Coastal retirement in the Great Northwest
Retirees or those close to retirement from all over the country are discovering the unique lifestyle accompanying living in the Northwest. After working exclusively with aging but active boomers who research locations for their own personal “Best Places to Retire”, I would like to share some common reoccurring lifestyle comments, favorite activities, and ideas of what they don’t like. For a generation who are notorious non-joiner’s and who pride themselves in individuality, they have many ideals in common.
Here are some common themes…
Most but not all are worried but not put off by the cool moist temperate rain forest climate. Many are coming from very arid or warmer climates. As things are heating up globally, dire news of unusual weather patterns in otherwise popular warm areas, a cooler, less dramatic weather area has a new appeal. This Summer Palm Springs hit 120 degrees. Last year unusual hurricanes battered the South East, rolling brownouts, flooding and wildfires throughout the country all contributed to a dimming enthusiasm for other regions. In contrast, the Pacific Northwest enjoyed one of the perfect combinations of warm summer days and balmy evenings in the mid-60’s and 70’s, and a record mild and dry summer and autumn on record. Daytime temperatures ranged between 70-80 degrees most days, little humidity, and fewer bugs (yes…I have heard that comment from many contrasting where they current lived).
Walking and hiking are a big part of what active retirees currently enjoy for recreation and look for places with interesting trails and walking paths to go take a hike. This region is designated best outdoor recreational areas in the country. Many cities feature trail heads and trails connecting neighborhoods with parks, lakes and ocean or bay.
Boating, including small crafts such as kayaks are things that people generally want to do, but most have not done a lot of it. Retirement brings out those dormant recreational dreams. The San Juan Islands of the
Preservation of a community’s history is also important to most. Independent bookstores, thriving downtown shopping areas with non-chain shops and restaurants are also a big plus. Although many love the idea of a Cost-co and Trader Joe’s in the immediate area as well. This region apparently is one of the last areas with independent shop keepers who have not be over run by the big chain stores.
Literacy is a big point-many look for University or college towns for this reason. Many boomers are college grads who look for book clubs to join and college classes that they can attend now that there is more time to do so.
Home prices are usually at par or below other parts of the country. Retirees are thinking about stretching their retirement dollars. Usually my clients are comfortable purchasing a home between $350,000-$500,000. Many are also drifting into the second home lifestyle. The Northwest is an ideal fit for those who want a balmy Summer and Fall here, and then move to their warmer area residence for the Winter and Spring.
All said, this is a good fit for most of my clients who decide to move here. The locals are friendly, the natural beauty of this region is stunning, and there are many active activities that the 50-60 somethings can enjoy.
There are many, many reasons to retire in the coastal Northwest, come out to tour and you will discover some new reasons for yourself!
Luanne Highlander is a Relocation Specialist in the Whatcom County-Mount Baker area. She is a realtor at RE/Max Whatcom County Inc. and works with her husband Charley. Luanne exclusively works with out-of-area buyers considering moving to the Northwest. Most (over 90%) are early retirees or those ready to retire within three years. Luanne is a boomer herself, a grandmother and she and her husband hike, kayak and sail. She and her clients were featured in Where to Retire magazine featuring younger retirees moving to the Bellingham, Washington area. Their company is Relocate Northwest. See www.RelocateNW.com for more about their services.