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Washington is one of the most underrated retirement destinations. The fact is that a retirement in the Pacific Northwest may be more like a dream come true for seniors who enjoy being outdoors, a mild climate, good coffee, and cheering on talented professional sports teams. The state offers thriving cities, charming small towns, and everything you need to make your retirement everything you’ve dreamed of.
Explore why so many Washingtonians decide to stay in their home state for retirement and why the state is drawing seniors from across the country for their golden years.
Reasons to Retire in Washington?
We can’t overlook the rain in Washington, but we know, from personal experience, that the rain brings the green, lush landscape, and there are enough beautiful days to enjoy local beaches and the great outdoor opportunities the state is famous for offering.
Here are 10 reasons to commit to a retirement in the Evergreen State.
1. Retirement tax benefits
Washington is tax-friendly for retirees. The state does not tax social security, pension, or retirement accounts. Additionally, Washington boasts a lower than average property tax and has no inheritance tax for estates less than $2.193 million.
2. Good Health
Named by Kiplinger as one of the Top 12 Cities to Retire For Good Health, Seattle, Washington boasts world-class health care, stunning hiking trails, water recreation, shoreline, locally grown food markets, and everything you need to age well. From cultural performances to educational lectures and outdoor adventures, Washington is a top retirement destination for those looking to stay healthy and active.
3. Mild climate
When you think of Washington, you may think of rain, rain, and more rain. The truth is that while it does rain in the Pacific Northwest, the state actually boasts a mild climate year-round with residents keeping air conditioning turned off in the summer and shovels in the garage during the winter. Also, the eastern part of the state is drastically different from the west with a warm, desert climate, and limited precipitation. This climate makes it great for wine production, which is why the Eastern part of the state is known as Washington’s Wine Country.
4. Free entertainment and cultural opportunities
The mild climate encourages residents to spend a lot of time outside, enjoying an abundance of free concerts and art exhibits throughout the year and throughout the state.
5. Laid-back lifestyle.
Washington definitely has a west-coast, laid-back vibe and its residents are known for being friendly and helpful.
6. Gourmet coffee bars
The state is world-renowned for its gourmet coffee. Home to Starbucks and other global coffee brands, the Evergreen State can be counted on to deliver your caffeine fix daily.
7. Access to quality healthcare
Retirees in Washington have access to world-class healthcare with award-winning hospitals like the University of Washington Medical Center, seniors have all the tools they need to age well and happily in the Evergreen State.
8. Low crime
Washington has a crime rate of 284.4 offenses per 100,000 people, considerably lower than the national average.
9. Outdoor recreation
The mild climate and abundance of lakes, beaches, and mountains make Washington State an incredible place to experience the great outdoors. From hiking to camping or spending a day on the lake, Washington has it all!
10. Thriving economy and home to industry leaders
Washington is home to innovative mega-corporations like Starbucks, Amazon, Microsoft, and Nordstrom. For seniors looking to continue working, or invest their time and money – Washington has large companies with strong values and innovative workspaces.
Experience Leisure Care Independent Living in Washington
Make Your Move
Now that you know Washington is the state to spend your golden years, what next? First, comb through your current expenses and determine how much you spend each month that you may not have to once you move to a community because so much of senior living is all-inclusive. Consider how much is spent monthly on food, utilities, healthcare, house maintenance, and homeownership costs. Once you have a good understanding of how much it costs to live on your own, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of the cost of senior living.
You will also want to think through what is included at the community you are considering. Many of our communities include a wide range of amenities including,
- Regular housekeeping and linen services
- True restaurant dining, with made to order meals
- Engaging activities and social events
- Home maintenance and yard work
- Gym memberships and fitness classes through PrimeFit
- Language lessons
- Travel opportunities
- Assisted living and memory care services, if needed
Exactly how much your monthly rate is will depend on the care being received, amenities being used, and apartment chosen. The cost of senior living in Washington comes in at an average of $4,625 per month for assisted living care, higher than the national average.
Your Dream Retirement on Your Budget
From traveling the world to exploring your own backyard, Leisure Care living is fun and easy. We offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care services at our communities in Washington. We will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while making the most of every day of retirement. Five-star fun. Five-star service. That’s our promise.
It’s your time to build your future. Contact us today to get started.
Find a Leisure Care Community
Better with age, exceptional with us! Come and see how Leisure Care communities are helping seniors rediscover (and sometimes reinvent) themselves.
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