools, fitness opportunities, and restaurants. >> There's also views obviously of Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains behind you. So, it has so much going on as far as the scenery.
Along with that scenery comes outdoor activities. There are over 30 m of bike and walking trails in the community. As well as at the marina, there's a yacht club as well as maritime activities.
So there is lots going on from kayaking, paddle boarding, getting on your boat, whatever you're looking for, there's a great option for you >> and you're not far from the Olympic National Forest as well. So so many things to do indoors and outdoors in Port Lelo. >> And as we mentioned with Port Townsen, Jefferson Healthc Care provides wonderful services for seniors.
Now, the prices of homes in this area are going to range from 600,000 to well over a million dollars. It really is going to depend upon what the ideal home for your retirement looks like. So, we've taken you all over the South Puget Sound area to discover which place is going to be best for you to land when you retire.
From small, quaint Victorian or Scandinavian towns to islands to bigger capital cities, we've shown you it all. We are Joe and Charity with the LiveWell Home Group. And if anything here has sparked your interest and you want to know more about it, feel free to leave us a comment or just reach out to us on the number below.
And if you've enjoyed this video, keep watching because in our next video, do not retire here until Knowing This, we're going to give you the costs, challenges, and other things you want to know before choosing your retirement destination.
