7 Reasons to Retire in Seattle

If you hope to retire in a city that blends an urban lifestyle with the natural beauty of the pacific northwest, you should consider Seattle.

Situated in the heart of Washington State, Seattle boasts a thriving arts scene, fantastic restaurants, and breathtaking views of the Puget Sound. From local festivals to whale watching tours, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy in your golden years. 

Even though The Emerald City is an exciting place to move for anyone, there are some specific benefits for retirees. That's why the team at Prevu Real Estate has compiled a list of the top reasons why Seattle is a fantastic place to retire. 

Reasons to retire in Seattle

• Arts and culture
• Quality healthcare
• Mild climate
• Exceptional outdoor activities
• Convenient transportation options
• Excellent retirement communities
• Health food scene

Arts and culture

Seattle's arts and culture scene ranges from upscale galleries to folk music jams, so most retirees should be able to find something they enjoy. 

Those with a penchant for viewing art exhibits and live performances can visit the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Symphony, or the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Retirees over the age of 60 can even make use of Seattle's Gold Card, which allows discounted or free entrance into many of the city's art institutions. 

Legends like Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, and Nirvana once called Seattle home and their influence on the city’s music scene is still thriving today. To catch some of today's folk, rock, and country talent, you can head to the Tractor Tavern, which hosts concerts nearly every night. For anything from jazz to classical, you can also check out the calendar at the Triple Door.

Seattle hosts several festivals during warmer months. Two of the most well-known are the Seattle International Film Festival, held in May, and the Seattle International Beerfest in July. 

Quality healthcare

Another upside of retiring in Seattle is the city's comprehensive health care system. 

For starters, the highly-ranked University of Washington offers expert care in numerous fields, including cancer, cardiology, and orthopedics. The University of Washington even has a dedicated Senior Care Clinic in Downtown Seattle. 

Similarly, the Virginia Mason Medical Center has a clinic specifically designed for senior care. Here, older adults can receive lifestyle counseling, immunizations, and screenings to help prevent illness early on. 

A variety of services are also available to retirees in Seattle that require in-home care. Synergy HomeCare and Homewatch Caregivers are two examples of top-notch home care services that provide older adults with companionship, transportation, and medication management. 

Mild climate

While the tropics may be the ideal climate for some retirees, others would rather avoid extreme temperatures. Fortunately, Seattle's proximity to the Pacific prevents the weather from becoming too cold or hot. 

Summers in Seattle are typically warm and dry, with the average temperatures hovering around the mid-70s. Surprisingly, the winters aren't very cold, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-40s. These mellow weather patterns create excellent conditions for exploring the outdoors in Seattle. 

Exceptional outdoor activities

Seattle offers an abundance of outdoor recreation for retirees who want to spend some time in the fresh air. 

The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum features an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails among rare trees from around the world. Likewise, Discovery Park offers nine miles of trails with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains. 

Golfers will enjoy the Jefferson Park Golf Course in Beacon Hill, where they can enjoy impressive views of Seattle’s skyline while practicing their swing. 

Retirees can also visit the San Juan Islands, where they can explore picturesque towns and local wineries. You might even spot a few Orcas on the ferry ride home with some luck. 

Convenient transportation options

The King County Metro Transit provides Seattle's retirees with reliable transportation via light rail, buses, ferries, and the city's iconic street cars. Additionally, the Sound Transit system offers regional transportation throughout King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. 

With such a variety of transportation options, you'll have the freedom to travel throughout the greater Seattle area in your preferred way. Plus, if you need to hop on a plane, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is only 20 minutes from Downtown Seattle. No matter where you're from, reuniting with family and friends should be fairly easy. 

Excellent retirement communities 

Living in a retirement residence can offer freedom, convenience, and entertainment for folks in their golden years. There are multiple kinds of retirement homes in Seattle, with many replicating a cozy, condo-style living arrangement. 

The Terraces at Skyline is an example of apartments specifically designed for seniors in the heart of Seattle. Residents enjoy private apartments with views of the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay, and have access to amenities like housekeeping, transportation, a fitness center, and an onsite salon. 

If you prefer more independence or space, you can check out Cristalla Condominiums in Downtown Seattle. These luxury condos offer retirees a 24-hour concierge, a rooftop terrace, and an indoor pool. 

Some other condos worth looking into are Madison Tower and The Escala which both offer in-house spas, fitness rooms, and rooftop grills. 

Health food scene

In Seattle, it's easy for retirees to maintain their mental and physical health by eating well. PCC Community Markets is a perfect option for Seattle residents who prefer to cook at home. This locally-owned grocery store offers natural and organic foods at 15 locations throughout the Seattle area. 

Downtown, you'll find an abundance of healthy restaurants, whether you want a quick bite or a fine-dining experience. For the latter, check out Altura, an upscale Italian restaurant in Capitol Hill focusing on nutritious cuisine. You'll also want to check out the Metropolitan Grill, whose 60-foot black marble bar and high-quality steaks have been local staples for over 20 years. 

Seattle also has multiple farmers' markets throughout the city. The most well-known is the Pike Place Market located Downtown. But you can find others, like the West Seattle Farmers Market at Alaska Street and California Avenue in West Seattle. If you're on the north side of Seattle, visiting the Ballard Farmers Market at the intersection of Ballard Avenue and 22nd Avenue in Ballard may be easier.  

Interested in buying a home in Seattle? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.