Washington is one of the most exciting states to call home in 2025 From its towering mountain ranges and abundant national parks to its tax-friendly policies like no state income tax it offers financial relief and stunning natural surroundings Sports fans and coffee lovers will also feel right at home thanks to the state's professional teams and café culture With a strong job market and access to top-rated amenities the Evergreen State offers a well-rounded lifestyle The nine cities on this list were chosen for their balance of affordability, safety, recreational access, and overall quality of life. Whether it is Battle Ground, a peaceful town with quick access to Portland and forested state parks, or Port Angeles, a coastal gem near Olympic National Park, Washington has the perfect spot to fit every lifestyle Battle Ground is an odd name, but a great town with a strong sense of community and nearby big city amenities in Vancouver and Portland Amenities include being located 30 minutes from an international airport in Portland a relatively short commute to work within either city while still enjoying the quiet of Battle Ground’s natural surroundings Battle Ground residents enjoy the optimal location between the Pacific Coast and the Cascade Mountains For residents looking to camp or get out into nature Battle Ground has a median home value of around $605,000 as of May 2025 residents won’t have to break the bank to buy a home There is also a strong community vibe as the city sponsors several annual festivals, including the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts and the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival. Port Angeles is two hours from Seattle and offers residents a lower cost of living compared to similar settings in Washington The median home price is reasonable at around $450,000 in 2025 Wenatchee is the place to call home for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers an affordable lifestyle within an expensive state, a welcoming community, and a more relaxed pace. 150 miles east of Seattle the city combines rural and suburban living and provides easy access to hiking The town is known for its successful Pybus Public Market Ohme Gardens is a popular botanical garden with exceptional walking trails and natural scenery for active residents Wenatchee supports a lively arts and cultural scene and has an exceptional public school education system It is also home to Wenatchee Valley College The college offers local access to higher education courses Visit the college theatre for ongoing performances or take in a football Wenatchee is considered affordable when compared to Seattle or other large Washington cities This is evident via the median home value of around $470,000 nearly $150,000 less than the state average Walla Walla is four hours east of Seattle and surrounded by farmland including lavender farms and apple orchards the city hosts an ongoing Farmer’s Market for residents to purchase local produce and products several charming city parks such as Pioneer Park have places for picnics or just hanging out and enjoying being outdoors locals have access to the Walla Walla River Delta Area residents interested in local history can enjoy the Fort Walla Walla Museum or the Whitman Mission The public education meets standards and includes access to quality higher education at Whitman College The college sponsors an outdoor sculpture walk with more than 20 artistic sculptures Whitman College provides the area with cultural events Walla Walla residents live in the center of wine country There are 100 wineries within the Walla Walla Valley and most sponsor ongoing events for wine enthusiasts locals can enjoy the comfort of their grand home thanks to the affordable average home value of $400,000 Mary Medical Center has a range of departments Camas is a quiet, small town located 20 miles from Portland The city is named after the blue camas lilies that grow wild throughout the city All the amenities of the great outdoors are nearby hit the beach and enjoy the ocean waves within a two-hour drive and swimming at Lacamas Lake or visit the historic Liberty Theatre for movie lovers The town includes a public library and above-average public education The school district has a solid management reputation and is popular with teachers Residents can enjoy the amenities available in Washington or nearby cities within Oregon The city has a low crime rate and saw only ten violent crimes in 2019 be prepared to pay more than 25% above the national average for a home The higher prices are due to the town’s location near Portland Port Townsend is a reasonable option for those who want to live on the water It is known for its Victorian architecture Port Townsend is home to Fort Worden Historical State Park which encompasses 433 acres and includes over two miles of shoreline Residents also enjoy the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum The city offers several parks and green spaces including Fort Townsend State Park and Chetzemoka Park and unique flower gardens featuring antique roses and rhododendrons Visitors can access the beach and walk the shoreline Port Townsend is two hours from Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula Port Townsend has a lower overall cost of living than Seattle the median home price is under the Washington State average but is still higher than the U.S Residents also need not worry about healthcare thanks to the Jefferson Healthcare Medical Center Sequim is a family-friendly small town located along the Dungeness River near the base of the Olympic Mountains. The area is in the midst of Lavender farms, near the shores of Puget Sound, and just south of Vancouver Island, Canada Sequim appeals to residents looking for a quiet rural town that’s near the water and surrounded by the grand natural presence of the Pacific Northwest Sequim or “Sunny Sequim” enjoys more sunshine than average due to its proximity to the San Juan Islands and the northeastern peninsula The average amount of rain matches Los Angeles To live in Sequim is to love being in the outdoors Sequim Bay State Park and Railroad Bridge Park offer residents places to walk including beach access as well as groomed picnic areas and sports fields Residents can escape from the real world anytime with a visit to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge The city hosts an annual Lavender Festival in July where residents can attend guided public tours of local lavender fields and enjoy vendor booths with products from local artisans and restaurants Sequim remains mildly affordable with a lower-than-average median home price for Washington at $580,000 in 2025 Seniors looking for an affordable alternative can opt for a retirement community like Suncrest Village Manson is a popular tourist town on the northern shore of Lake Chelan with exceptional views of the lake and the surrounding foothills Residents enjoy a friendly community with exceptional local amenities to support the tourist crowds pickleball competitions at the Wapato Point Resort Access the many mountain biking trails in the summer and ski the local slopes in the winter Due to its popularity as a tourist destination Manson is not considered an affordable place for residents on a budget with a median home price over the Washington state average at $690.000 People with plenty of resources will find the perfect quiet but active outdoor home with plenty of lake action Lake Chelan Community Hospital offers a variety of basic services Newport is located on the Washington border with Idaho Spokane provides residents with access to a large international airport for easier travel Locals also enjoy easy access to ski resorts in both the US and Canadian Rocky Mountains The city supports several local recreational centers and parks Newport is a quiet town with a low crime rate and access to local outdoor parks Affordability and cost of living are lower than the Washington or US national average with a median home price of around $400,000 for 2025 seniors can also opt for the River Mountain Village Assisted Living which offers assistance with basic activities and tons of amenities for a comfortable retirement Living in Washington state has many advantages depending on personal priorities and preferences Washington offers a variety of towns to match residents’ needs for outdoor space Washington state towns offer a variety of places to call home for different lifestyles Many towns are close to big cities for those who want to be near larger cities while others are located in the midst of agricultural farming zones and offer a quieter and more tranquil experience Potential residents must weigh the abundance of amenities and balance them with the cost of living that fits their budget photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Some of the 90 sailboats in the annual 2025 Race to the… Continue reading Olympic Kiwanis, in partnership with Friendly Earth International Recycling,… Continue reading Feiro Marine Life Center will award scholarships to two… Continue reading The Hood Canal Bridge has reopened to traffic following a… Continue reading A motorcycle rider died after he collided with the truck… Continue reading There will be no field carrier landing practice operations for… Continue reading © 2025, Peninsula Daily News + Sound Publishing, Inc. + Black Press Media Want to explore the tastiest corner of the Olympics Port Townsend is chock-full of splendid wineries The Quimper Peninsula is the quaint NE corner of majestic Jefferson County which spans the rugged Olympic Mountains. Perched on the northeastern-most corner the “Key City” of Port Townsend has surprises around every bend — from Victorian to steampunk We’ve got forts and ports and courts of all sorts Come join the most delightful three-day diversion two wheels can offer Daily loops range from a bumpy and challenging 35-miler to a gloriously languid 55-mile route of rolling highlands and lowlands and more lovely vistas in every possible direction. Ridership is capped at 200 riders making for a delightfully social and close-knit experience This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club's programming in advocacy Registration opens on February 13 at 10 a.m Registration is not available the day of the event Click through to see the full map on Ride With GPS To introduce you to the varied sights across the Sound When we reach the farm community of Chimacum and the center of the Quimper Peninsula via West Valley Road a vault eastward over a few hills and dales drops us into the picturesque resort of Port Ludlow Bask in the views and pause for lunch at GBF Catering before looping north and west to the bustling burg of Port Hadlock plunge through deep forest into historic Fort Townsend and wend our way back to Port Townsend Vineyard to wrap up today’s 47-mile trek A lovely 37-mile winding all around the upper Quimper and Port Townsend  Rolling north to Fort Worden you may opt for a two-mile loop up around the old gun emplacements (view from up top) before turning westward past farms vineyards and orchards to Cape George overlooking Discovery Bay.  The return to town shows off the City of Dreams’ cycling showpiece — the Larry Scott Trail also known as the easternmost seven miles of the Olympic Discovery Trail  Landing back down in the Port Townsend Bay waterfront we’ll ooh-and-ah through the vintage downtown up around overly-scenic Chetzemoka Park and across Uptown with its popular Farmer's Market A much less vertically-challenging 44 miles as we merrily roll along a nice Plenty of speedy highway miles to get to HJ Carroll Park where a sneaky back door leads to Port Hadlock and thence onto the islands You could opt out of the 24-mile gently rolling loop out to Marrowstone Vineyard Fort Flagler and back… but you'll be glad you did it while you enjoy lunch with one stunning vista back across Townsend Bay to our home Port with the Olympics and Vancouver Island beyond Everyone is welcome at Cascade events. We are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity in the bicycling community. We aim to provide safe spaces at start lines, finish lines, and official rest stops. Read our commitment to anti-racism and our participant code of conduct and grievance policy We would like to acknowledge that our rides take place on native land Our offices are located on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle Light snacks will be available at the morning check-in Lunch is provided and includes fresh fruit sandwiches (gluten free and vegan options) Additional water and snack stations will be posted as needed Nearest to PT Vineyards Start/Finish Line:  This ride is supported by Cascade staff and volunteers Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are present on the route and dispatched when you call the ride support hotline SAG vehicles can transport you and most models of bikes in the event of a mechanical or minor medical event You should always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency August weather can bring many things: rain Morning temperatures may vary drastically from midday temperatures Wear or bring layers to have available on your bike with you Get your bike tuned up and in shape to ride on gravel and roads Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on this ride The Cascade Training Series is a twelve-week ride series designed to prepare you for long-distance and multi-day rides Riders of all paces will not only building their strength and endurance you can also check out our extensive schedule of Free Group Rides in the Puget Sound area Find rides that fit your schedule and desired pace and distance.  Terrain indicates the most common or average terrain type of the ride and should be considered relative to the length and overall difficulty of the ride a long-distance ride with a lot of elevation gain will be overall less challenging than a short ride with equal elevation gain Consider the pace and frequency of regroup as well to understand how advanced a ride may be Join our email list and get the latest from Cascade Bicycle Club right in your inbox Global Real Estate Brokerage Expands with 7th Office in the Pacific Northwest who also launched the firm's expansion into Bainbridge Island earlier last year alongside Holley Carlson and Kristina Jennings who will serve as Managing Directors "We are thrilled to start 2025 off with the launch of our new office in Port Townsend marking a significant step forward in The Agency's continuous growth across the Pacific Northwest," said Mauricio Umansky The Agency's strategic positioning as an industry leader shines through its commitment to expanding into prominent markets with significant growth potential and like-minded partners The Agency has rapidly increased its presence across the globe throughout the past year making it one of the fastest-growing luxury boutique brokerages in the world The Agency launched 30 new offices in 2024 with numerous on the horizon for Q1 of this year "With its unique blend of historic charm and stunning natural beauty, Port Townsend is an increasingly sought-after destination for real estate investment," said James Ramsay "This area is experiencing growing interest from buyers seeking second homes Partnering with our trusted team in this region we're excited to meet the rising demand and further elevate Washington's real estate market." "Living and working in this region has given us a profound appreciation for the unique character and natural beauty of Port Townsend," said Mark Middleton "With our deep roots in the area and extensive experience in the real estate market we're excited to bring a local perspective paired with the unparalleled reach and resources of The Agency to serve this vibrant community," added Suzy Middleton The Agency Port Townsend will be located at 1215 Lawrence St Unit 101, Port Townsend, WA 98368. For more information on The Agency, please visit www.theagencyre.com tech-driven boutique luxury global brokerage representing clients worldwide in a broad spectrum of classes Breaking away from the traditional brokerage model The Agency takes a collaborative approach to the business fostering a culture of partnership in which all clients and listings are represented in a collaborative environment Agents and clients benefit from the shared resources and networks of the entire global team public relations and cutting-edge technology divisions The Agency has closed more than $72 billion real estate transactions since 2011 comprising over 130 offices in 12 countries Fernanda Lopez, The Agency, 1 (424) 230-3700, [email protected], www.theagencyre.com  Do not sell or share my personal information: For many travelers, the state of Washington is synonymous with the bustling energy of Seattle, the rugged peaks of Mount Rainier and the lush greenery fed by the rainy weather Yet beyond the well-known attractions lie small towns that capture the heart and soul of the Pacific Northwest—places where history and community spirit thrive with little fanfare The eight underrated Washington towns profiled here offer vibrant arts perfect for travelers looking for something different in 2025 Port Townsend is a Victorian seaport with an artsy twist located on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula While many visitors to the peninsula head straight to the spectacular Olympic National Park Port Townsend offers beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and an eclectic downtown filled with bookstores The town’s annual Wooden Boat Festival (September 5-7 2025) draws maritime enthusiasts from around the world yet is still not as well-known as it should be Visitors can explore Fort Worden Historical State Park or simply wander the historic streets of this underrated gem of a town Walla Walla is a picturesque town surrounded by rolling vineyards and wheat fields While the Walla Walla region has won accolades as a top wine destination the town does not always get its due as a great destination on its own merits Walla Walla’s walkable downtown offers boutique shopping and historic buildings like the Kirkman Mansion Museum Outdoor adventurers will love nearby Bluewood for skiing or the South Fork Walla Walla Trail for hiking The Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days (August 27-31 2025) provide a taste of the area’s agricultural roots Ellensburg is a college town with Old West flair and modern energy Despite this appealing blend of history and youthful vibrancy the town is often overlooked by travelers speeding past on Interstate 90 Those who stop for a visit are well rewarded Central Washington University fuels a lively cultural scene The famous Ellensburg Rodeo (August 29-September 1 2025) brings authentic Western traditions to life each Labor Day weekend Tucked between Skagit Valley’s tulip fields and the Swinomish Channel Its downtown is full of independent galleries and waterfront eateries like Nell Thorn Bistro The Museum of Northwest Art anchors the artistic energy of the waterfront district La Conner’s reputation for scenic beauty peaks during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival but the La Conner Classic Boat and Car Show (August 2 2025) showcases a different side of its coastal culture La Conner often remains underrated because it is small and easily passed by but those who stop are rewarded with a town full of surprises Nicknamed “Little Norway,” Poulsbo proudly celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with Viking murals this Kitsap Peninsula town is perfect for kayaking 2025) celebrates the community’s Nordic roots with parades Despite the town’s cultural richness and the fun it has celebrating this richness Poulsbo is often overlooked by those rushing to the Olympic Peninsula and missing out on one of Washington’s most distinctive small towns Because it is tucked deep into the mountains, Winthrop remains under-visited compared to Leavenworth or the Cascade Loop. However, for scenery, recreation, and Wild West charm, few places compare. Winthrop invites you to step back into the Old West with its wooden boardwalks, saloons, and western storefronts set against the dramatic backdrop of the Cascade Mountains Winthrop also serves as the gateway to the Methow Valley offering endless opportunities for cross-country skiing The annual Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival (July 18-20 2025) brings nationally recognized musicians to this tiny town sitting on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula serves as a major gateway into Olympic National Park yet the town itself is often underappreciated Travelers often pass through Port Angeles en route to hikes and ferry crossings missing out on the town’s genuine coastal charm and cultural vitality with views of Vancouver Island across the strait and restaurants like Kokopelli Grill and Barhop Brewing The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center and the Field Arts & Events Hall foster a thriving arts scene the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival (October 10-12 2025) celebrates the local culinary bounty Situated along the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Stevenson is surrounded by an adventurer’s paradise, yet is often overshadowed by Hood River on the Oregon side of the gorge. Though easily accessible from Vancouver and Portland Stevenson remains underrated because of its quiet understated vibe—a perfect fit for travelers wanting to blend outdoor adventure with small-town hospitality Home to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum and access to hiking trails like Wind Mountain and Beacon Rock Stevenson’s Gorge Blues and Brews Festival (June 20-21 2025) celebrates local craft beer amidst the jaw-dropping scenery travelers have more reason than ever to seek out the hidden gems of Washington State These eight underrated towns deliver a mix of coastal beauty They are places where communities thrive without overwhelming crowds and where authenticity shapes every experience Washington’s small towns are ready to welcome you Jill Spier will close her Port Townsend shop (Diane Urbani de la Paz/for Peninsula Daily News) About 700 participants took part in the 2025 People’s March on Saturday in Port Townsend The march went from the Quimper Mercantile parking lot to Pope Marine Park the name was changed this year to the People’s March in order to be more inclusive [Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News] by Gabe Katzman — A man and his dog were rescued from a sailboat by a U.S Coast Guard (USCG) swimmer near Port Townsend Wednesday morning according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) a passerby called 911 to report a man in distress struggling to navigate his sailboat in strong winds near the Larry Scott trail The JCSO said the man and his dog were stranded with waves crashing around them after their boat ran aground "USCG rescue swimmer Petty Officer Austin Welter arrived and successfully led both the man and his dog to safety," the JCSO said in a Facebook post he said obviously his dog did not like the water," Welter told KOMO News “It was pretty windy out there - gusting up to about 40 knots The water was pretty choppy and the boat was getting rocked.” In a video released by the JCSO it appeared that the boat's sail became torn or tangled as the high winds swirled around The high winds and an incoming storm were churning the water and while the Coast Guard warns boaters to make sure they know the weather before venturing out The National Weather Service has issued a Gale Warning and a Small Craft Advisory for Puget Sound and Hood Canal An official website of the United States government JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please click here to see any active alerts Port Hadlock’s Site 10 borders Port Townsend Bay a marine inlet at the northeastern extreme of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington Site 10 formerly served as a landfill for residential and industrial waste which resulted in soil or groundwater contamination from chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals such as arsenic and lead Marine waters north of Site 10 are major spawning and nursery areas for fish such as herring and salmon and certain shellfish inhabit beaches near Site 10 The site remedy involved placing a geosynthetic cap over approximately 3.7 acres removing eroded landfill debris in the intertidal area excavating landfill waste from the water’s edge and constructing a vegetated geogrid and a shoreline protection system along approximately 900 linear feet of the landfill perimeter the covered landfill is vulnerable to erosion associated with tidal action and storm surge A defined analytical process was used to design the shoreline protection system according to three wave-energy regimes Modeling results for intermediate-high sea level rise scenarios as provided in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Level Rise Viewer and 5.15 feet relative to the mean higher high water level in Port Townsend Bay by the years 2050 The shoreline protection system was designed and constructed in 1996-1997 native willow whips and dune-building grass were collected for later use in constructing the geogrid’s three vegetative layers Construction of the log revetment system in the low energy section included use of duck-bill anchors at the top of the beach a gas collection system was installed to equalize wave action-related air pressure under the cap and to vent potential landfill gas Department of Navy inspects the landfill cap and shoreline protection system semiannually and after storm events Beach erosion in the low energy/high energy transition zone led to 2004 replacement of a damaged portion of the anchored-log revetment with a rock revetment and placement of additional armor rock at the low energy/high energy boundary This maintenance effectively extended the high energy section of the shoreline protection system and reduced potential exposure of landfill debris that may remain in the transition zone The site’s intermittent inspections and five-year reviews have provided opportunities to re-evaluate performance of the shoreline protection system and bordering geogrid as well as the landfill capping system The 2010 five-year review indicated that the shoreline receded during 2008-2009 winter storms which caused significant erosion and exposed a monitoring well surface seal The exposed well casing was temporarily protected by hand-placed quarry spalls until the well could be decommissioned in 2011.  Continued wave-related scour and additional erosion in the low energy/high energy transition zone led to further extension of the high energy section in 2012 existing armor rock in certain areas delineated by the shoreline protection system’s established transects was relocated and additional material was placed at the low energy/high energy boundary to further strengthen the rock revetment adjusting or extending the armor rock in other areas Repairs to the geogrid have involved as-needed replacement of topsoil that was missing due to wave action or manual removal of herbaceous weed species posing a threat to geogrid integrity a diverse community of native vegetation was thriving in the geogrid area and the landfill cap was in good structural condition with no sunken or depressed areas or standing water on the cap surface Department of Navy determined that the current remedy remains protective as long as shoreline monitoring and inspections continue and additional armoring stone is placed as needed in areas vulnerable to erosion This approach was deemed preferable to more aggressive resilience measures that could negatively affect local shellfish harvests The remedy’s institutional controls involving restricted site access and land use remain in place EPA provides additional information about approaches for building climate resilience at Superfund sites Department of Navy implemented adaptation measures into design construction and long-term monitoring of the remedy: Gig Harbor's 12,400 residents should be among the most envied people on Earth. They have year-round access to a historic waterfront reputed to be among the most stunning in the United States. From Harborview Avenue, for instance, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, which boasts the highest volcanic peak in America outside Alaska and Hawaii seniors can enjoy the routine of exploring Waterfront History Walk and Narrows Park to keep their muscles well-toned and their lungs consistently revitalized with some fresh the free-to-visit Harbor History Museum tells the story of the area through fascinating exhibits and displays Financial technology site Smart Asset ranks Gig Harbor as the fourth best place to retire in the United States Its number of medical facilities per 1,000 residents is unmatched by any other town in Washington and an incredibly picture-perfect natural wonder — and birding on its panoramic banks relaxing at the 6-acre Granite Lake Park can be an addictive pastime the about 9-mile away Chief Timothy Park should play host where the peaceful atmosphere is perfect for cabin stays Clarkston boasts some of the lowest tax burdens in Washington Framed by the ruggedness of the Olympic mountains Sequim is a perfect retreat after years of office work It boasts a downtown area that is quaint and charming — and streets studded with kick-ass eateries Sequim Farmers Market offers all kinds of fresh farm produce — amid some entertaining music Sequim boasts the highest percentage of residents aged 65 years and above That means you can reminisce about the good old days with people with whom you share some of life's most cherished experiences reputed to be the Lavender Capital of North America the sight of blooming flowers is known to drench Sequim in panoramic beauty — that is known to spontaneously lift up the mood of residents the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge plays host to the longest natural sand spits in the world Port Orchard is a refreshing Neverland of approximately 16,700 residents that sits on Puget Sound's Sinclair Inlet Its location offers delightful waterfront panoramas — amid an atmosphere that is laid back the experience of shopping at Port Orchard Night Market is one you will be looking forward to where great food shares space with vintage clothing antique stores such as the popular Josephine's Mercantile are famous for their tons of unique items and are quite a pleasure traipsing through Salmonberry Books boasts an impressive number of engaging reads And if you want to catch a live performance Washington Centre for the Arts will be at hand Lynnwood is a Washington charmer known to keep residents Conveniently located just about 16 miles from Seattle and hence within smelling distance of big-city amenities and attractions with malls such as Alderwood offering retail adrenaline North Lynnwood Park features a scenic lake including the events of the Second World War Northwestern Veteran Museum will be quite engrossing book lovers will get a blast at the Lynnwood Library whose impressive collection is accessible to residents fitness-conscious seniors will want to enroll for group fitness classes at the adventure-packed Lynnwood Recreation Centre Snohomish is a town of about 10,900 best known as the Antique Capital of the Northwest The town's historic district is a gem — and one that residents and visitors hardly get enough of strolling along the river will quickly become an addictive routine — as once in a while — enjoying a meal at Andy's Fish House or any other inviting restaurant along that picture-perfect stretch numerous antique shops and boutiques line the streets and will pique the interest of residents seniors can spend their weekends locking eyes with waterfowl or river otters at the relatively secluded Spencer Island Park Snohomish is also among the oldest towns in this corner of Washington and features homes — some of which date back to the 17th century Retiring at Anacortes involves joining about 18,000 others who already comprise a tight-knit community living their dream life on the Salish Sea amid gorgeous waterfront vistas and spectacular scenery The surrounding San Juan Islands offer opportunities for island-hopping while having a close-up view of some animals you have only encountered in NatGeo documentaries — or in hard-covered textbooks are magical and often put a warm glow in the hearts of onlookers The town's historic waterfront defies superlatives and is a pleasure to stroll through you can even lock eyes with the largest animals in the world at the whale-watching spots around For seniors who want to enjoy their afternoons floating on the water while inhaling postcard-perfect views Anacortes may just be what your doctor will recommend a quaint town with a population of around 10,600 is nestled in the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington The town's Victorian-style architecture gives it a nostalgic charm reminiscent of simpler times Located approximately 45 miles from Seattle it provides senior citizens with easy access to urban amenities and services Fort Worden Historic Park features over 11 miles of hiking trails and more than 8 miles of biking paths along with numerous recreational activities like swimming Recognized as one of Budget Travel's Coolest Small Towns Port Townsend boasts incredible aesthetic allure particularly in the Port Townsend Historic District which is fully listed on the National Register of Historic Places it is one of only three Victorian seaports included on this national register a delightful gem situated next to Aberdeen approximately 12 miles from the vast Pacific Ocean The town sits at the mouth of the river sharing its name nestled in Grays Harbor County in western Washington now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places potentially making it the only theater of its kind on the West Coast Perhaps the best aspect of Hoquiam is its small-town vibe where you can easily know your neighbors and even the local restaurant staff by name After years of hard work with little time to rest this phase should bring a shift from crowded urban areas to open landscapes; from uniform buildings to unique delightful towns — and from shimmering skyscrapers to fields of wildflowers boasts several small towns that provide ideal retirement features ranked fourth by financial technology company Smart Assets as one of the best places to retire in the United States a hidden gem known for its unique Pacific Northwest Theatre Washington is filled with diverse retirement opportunities