Any suggestions for places to retire in Washington State
Dec 23rd, 2017, 06:25 AM
#21
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Wow, a lot of suggestions. Great, thanks to you all who contributed. If I don't want snow or ice, would Oregon be a warmer place? I looked at Coquille and found it quite nice. Even if I pay income tax in Oregon, it wouldn't be a lot as my retirement income will be merely sufficient. I can take rain but snow, ummm.
Dec 23rd, 2017, 06:43 AM
#22
Not my call, but I'd be afraid Coquille would be a bit too small and isolated; Coos Bay (the closest larger town) is overcoming its previously depressed status, but you're still hours away from any sizeable town with city amenities.
Anything east of the Cascades runs the risk of cold winters; anything west of the mountains will tend to be rainy during the winters rather than snowy, but except for the immediate Pacific coast, snow is an occasional thing in western Oregon or Washington.
Anything east of the Cascades runs the risk of cold winters; anything west of the mountains will tend to be rainy during the winters rather than snowy, but except for the immediate Pacific coast, snow is an occasional thing in western Oregon or Washington.
Dec 23rd, 2017, 07:15 AM
#23
DW and I are headed for Coos Bay/North Bend for NYE. We'll be having prime rib at the Mill casino.
On New Years Day I'm going to do a polar bear plunge in the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Bay.
My wife will be watching me and the other crazy geocachers while holding a camera and several towels.
On New Years Day I'm going to do a polar bear plunge in the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Bay.
My wife will be watching me and the other crazy geocachers while holding a camera and several towels.
Dec 23rd, 2017, 08:14 AM
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I think there is no avoiding snow and ice. Some years there is none, some years its a disaster.
I am in Oregon. Last year we had a huge ice storm in December. You just never know.
I would not want to depend on ferries to get me everywhere. Being close to a major airport is important to me.
I am in Oregon. Last year we had a huge ice storm in December. You just never know.
I would not want to depend on ferries to get me everywhere. Being close to a major airport is important to me.
Dec 23rd, 2017, 07:18 PM
#30
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I agree with Bobmrg that living on the peninsula has a lot to offer. I have a sister who lives in Port Townsend, a charming Victorian town on the water. We actually looked at houses there maybe 10 years ago. The prices are certainly much better than Seattle.
Dec 23rd, 2017, 07:45 PM
#31
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We live in a small town that is the gateway to the San Juan Islands and it has all of the things you say you would like in a small town. Great hospital, swell library, liberal (I grit my teeth but am able to live with it.), access to the Islands and not far from the major airports in Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., lots of forest lands, trails and hiking, very active art community, 8.5% sales tax and no income tax, etc.
Please do NOT move here! I'm sure you would make a splendid addition to Anacortes, but too many people are finding out how nice it is and we are getting swamped, which may make it not so nice.
Please do NOT move here! I'm sure you would make a splendid addition to Anacortes, but too many people are finding out how nice it is and we are getting swamped, which may make it not so nice.
Dec 23rd, 2017, 08:05 PM
#32
Someone mentioned Reno. Tesla is building their battery gigafactory east of Sparks. https://www.tesla.com/gigafactory
With a $5 billion plant going in, the area should get a big boost.
With a $5 billion plant going in, the area should get a big boost.
Jan 12th, 2018, 07:56 PM
#35
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Washington--
My cousin lives in Tacoma. It's a pleasant area and I agree with prior recs.
As to Vancouver, also consider Ridgefield. It's really quiet and a lot of trees.
Oregon--
Yes, check our income taxes. But also look at property tax in the Portland Metro area, and especially within the city limits of Portland itself. There are zones within Portland.
Near the Portland Metro area-- I would suggest Oregon City or its outskirts. Price will be less than more trendy areas, but safe. Some older homes with larger lots. And it has a lovely historic downtown and old houses for walks. I like the rural areas of Canby (next to Oregon City) but the actual town is not great.
Also consider Forest Grove. Especially the old downtown part. You are at the west end of the Portland metro area, which shaves off a lot of time on any trips to the Oregon Coast and makes day trips to the beach particularly easy.
West Linn and Wilsonville meet all of your boxes, but they have shot up in popularity and I'm not sure of your pricepoint.
Going down I-5 (1.5 hours from Portland):
Corvallis is a nice town, home of Oregon State. Just make sure you're not too close to the cow barns end of campus and you will be good. Also a good start to central beaches like Newport.
Eugene--I wouldn't call Eugene a small town but a small city,so maybe it doesn't tick your boxes. But the southern end is really nice. Some areas might be too hilly or have deer that wouldn't work for a garden. Be aware that adjacent Springfield is much more conservative.
My cousin lives in Tacoma. It's a pleasant area and I agree with prior recs.
As to Vancouver, also consider Ridgefield. It's really quiet and a lot of trees.
Oregon--
Yes, check our income taxes. But also look at property tax in the Portland Metro area, and especially within the city limits of Portland itself. There are zones within Portland.
Near the Portland Metro area-- I would suggest Oregon City or its outskirts. Price will be less than more trendy areas, but safe. Some older homes with larger lots. And it has a lovely historic downtown and old houses for walks. I like the rural areas of Canby (next to Oregon City) but the actual town is not great.
Also consider Forest Grove. Especially the old downtown part. You are at the west end of the Portland metro area, which shaves off a lot of time on any trips to the Oregon Coast and makes day trips to the beach particularly easy.
West Linn and Wilsonville meet all of your boxes, but they have shot up in popularity and I'm not sure of your pricepoint.
Going down I-5 (1.5 hours from Portland):
Corvallis is a nice town, home of Oregon State. Just make sure you're not too close to the cow barns end of campus and you will be good. Also a good start to central beaches like Newport.
Eugene--I wouldn't call Eugene a small town but a small city,so maybe it doesn't tick your boxes. But the southern end is really nice. Some areas might be too hilly or have deer that wouldn't work for a garden. Be aware that adjacent Springfield is much more conservative.
Jan 13th, 2018, 09:02 AM
#36
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Port Townsend is wonderful and for someone who likes taking walks, beautiful scenery, plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, and a lively small-town vibe, it's a great choice. I prefer it to Sequim, where my in-laws lived for several years. Their house and the property itself were stunning, but they had to drive pretty much everywhere.
The main downside with the Olympic Peninsula for retirees is the healthcare issue. Good community hospital but it also has the limitations of a community hospital. Just something to keep in mind.
As for the sales tax, we did live in Vancouver, WA, and took advantage of the no-sales-tax shopping over the bridge in Portland. Of all the Vancouver, WA, neighborhoods, we found the Bella Vista section of Cascade Park the most pleasant. You could walk or ride your bicycle (wide bike lanes on the main drag) to shops, cafes and parks. Had less of a "commuter community" feel. It is covered by a bus route (#37).
The main downside with the Olympic Peninsula for retirees is the healthcare issue. Good community hospital but it also has the limitations of a community hospital. Just something to keep in mind.
As for the sales tax, we did live in Vancouver, WA, and took advantage of the no-sales-tax shopping over the bridge in Portland. Of all the Vancouver, WA, neighborhoods, we found the Bella Vista section of Cascade Park the most pleasant. You could walk or ride your bicycle (wide bike lanes on the main drag) to shops, cafes and parks. Had less of a "commuter community" feel. It is covered by a bus route (#37).
Jan 16th, 2018, 01:12 PM
#37
i'm retiring in Capitol Hill, right in Seattle. I own my condo. And being single living out in a small town away from activities, services, etc. wouldn't suit me. I hope and plan to travel extensively.
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