2023 Best Places to Retire in Washington

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,118

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3.4 out of 5  42 reviews

Current Resident: Mayberry RFD with a mix of organic farmers, musicians busking on street corners, aging hippies, artists in community and potlucks. If that sounds appealing you'll like it here. Bring your job with you. Bring lodging too as it's in short supply due to the demand from retirees moving here or buying 2nd homes. Too many empty residences during the winter. Otherwise good educated community with a love of movies, sailing, wooden boats and camping in the great outdoors. Open mindedness welcome. Racist supporters of Tic Tac not welcome... they're in Sequin.... Read 42 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 10,002

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3.3 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: We love it here! Nice small town with strong sense of community. Safe, clean, friendly, roads well maintained, plenty of things to do, yet nice and quiet. Summer time weekends get a bit over busy but nice to see the visitors and then embrace the quiet times when they all leave. May not be for all - everyone should really evaluate all things before considering moving here. Probably not ideal for younger people living, or older people with support needs. We are in our 50's and 60', healthy & active - it's perfect for us. For us it really is the best of all world's. Small area but a real difference between east side, west side, jetty area or near marina - something different for everyone. Oceanfront, wooded, lake front or bay front - each a real difference in their own way. Living here allows to detach from all the external crap and breath fresh air in a moderate climate. Lots are small if you are looking for elbow room, homes can be fairly close together.... Read 20 reviews

• grade C

• grade C

• grade A

• Population 6,637

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: Perfect. Would never move.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 1,119

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Niche User: This is a great area to live during middle age and on. There are great places to live with beautiful views if you have a lot of money. If you are thinking of raising kids here there is so much nature to explore. Crime rates are low, but the city council is filled with curmudgeons who wont even allow a bowling alley to be built. Going to school here is about the same as anywhere else. Progressively throughout the school grades we will have the rich kids getting into trouble with alcohol, and weed was pervasive before legalization. A lot of high school grads will want to get out of Gig Harbor where there is nothing fun to do except play video games at home, and go to Tacoma, where there are many fun things to do and see like arcades, shopping, and the like. The truth is Gig Harbor's boutiques all have a maritime theme and people are tired of it. Old people love it here though. There are 5 old people homes that I can think of, some with specialty care for Alzheimers patients. As far as ecology, a lot of money has been put into restoration from the pollution of the 70's. The sea life has been coming back all over because the water and air are much cleaner. It is spectacular to see.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 7,020

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  14 reviews

Niche User: There is minimal crime, except an occasional burglary.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 5,636

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  51 reviews

Current Resident: Bainbridge Island is a great place to live! The education here is above expectations - especially the public schools. Food here could be improved, but poulsbo supplies additional options. The downside is frankly the Bainbridge islanders Facebook page - people with too much time on their hands! But otherwise I’m very happy to have chosen this place to live. So many extracurricular activities here, well maintained roads, city planned events (such as the Fourth of July parade!), etc.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 24,557

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  56 reviews

Current Resident: Anacortes is a great town to grow up in. It is a small, family-oriented town and is surrounded by beautiful areas to see. There are tons of town events, close-knit activities and clubs and the schools get opportunities and resources. We are on an island so it is a pretty place! we are surrounded by the ocean so you have beaches and there are many activities to do like hiking, biking, and skiing.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 17,437

Current Resident: Asotin Washington is a perfect town for those with small children and want to live in a safe town with low crime rates. The Asotin School District provides superior education for all of their students and the staff/teachers are very passionate about their job. One change that I would like to see in Asotin is more fun local activities for the kids. Most people have to travel to Lewiston or Clarkston to do fun activities outside of the school district.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,072

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3.11 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: An excellent and welcoming little town with a lot of history and opportunities for exploration. A wonderful place to be!... Read 9 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 2,544

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3.41 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: Hoquiam Washington is a small town compared to most. Sports are a big deal in our town. So are hobbies! Everyone has something that they enjoy doing, such as fishing, hunting, riding horses, working out, and many more! One downfall to the town is that there are not very many restaurants and or fast food options. The schools in Hoquiam are pretty close together. All teachers are very interested in each and every one of there students.... Read 34 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C

• grade A minus

• Population 8,700

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here my entire life, and couldn't imagine moving away! Our hometown love and support for each other is unbeatable! Like any small town, we have our fair share of drama and pettiness, but when it comes down to the line we all would stand up to defend our own no matter the cost! This community thrives as a whole and struggles as a whole. We band together to support out local schools, youth sports, fire halls and law enforcement and locally owned businesses. I am truly blessed to call this place my home.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Population 3,035

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3.62 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I enjoy Colfax because it is a quaint town with a very family friendly atmosphere. It is within close proximity of multiple universities, restaurants, and parks.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 2,808

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: Absolutely the best place we have ever lived! The Cascades, Straits, Ocean, and Olympic Mountains surround us with all their glory. People are friendly, and we have a small town atmosphere with large cities within traveling distance. We are incredibly diverse here and welcoming. This area of Western WA receives the least amount of precipitation of any other town or city, and that is why they refer to this area as "the blue hole". Unfortunately, we have been discovered, and multitudes of transplants are moving in from all over the nation. This is fine to a point, but it is sad to see some of our farmland and natural areas and vistas vanishing. I will never leave my little slice of heaven.... Read 24 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 7,896

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3.69 out of 5  13 reviews

Former Resident: I raised my kids in Lake Chelan and it was an amazing experience for the whole family. Since Chelan is a smaller town, it was easy to communicate with schools, local businesses, and local government. Chelan is located on a 55 mile long lake and surrounding mountains that offer lots of outdoor recreation. There are many organizations you can be a part of. Chelan also hosts a lot of events to keep things interesting all year for all types of interests. A wonderful place to live or just vacation at.... Read 13 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 4,237

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: LOVE living in Blaine! As a NY transplant, it took a bit of time for me to adjust to the slow pace. But once I did, I was hooked. It’s fairly quiet, fairly friendly, and the weather is great. Being from the Northeast, I find the winter to be quite mild and love rarely having to deal with snow. And I can count on one hand the days I need to turn on my air conditioner In the summer which is wonderful. Summers are amazing, (unless it’s a bad wildfire year). I’ve been here ten years and have seen the town blossom. I expect that I am here to stay.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 5,773

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 3.56 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: Colville's best attribute is the beautiful nature that surrounds it. From hiking, dirt biking, side-by-siding, camping, and everything in between that the mountains offer, to the valley in between and the beautiful Columbia River just a short drive away, Colville is the perfect "hometown". Growing up in Colville offers the fondest memories including the floating the Kettle River nearby, camping at the close dams, and the benefits of a small(er) community. Wouldn't have it any other way!... Read 34 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 4,871

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 2,975

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: The best living! I was born and raised here, after high school I had moved out of state but missed the town and all the people here. It is always a friendly and loving welcome back home. Everyone always seems as family, and though it's a small community it holds a lot of love and care. Great place to raise kids, the schools are amazing.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,061

Current Resident: Very safe and beautiful area with great schools. Not much diversity though, and the drive to the high school can be a real pain. Other than that, I’m thankful to live in such a nice part of town. Parts of Wenatchee look like a 3rd world country and this place is so different.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 3,505

• Suburb in Washington

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: I enjoy the country however it is becoming too city-like.... Read 1 review

• grade B minus

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 2,606

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,365

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: Brier is a great place to call home. It is in a strategic location and has convenient commute to both downtown Seattle and East side (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland). The lots are at least Quarter Acres and newer houses are 3000+ sqf. It gives sense of convenience and luxury.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 6,524

• Suburb of Seattle, WA

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  104 reviews

Current Resident: Gig Harbor is where I've grown up. Here, I've completed my high school education and roamed the streets of Gig Harbor like everyone else. It's a beautiful suburb with many adventures to be had. There's crystal clear water wherever you walk the harbor among other beautiful landscapes. There's people of many different walks of life everywhere you go, but it's mainly the down-to-earth, blue-white collar average joes who work in areas from construction to retail management. Not a whole ton of diversity. Also, the commute from Tacoma to here isn't anything too special. It's just a twenty minute drive across the Narrows Bridge from one city to the other. But there are good people here who sell great produce and other items during the market hours, notably in the summer. And again, there's plenty of adventure to be had here. If you're looking for a good place to settle down and have fun, I'd recommend Gig Harbor, WA, my hometown.... Read 104 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 11,505

• Town in Washington

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  Rating 2.73 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: Quiet community with lots of wildlife. Friendly people who come together during times of crisis like the COVID-19. If parents are willing to have children involved in organizations, there are 4-H clubs, service organizations, sports teams, and youth groups to keep the children active.... Read 11 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C

• grade A minus

• Population 3,480