You’re not the only one who wants a peaceful yet active retirement close to the busy city of Seattle. Many retirees are looking for the perfect place to enjoy their golden years with access to natural beauty, top-notch healthcare, and vibrant communities. But there are so many great options that it can be hard to choose the right one. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best places to retire near Seattle that offer a mix of comfort, affordability, and hours of fun. Whether you’re looking for a cozy small town or a beautiful island, these places have something for everyone.
Remember These Things Before Choosing a Retirement Location
Before looking at specific locations, it’s important to understand what factors make a place ideal for retirement. When choosing a place to settle down, retirees often consider the following:
1. Cost of living
Retirees usually have a fixed income, making it very important to keep track of their expenses. The cost of living in the place where you want to retire will have a direct impact on your finances and quality of life.
What to Look For:
Housing costs: Evaluate the area’s real estate market. Look for areas where housing prices are in line with your budget, whether you’re considering buying or renting a home.
Utility bills and taxes: Research any additional costs, such as property taxes, utility rates and homeowners association fees. Some places may offer tax perks or lower energy costs for retirees.
General living costs: See how much it costs for things like food, transportation, medical care and fun things to do. Some cities may offer more affordable options for daily living expenses.
Example: Areas like Snoqualmie may have a lower cost of living than larger areas like Bellevue, which can be helpful in stretching a retirement budget.
2. Access to healthcare
As we age, access to quality healthcare becomes more important. Proximity to hospitals, doctors, and senior care services is essential.
What to Look For:
Local hospitals and clinics: Make sure there are hospitals and medical centers nearby that people trust. Find out how they are rated and what services they offer.
Specialty care: Think about whether the area has access to specialty care like cardiology, orthopedics or services for older people.
Senior services: Look for senior centers, home health services and support groups in your area that are specifically for older people.
Example: Bellevue offers access to top-tier healthcare facilities like Overlake Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente, which offer comprehensive care for retirees.
3. Amenities and recreation
Many retirees want to stay active, enjoy hobbies, and engage with the community. Look for areas with parks, cultural events, social groups, and outdoor activities.
What to Look For:
Parks and outdoor activities: Look for parks, walking trails, and recreation areas that are nearby. Living close to nature and outdoor activities can improve your life
Cultural and social activities: Find out what cultural events, community centers, arts venues, and social groups are in the area. Participating in local events and hobbies can give you a sense of community and purpose.
Shopping and dining: Think about the variety and proximity of shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes. Having plenty of options for eating and shopping can make your life more enjoyable.
Example: Edmonds has a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries, theater performances, and festivals, giving retirees plenty of opportunities to stay active and involved.
4. Climate
The Seattle area is known for its mild but rainy climate. Some areas around Seattle may have less rain, more sunshine or different temperatures, which may influence your decision.
What to Look For:
Weather: Find out what the average temperature and rainfall is in the area. Some retirees may like a hot, dry climate, while others may prefer a cool, wet climate.
Seasonal changes: Find out how the weather changes throughout the year. Places with mild winters and pleasant summers may be comfortable all year round.
Climate’s effect on health: Think about how the local climate may affect any health conditions you may have. For example, a climate that is too humid or dry may make it difficult to breathe or move your joints.
Example: while Seattle is known for its rainy weather, nearby cities like Gig Harbor or Anacortes may have slightly different weather patterns, which may be better for some retirees.
5. Proximity to family and Seattle
Some retirees want to be close to family or enjoy easy access to the city. Proximity to Seattle’s international airport, dining, shopping and cultural activities can also be a big advantage.
What to Look For:
Travel accessibility: Consider how easy it is to get to and from Seattle. Look for areas that have easy transportation options, such as major highways or public transportation.
Proximity to family: Think about how close your friends and family are to the area. Being close to loved ones can improve your support network and social life.
City amenities: Find out how easy it is to access Seattle’s shopping, dining, cultural events, and international travel options.
By keeping these criteria in mind, let’s explore the top places to retire near Seattle that check all the boxes.
Top 5 Best Places to Retire Near Seattle
1. Bellevue
If you prefer urban ease and proximity to high-end services, Bellevue is one of the best places to retire near Seattle. Known for its modern feel and vibrant downtown, Bellevue offers retirees world-class healthcare, dining, shopping, and more.
Why Retire Here?
- Access to Healthcare: Bellevue has some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the area. Retirees will have no trouble finding top-notch healthcare here.
- Upscale Amenities: Downtown Bellevue is filled with high-end restaurants, shops, and cultural events. From art galleries to theaters, there’s a lot to enjoy here.
- Parks and Recreation: Bellevue is a city, but it’s also full of greenery. There are plenty of parks, walking trails, and waterfront areas where you can do outdoor activities.
Cost of Living:
Bellevue has a very high standard of living and is one of the most expensive places to live near Seattle. It is perfect for people who want to retire in the city but still want to live comfortably.
2. Edmonds
About 15 miles north of Seattle, Edmonds is a lovely coastal city with walkable streets, beautiful scenery, and a strong sense of community. If you want to live in a small, pretty town near the water, this is a great place to retire.
Why Retire Here?
- Coastal living: Edmonds is on Puget Sound and has beautiful views of the water. You can stroll on the beach every day or stand on the harbor and watch the sun set.
- Cultural attractions: The city has a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and cultural events throughout the year. Edmonds is great for older adults who still want to stay connected to the arts.
- Walkable downtown: The walkable downtown has many shops, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to own a car.
Cost of living:
Living in Edmonds isn’t too expensive compared to Bellevue or Bainbridge Island. However, homes near the water can still be pricey.
3. Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie is a great place for retirees who want to be close to nature. Snoqualmie is known for its beautiful waterfalls and lush landscapes. It has a quiet, small-town feel and there are plenty of things to do outdoors.
Why Retire Here?
- Natural beauty: Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most famous places in Washington. There are mountains, forests, and rivers surrounding the town, so there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring.
- Community that knows each other well: Snoqualmie is a small, friendly town where everyone knows each other. It’s a great place for retirees who want to live in a nice and supportive neighborhood.
- Living on a budget: Compared to some of the more expensive areas closer to Seattle, Snoqualmie has more affordable housing options that give you access to beautiful views.
Cost of living:
The cost of living in Snoqualmie is cheaper than places like Bellevue, making it a good choice for retirees who want to enjoy nature on a budget.
4. Anacortes
Anacortes is another great place for those who love birds and the water. It is on Fidalgo Island and is the gateway to the San Juan Islands. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, and a small-town atmosphere there.
Why Retire Here?
- Living on an island: Anacortes is on an island, but it’s easy to get to and from Seattle because it’s connected to the coast by a bridge. It’s really amazing to see the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound.
- Outdoor activities: If retirees like boating, kayaking, fishing, or hiking, there’s plenty for them to do in Anacortes. There are parks and wildlife areas all around the city.
- Small-Town Charm: The city of Anacortes has a small-town atmosphere, with only about 17,000 people living there. Everyone knows your name. The city center has shops, bars, and pubs that are great for both locals and visitors.
Cost of living:
Living in Anacortes is less expensive than Bainbridge Island or Bellevue. However, home prices can change depending on how close they are to the water.
5. Gig Harbor
Just across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is the beautiful coastal town of Gig Harbor. Gig Harbor is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places to retire near Seattle. It has a long history of shipping and is close to both Seattle and Tacoma.
Why Retire Here?
- Living on the water: Gig Harbor is known for its beautiful harbor filled with boats, old homes on the water, and views of Mount Rainier. It’s great for seniors who want a quiet life by the water.
- Small town feel: Gig Harbor still has a small town feel, even though it’s close to bigger cities. There are plenty of events and parties in this close-knit town.
- Easy Access to Cities: Gig Harbor feels like a peaceful getaway, but it’s also just a short drive from both Seattle and Tacoma, so seniors can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Cost of living:
Gig Harbor isn’t as expensive as some of Seattle’s more expensive neighborhoods, but it’s a great deal for those who want to live by the water without spending a lot of money.
Cost of Living Comparison
Cost of living is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a place to retire. Take a quick look at how much it costs to live in these popular retirement locations:
- Bellevue: One of the most expensive areas, but it offers top-tier amenities, healthcare, and urban convenience.
- Edmonds: More affordable than Bellevue or Bainbridge, but waterfront properties can still be costly.
- Snoqualmie: Lower cost of living, especially compared to other nearby areas. Housing is more affordable.
- Anacortes: Moderate cost of living with a balance of affordability and island charm.
- Gig Harbor: Moderately priced, especially for waterfront properties.
Access to Healthcare and Services
Getting the healthcare you need is very important for retirees. The good news is that all of the locations listed are not far from the best healthcare facilities.
- Bellevue: Some of the best hospitals in the area are in Bellevue. Overlake Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente are two examples.
- Edmonds: Swedish Edmonds Hospital is close to home and provides good care.
- Snoqualmie: Snoqualmie Valley Hospital provides basic services. For more advanced care, people can go to Bellevue, which is nearby.
- Anacortes: Island Hospital in Anacortes offers a wide range of medical treatments.
- Gig Harbor: St. Anthony Hospital serves Gig Harbor, and nearby Tacoma has more services.
Lifestyle and Activities for Retirees
When you retire, you can stay busy, enjoy hobbies, and try new things. Each of these places offers different ways for retirees to have fun.
- Bellevue: Cultural events, high-end shopping, and numerous parks for walking and biking.
- Edmonds: Beachfront walks, theater performances, and art festivals.
- Snoqualmie: Hiking, fishing, and exploring the scenic beauty of the Cascade Mountains.
- Anacortes: Boating, fishing, and exploring the San Juan Islands.
- Gig Harbor: Waterfront dining, kayaking, and local festivals.
Conclusion
Choosing the best place to retire near Seattle depends on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you want to relax on a quiet island, a bustling city with luxurious amenities or a small town with a close-knit community, there is a perfect place for everyone. Bainbridge Island offers quiet island life, Bellevue provides high-end urban amenities, and places like Edmonds and Gig Harbor balance charm with convenience. By considering factors like cost of living, access to healthcare and lifestyle options, you can find the ideal retirement destination that suits your dreams.