I want to retire to Ashland as well. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 7 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in Alaska, 9 Most Scenic Road Trips to take in Maine, 8 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Wisconsin, 9 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Utah, 11 Most Charming Central California Coast Towns. : ) Thank you. Washington is one of the few states not to have an income tax. With its small-town vibe and amicable network, Spokane offers a feeling of having a place and a tight-knit network that retirees are sure to appreciate. Carol, I could give you some information on other areas in Western Washington as I live in Olympia. Beaches,lakes, mountains, desert, green trees, rolling hills etc. Spokane, I grew up in Spokane. We have 5 acres along the Clearwater River in the town of Kooskia. Find your next adventure in the Pacific Northwest. exempt Where to Live by State http://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-homeless-camping-policy-end-safe-sleep/. WA but across the river from OR and therefore close to a major airport and cultural offerings), but Ive been concerned about the crime rate. They also tend to be free thinkers. Monteverde. Bellingham is also close to the San Juan Islands, a favored destination for whale watching and sea kayaking. I am having a very difficult time making a decision. We are not as laid back as they are in the Northwest. And, as mentioned above, Washington has no state income tax, which helps ease your financial burden a bit. FYI..I have lived in Washington since 83 and have loved it. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. When my wife and I retire in the near future, we will be looking to locate to the southeast for the warmer and sunnier weather, lower taxes and cost of living, and more conservative political and religious culture. Okay, so let's narrow down some of the other key reasons why retiring in Seattle or western Washington is so attractive. I posted that I had the perfect antidote for him in Portland, OR since it is an area that matches him well. With its medley of outdoor activities, glorious views, and cultural attractions, Hood River is an ideal retirement haven for those looking for an energetic and fulfilling retirement. I really suggest a long visit to the area you are thinking of before you make your plans. Oregon is even higher. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. From the ravishing natural grandeur of Bend, Oregon to the Bavarian-themed Leavenworth, Washington each city has its singular allure and points of interest. His wife works for the Canby Utility and when she retires in a few years they are selling and moving fulltime to Lincoln City where they have a lovely home within view of the beach . I won't be working so income taxes isn't a concern, and if you have less than $25000 per year you don't need to even file any taxes either. Most of the population lives in the Willamette Valley, which is considered a mild climate for its latitude. All anyone can hope for is to have their retirement choices make them happy -- and good luck to all. I hate to think what it would be like without the MAX light rail system. And sunshine? According to "Portland Monthly" magazine, most new arrivals are mid-level management folksattracted by the booming economy. As the metropolis of Washington, Olympia offers retirees the ideal combination, of active city life, and gorgeous natural landscapes. Dee Browning / Shutterstock.com Many people approaching retirement consider locations that are temperate, scenic and quiet for their golden years. So I took out the actual websites, but left parentheses where I had sources. If your ideal retirement location is a small town where everyone knows your name, check out Harbor, Oregon. Thank you again for your comments and suggestions. ALL the dot Com are here and building large campuses both in and out of Seattle. Those who want more of a big-city feel -- without actually being in the big city -- may find Vancouver to be just right. I moved to Portland a year ago to be near family but I've just about decided that family isn't enough. For us and I would imagine many other Seniors it is not really a question of where we want to live - it is a fact of life as to where we can afford to live out the rest of our lives in hopefully a comfortable environment and have the finances to enjoy at least the basics of life. Vashon Island: The rural island of Puget Sounds' past, a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle. This really could be a deal-breaker for me. I was actually surprised that Tri-Cities wasn't mentioned at all. It is attracting lots of new people in Seattle and suburbs. There are a few terrific towns on the edges of this area include Olympia (the state capitol) to the south, Port Angeles, the especially charming Port Townsend, and the Blue Hole, Sequim. Both states are renowned for their outdoor recreational possibilities, with outstanding hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, and kayaking among other activities. We have been here many years and now the ozone, bad air quality days are increasing constantly. If you have any doubt, talk to a volunteer at the "Senior vs Crime" program of the Florida Attorney Generals office. The homeless live in tents on the sidewalks in Portland proper. Are there other things about the PNW that you would warn people about? The city even passed a law stating home owners are legally responsible for the upkeep of the city sidewalk that runs past their houses. And businesses will go after their after tax dollars as they always have done. Sandpoint is also the site of Schweitzer Mountain Resort, featuring skiing and snowboarding in the winter and trekking and mountain cycling in the summer. The village's German-inspired festivals, such as Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt, are a major draw for visitors and local people alike, with customary comestibles, melody, and dance creating a jubilant atmosphere. Perched in the dry highlands of middle Oregon, Bend is ideal for nature buffs. Also be sure there is a clear path out of the coastal area in case of a tsunamiit is predicted to happen in the future and you might as well be prepared. The problem is that the numbers are too large for the city to cope with. On the other hand, I like to sit on my deck and breathe in clean air, read and listen to music. Traffic is terrible, real estate prices are going through the roof because of the conflux of new residents from other places, and building is going crazy. The data below is from the Tax Foundation and Tax-Rates.org. I'm actually wanting to move out of Oregon, this used to be a nice place but the cost of living is far too high and I'm not rich enough to live here. Like put in telephone service, contractors that take forever to do anything, that sort of stuff? Search how the place has voted for president and check to see if most of the local office holders are of one political party or another; what are the registration percentages of the various political parties? Bainbridge Island: A short ferry-hop from Seattle with small-town charm. How Much Does Home Ownership Really Cost? We are currently looking at Port Ludlow Wa. Are there any areas of Vancouver that are safer than others? What do you call affordable? It is very scenic and not far from the Cascade Mountains and the more touristy towns of Leavenworth and Chelan. If you have a house to sell or come from a pricier area, downsizing a bit could make it quite affordable. To check for affordability, we looked at each . Vancouver is just at the border of Washington and Oregon, which places it perfectly for tax purposes. I have done tons of research on line however it doesn't take the place of scouting around in person. }); It was very artsy - lots of galleries and interesting shopped. Does anyone know any more? It did state that that no sales tax was a benefit and property tax was reasonable. Laney - it's great to get input on Oregon from someone who moved from California. Also curious about restrictions on # of animals allowed in different areas. Further to the east is the college town and wine region of Walla Walla, and then tucked in the corner is Spokane. In fact many retirees do move to WA but continue to shop in OR to take advantage of both tax free offerings. Eastern region Lynette, if you are open to moving to the Pacific Northwest you should check out southern and coastal Oregon. Safe Sleep policy. Anacortes is another beautiful and low key city on the water. In addition to the major city of Seattle and all of its interesting neighborhoods, there are appealing suburbs that you might live in like affluent Redmond. Housing is well below the state median, coming in around $287,000 in median home values. You can purchase a home or condo with lower HOAs starting at $100000. We know no one in the area. This town, on the southern border of Puget Sound, is encompassed by woods, heights, and waterways. WA and OR and stunningly beautiful states! Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It really depends on budget too. The apartment that I was staying in was in an expensive part of town, and had homeless men camped out beneath the windows and they drank and screamed at passerbys all night. Turns out a lot of people not only stay (though many do head for sunnier places), but even more strangely (to me), people actually chose Seattle and other towns up and down the Puget Sound as their retirement spot. one of the top rated cancer research facilities in the country, Fred Hutch Research Center, and wonderful heart, etc. The downtown precinct touts a multitude of stores, eateries, and art galleries, and a thriving art and cultural atmosphere. 12 Best Towns to Retire in the Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest is a haven for nature lovers, exhibiting its grand vistas, untainted atmosphere, and diamond-clear waters. Her journey into finance started with building her personal credit, but soon grew into a borderline obsession with credit cards and travel rewards. One will not be at a loss for activities ranging from recreation to the arts to culinary delights. They are South Carolina, Georgia . Nearby towns like Klamath Falls and Grants Pass are retirement spots with pluses that will attract some people (lower cost of living and the outdoors) and minuses (not as prosperous). Oregon& Washington are still seeing huge increases. What are the benefits then of living in WA? Outdoor enthusiasts, in particular, can take advantage of the many parks and abundant wildlife available to explore in their retirement years. Its 1990 population of just under 4.9 million climbed to 7.5 million in 2020 a 53% increase in 30 years. They offer more but they are more expensive. NEW YORK (AP) Little Amal, a 12-foot (3.7-meter) puppet of a Syrian refugee, will journey across the United States this fall, visiting key places in America's history to raise awareness . All federal, state, county and city properties are tax-exempt, laying the burden on home owners only. Even though I'm healthy now, proximity to medical care is one of the top items on my checklist. City government seems well meaning but inept and powerless; the Portland school district administration is in a shambles. Do you recommend investing in property or renting? Thanks for a report from on-site. Coeur dAlene is French for Heart of awl.". Actually laughed out loud, rare for me, when I read Chri's comment about leaving everywhere to go everywhere. Most seem to be young white people who cant find a job. WE are traveling there in early December only have 2 days to explore.any recommendations? There are the costs of moving to consider as well as the "costs" of dealing with the traffic clogged bridges and freeways across the river separating the two states. While Seattle isn't for everyone, and California immigrants, as a general rule, need to think long and hard before taking up residence in the land of mist and slugs, there is a lot to recommend the Pacific Northwest. Tried cities on dry side of state is a great place and nice single story rambles are 150k in nice area. The region's moderate weather, friendly . The top marginal rate is a very high 9.9%, which kicks in over $250,000 for a couple. Laney. Sure anyone can change their standards of living. Although the tax rate starts at 5%, a couple earning just over $17,800 would pay 9%. This area is famous for its exuberant forests, snow-peaked mountains, and picturesque lakes and streams. In each you can choose from a youthful big city (Portland or Seattle), college towns, or small towns. Politically, Clackamas county is less progressive than either Multnomah or Washington county but the inner suburbs are definitely blue. Washington has a younger makeup than Oregon 15.4% of its population is 65+, compared to 17.6% of Oregons (the total U.S. % is 16.0%). Anything will grow here. Elaine, These comments were moved from a different Blog article for a better fit: Tomi is your reason for wanting to leave the Pacific Northwest just weather? Sorry to sound so negative. That's despite also having populous, sprawling metros like Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. Sequim: All the charm of a Washington seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, with half the winter gloom. You can only feel it as an emotion after having experienced it," she says, and then she has to stop talking because she gets a little choked up. Florence in general is a retirement town that offers many discounts to you if youre over 55. Traffic is relative and Beaverton has traffic to the Nike Plant and other areas. ?by Jennifer March 3, 2018, Ladies, my retirement goals have now changed from sooner than later now. Partagas as a lifelong PNWer I agree 100%. I am considering Washington State as well. The more culturally inclined can find plenty to do thanks to a vibrant art scene that includes a local theater and performing arts center. It certainly does rain in Seattle, but it's the gray over cast in winter that is a serious challenge for some. This town has more sunny days than any other town in the state. I just got back from my fourth visit to Portland and spent 3 weeks there. The suburbs you mentioned, plus Tualatin, West Linn and Wilsonville are all relatively low crime areas. We are considering Ashland but it looks like the homes are pretty expensive. It used to be a nice place to live but not anymore. The reason for my initial posting was to respond to a comment made by an individual that he had a hard time adapting to the Southeast U. S. because, despite its beauty, as a political liberal and religious non-believer it was a challenge for him to related the culture there. I had considered Portland, OR several times as my retirement place. The surrounding hills and woodlands are strewn with hiking and biking routes. Across the river from Portland, Oregon, Vancouver residents can enjoy all the city has to offer. I'm looking for someplace, anyplace, I can afford where I'll be surrounded by the exact opposite point of view. Santa Teresa and Mal Pas. By Sharon In Oregon the reverse is true: a 0% sales tax but a stiff income tax in its place. The Kiplinger newsletter ranked five southeastern states as among the most tax-friendly for retirees, based on income, property and other taxes. I am not exaggerating when I say it is the worst situation that I have ever seen in any city in my life. Now living in CA I use instacart or Safeway to have my groceries delivered. Retirees who value a tranquil small-town atmosphere will appreciate Port Townsend. With Social Security benefits based on Net pay, it is only 40% of what we were earning. Oregon hasnt elected a Republican governor since 1978, has voted for the democrat presidential candidate every election since 1988, both senators and 5/6 representatives are democrats, both the state senate and house are controlled by democrats, and all statewide elected offices except one are held by democrats. I too am debating where to retire. You can't describe a perfect Seattle summer. Because I cannot afford the 6 and 6 lifestyle, I have to find my retirement in a place that is tolerable year-round as well as affordable and safe. Portland does have much to recommend it and even I haven't fully committed to moving on. The Mountain States: CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY Many sites include river frontage. We live 3 hours south of Spokane and 1 Hour east of Lewiston Idaho, we are 1 1/2 hours from Lolo Montana. It really depends on where you are looking at. Don't know about WA, but I've lived in Depoe Bay, and currently am living in Salem. To each his own, and Portland may be a perfect choice for folks who want to live in a secular, non-religious, hard left city and state. Some have low taxes, but also very few services, including police. *$/, "$1"); Taxation of Pensions Some retirees like the idea of living in a college town like Eugene, a bit to the south of Portland. Elaine,I lived in the Spokane area several times over the years.The area has cold winters and hot summers,a true 4 season place.In the summers the downtown area can get smoggy,so they used to have emissions testing for cars,not sure if they still do.I lived in Cheney so was exempt then.A lot of Californians moved into the area in the 1980's and still are I assume,driving up real estate prices in the Spokane/Courdelene area.Northern Idaho has become a mecca for summertime tourists,and since it is right next door to Spokane,the entire area is affected.Not a bad thing I guess if you have a tourist business.Used to be the wages were low in Spokane,again,I don't know anymore since I am retired.Personally,I think there are better places in the NW to live and visit.Just my 2 cents. http://www.olympicrainshadow.com/olympicrainshadowmap.html. Washington has no state income tax, so your retirement job paycheck and any other income will go further. Here's my thinking on sales tax: I no longer buy much besides food. It's expected that you will live at least 15-20 years after retirement, which is around a quarter of your entire life, so with a bit of financial planning from early on, retiring to a beach town on the West Coast is a real possibility . Most of the region has low humidity. mt ashland is not far to ski at if you desire. Can anyone tell me about the area or any other areas to consider. I have been looking at Washington State and with the high cost of Seattle, I have been looking at Olympia. We truly enjoyed the mild summer climate with the low humidity levels and the abundance of beautiful scenery that the area offers. The way around it is dont live in the city but rather the suburbs. I am reasonably sure I will end up in the southeast, but love to read about potential areas elsewhere and hope to get the thread back on track. Apparently, the passed a new law, the Safe Sleep Act, which allows people to live on any public property, sidewalks, parks, street, highways, etc. Most Tax-Friendly. My wife and I snowbird to AZ during the winter months in our RV and love our lifestyle. There are two main bridges from Portland to Vancouver and they get endless backups. Home to a diverse range of climates that include the Pacific Coast and the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest is full of fantastic cities and towns -- perfect for retirees with leisure time to fill. Oregons population was 2.8 million in 1990, and grew to just under 4.2 million in 2020 a 50% increase over that span. by Jean October 5, 2018, Jean, I have not visited Portland in a year, but I used to go every summer for the past 6 years. const iframeUrl = `https://widgets.icanbuy.com/c/standard/us/en/mortgage/tables/Mortgage.aspx?siteid=e108c80d4bc7cf74&redirect_no_results=1&redirect_to_mortgage_funnel=1&listingbtnbgcolor=ac145a&external=${attributionValue}`; Laguna Beach, CA. Kathe, you sound like a twin. Oregon itself is a great place for retirees for tax purposes -- it charges no state sales tax and doesn't tax Social Security income. No sales tax sounds really appealing until you do the numbers. Is St. George, Utah, a Great Place to Retire, Rep. Larson and Sen. Cassidy Named Legislators of the Year for Their Work on Social Security, Elizabeth Loves Her Retirement in Portugal, Site Visit: Member Tours Virginia's Cascades at Embrey Mill, Dueling FL Communities: The Villages vs. On Top of the World vs. Solivita, Traditional and Surprising, the 15 Most Popular Adult Communities at Topretirements for 2023. So, spend your retirement in the Pacific Northwest for a combination of nature, culture, and fellowship in your twilight years. Throngs of progressives and hipsters have actually made it far worse, sky high taxes, drug riddled homeless everywhere, traffic nightmares, mobs and riots.not a good place for small businessesand no, you actually cant have a free opinion here despite what others say. Oregon exempts social security and some pension income from state income tax. The new "retirement" home we built,and will sell is in an area with no transit. 1. Idaho. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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