In 2018, Edmonds Washington was featured as a leading retirement destination by Where To Retire magazine.
But you don’t have to convince us that Edmonds is the place to be. With easy access to bustling Seattle, walking distance to the beach, a quick trip to National Parks, and a view of the Olympic Mountains, Edmonds certainly is something special.
As the world recovers from the sting of COVID-19, many people’s priorities shifted. More than ever, time with friends, family, and loved ones, supporting local businesses, and enjoying the company of friends and strangers took top priority.
The pandemic also intensified many people’s relationships with nature. In fact, 15 national parks broke their highest visitation records in 2020. According to the National Park Service, Olympic National Park here in Washington State squeaked its way into the top 10 most visited parks.
The Northwest is a wonderful place for retirees.
Whether you have been in the area all your life or are a recent transplant, deciding where to live in retirement is a pivotal decision, and we want to help you do it right.
Our TFS headquarters rests in Edmonds, and we love the area so much that we wanted to share some of the best places for retirees to live.
Enjoy!
Housing and Retirement
Deciding where you want to live is a monumental decision for retirees.
Some people wish to stay where they have been for most of their lives, some want to move closer to their children and grandchildren, and others want to travel and explore new places in their golden years.
You may wish to split your time between two places, which doubles your considerations! Now, you have to secure living arrangements and build a fulfilling routine in two spots instead of one. Splitting your time also comes with significant financial commitments—housing, taxes, travel, storage, property upkeep and maintenance, entertainment/activities, and more.
With so many options available, you want to choose the one that will leave you the most fulfilled. Remember, the choice you make should be based on your unique retirement goals.
Do you want to move out of state?
According to moving company HireAHelper, nearly 400,000 Americans relocated for retirement in 2020—the highest number in the last five years. Among those, 38% moved to a different state, with many choosing to move away from larger cities. While Edmonds has grown over the years, it’s retained a more intimate and close-knit field than Seattle, for example—though it’s nice to have quick access to the big city!
What type of place will you live in?
Do you want to remain in your current home like 76% of retirees? Perhaps downsizing to a smaller house or moving into a condo or property with an HOA is more up your alley.
Consider the pros and cons of each situation. If you remain in your home, do you have a plan for ongoing maintenance? Is your current house age-friendly and consider accessibility, fall hazards, and more? Is your neighborhood walkable?
A homeowners association may come with its unique set of idiosyncrasies, but you can’t beat the convenience, especially if you’re splitting your time between locations. Many HOAs offer benefits like lawn care and external maintenance, exercise facilities, pools, events, security, among others.
Top considerations when choosing a retirement spot
Where you live isn’t a choice you should make lightly. Reflect on all of the reasons you either do or do not want to live in a particular location and take an objective eye when evaluating if it will be the right place for you.
Here are some points that can help:
- Proximity to family, friends, and loved ones.
- Are the grandchildren a car ride or plane ticket away? Do you have a community, whether through religion, volunteering, hobbies, or more?
- Cost of living.
- If you’re moving to the Evergreen State, you’ll likely see a spike in the cost of living.
- Taxes (think income, retirement benefits, purchases, etc.)
- Even though the cost of living is higher, Washington does offer some tax benefits like no state tax on Social Security benefits, pension payments, or other retirement account distributions. Washington also doesn’t levy a state income tax. Currently, the sales tax is 6.5% but coupled with Edmonds city tax of 3.90%, residents are looking at 10.4%.
- Access to quality medical facilities and health care
- How close is the nearest hospital? Is it easily accessible from your house? Do you require any specialists, and are they available?
- Recreational opportunities
- How do you want to spend your time? What activities do you enjoy? Where do you see yourself volunteering?
Be sure you have these conversations with your spouse and your family, so you can decide what is right for you and make your retirement a happy one.
About Edmonds, WA
The population of Edmonds has continued to increase steadily over the past decade. Today, there are just over 42,000 residents in our little suburb of Seattle. US census data also found that nearly 22% of the residents are 65 and older, making it a great retirement hotspot.
The weather is mild and temperate, and you’ll get used to the rain (we promise)! In fact – it rains in Edmonds less than you probably think. We always like to point out that it rains more in Miami each year (62 inches) than in Edmonds (38 inches).
While picturesque and pleasant, it is essential to note that Edmonds does have a high cost of living, 70% higher than the U.S national average. According to Zillow, the median home value for homes in Edmonds is $795,218. The area saw a 24.2% spike in home prices over the last year—a trend sweeping the nation. If you are thinking about renting instead of buying, the average cost to rent a three-bedroom house/apartment is about $2,528 per month in 2021.
This is important information to work into your retirement budget so you know what to expect.
Edmonds boasts beaches, hiking trails, museums, boutique shops, and restaurants, all of which will keep you busy. With its small-town appeal, you will feel like you are really part of a community here.
Now, let’s dive in to look at some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Edmonds.
Neighborhood Guide
From strolling on the streets of downtown to being nestled in the forest, there is really something for everyone in Edmonds. We wanted to give you an overview of some of the neighborhoods to give you an idea of where you can live around here.
Downtown
From art walks to garden markets to jazz festivals, downtown Edmonds will keep you as busy as you want to be. Being steps away from shops and restaurants, downtown is a wonderful place for retirees to consider.
There are always events to keep you busy and public transportation to get you there. If you consider yourself more of a city dweller, downtown is the perfect location for you because you get the city feel while still having access to all of the outdoor activities around you.
Surrounding Suburbs
Edmonds has many suburbs: Aurora marketplace, Chase Lake, College Place, Olympic View, Port of Edmonds, Westgate, and more. For a comprehensive list, please look at the city data report. Each neighborhood has its appeal; it really comes down to what you are looking for in a place to live.
Think through your priorities when it comes to retirement living. These priorities will help you figure out the best place for you to be.
Perhaps you want to be downtown where all of the action is, or maybe you want to be closer to the water, or maybe your dream is to live farther outside the city, nestled in the trees. No matter what your ideal retirement living situation is, you can find it in Edmonds.
Speak With An Expert
Our office is located in Edmonds, and we love living here. If you are thinking about Edmonds for your retirement, why not talk with the people who know it best?
Where you live in retirement is an essential step to creating your ideal retirement lifestyle and that is something we know a lot about.
Your retirement lifestyle is uniquely yours, and here at TFS, we help our clients create and live their retirement lifestyle every day. We can’t wait to hear from you!
