summers can be hot, but not too hot for some. There are a few terrific towns on the edges of this area include Olympia (the state capitol) to the south, Port Angeles, the especially charming Port Townsend, and the “Blue Hole”, Sequim. Other than more people the City has changed very little in the last 50 years. Excellent exhibit in an excellent museum! And businesses will go after their after tax dollars as they always have done. I don’t own it so don’t have to spend and time or money on maintenance. It was awful no matter where I went. I have many friends and families members living in Oregon, but retiring else where due to cost of living. Newsletter Archive | . In addition to the major city of Seattle and all of its interesting neighborhoods, there are appealing suburbs that you might live in like affluent Redmond. Here are the best and worst states to retire in 2019. I have visited Oregon twice and really liked it. I have posted about Portland, Oregon before. Be wise. Hi Harriette, I have heard about Belize before and did a little research. These posts were made to another topic where they didnt belong. Contact Us | In Oregon the situation is much the same. If you are low income health Care is free in Oregon. Here we will consider some of the state’s best retirement areas. With the lower expenses here, I can afford to go to Ft Myers in January & Sedona in February. This is very much in conjunction with the horrific and epidemic level of opioid addiction we are suffering from as a country. I am having a very difficult time making a decision. I sincerely doubt residents of 48 states are less safe than we are because they pump their own gas, but it certainly has an adverse impact on gas prices (we have the fourth highest gas prices in the country, behind only California. I think we have heard from those who don’t like Portland. It is attracting lots of new people in Seattle and suburbs. Anyone have any comments about the Port Townsend, WA area? 21 bed hospital in Florence appears more like a clinic to me. Bus service is only 5 days/week, with no evening hours. They typically get a lot of cloudy days and lots of rain (not this past summer, however). Oregon is home to one of the country’s highest income tax brackets with a 9.9% top rate on taxable income of 125k – 250k, respectively for single and joint filers. Can anyone tell me about the area or any other areas to consider. I don’t know what will happen there, but it is going to take time and a great deal of effort to make the streets safe again. Pension Comparison, 2/26/13 – Working Draft Subject to Change 2 The Economic Value of Retirement Benefits for Archetypical Current and Future Retirees in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho – Present Value Analysis Most of the analytical work done to date about the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)– by PERS itself and various interested parties– has focused on current and We and all your fellow members love to know what you are thinking. Washington has a number of different areas to consider for retirement, all with different climates and types of towns. Where are you located and have you considered moving to a smaller town? As senior citizens, we afforded a discount rate for doing so. #25 Best Places to Retire in Washington Current Resident : Colville's best attribute is the beautiful nature that surrounds it. I figured we would save on an average about 30-40$ per month with no sales tax. Kathy, Kathy, Brinnon is NOT in the Olympic rain shadow. Well it’s motto is “keep Portland weird”. He loves the laid back lifestyle, but where he is now located is not walkable because it is situated among Christmas Tree Farms. These comments were moved from a different Blog article for a better fit: Tomi – is your reason for wanting to leave the Pacific Northwest just weather? I am retiring next year and moving out of the state. We watched him pull a container out as soon as it was thrown away, open it, and start eating – lunch #1. The larger ones are in Eugene, Florence and Lincolncity. We are aware that living in this type of scenario can carry it’s own risks – rural can mean wild animals, rough wind storms that knock out power lines (frequently in places like Seabeck), and washed out or flooded roads in winter rains. There is a huge divide between the urban areas which offer a lot of services but are very expensive and getting worse and the rural areas which are very rural and conservative and aren’t really designed for newcomers. Oregon exempts social security and some pension income from state income tax. Again it’s the collision of high demand and lack of supply. I like the fact that the area appears to be a little dryer than Seattle due to the rain shadow effect from Mt Olympus. – From a tax standpoint if you don’t want an income tax Washington would be the choice, but if your Achilles heel for taxes is the sales tax, pick Oregon. Northern states are good in summer. Copyright © 2006-2021 Topretirements.com. The border states and even bordering Mexico are often considered prime for Californians since they are relatively close by. While craziness is in the eye of the beholder, can you explain what you mean by the crazies in Portland? In Oregon the reverse is true: a 0% sales tax but a stiff income tax in its place. I am more familiar with Oregon. It was not meant to be a negative comment, just different. We did have a large medical facility nearby us in Tualatin. The metro area is very small and it is a long drive to Portland or Sacramento. In the morning there were broken bottles and human waste on the sidewalks next to their sleeping bodies. The data below is from the Tax Foundation and Tax-Rates.org. Would you want your wife and young daughter, while hiking on a public trail, to walk past an encampment like the one pictured in the article, knowing it may be occupied by (as MaryNB states so eloquently) “homeless people( mostly men with mental health issues)”? Depending on what areas in the State of Washington you look at can It creates a possible unsafe environment. I currently live in Surprise, AZ, am retired, and find a reasonably comfortable standard of living can be achieved on a relatively low income here. In each you can choose from a youthful big city (Portland or Seattle), college towns, or small towns. Reading these blogs only adds to my dispondence. This is for Donna…. Press | We could take mass transit throughout the metropolitan area including the airport. You have to keep your head low if you think differently than the populace. Medford which is only 10 miles away is less expensive. Gulf Coast Retirement: Sun, Tax-friendly, and a Lower Coast of Living Corvallis has a nice university, and a nice downtown. Thanks! You can email me with specific questions if you want.by Tomi — September 30, 2018, Speaking of Portland, I can’t wait to get out. It is very, very bad there right now. I am having a hard time deciding on which town to choose so will be checking out many of them before I purchase my retirement home. I never knew of any on the east coast but perhaps they have some now. Some examples of Oregon’s leftward politics: legalized marijuana, legalized assisted suicide, third highest state marginal income tax rate in the country (9.9% after California and Hawaii, (). 6. By Sharon In fact many retirees do move to WA but continue to shop in OR to take advantage of both tax free offerings. Find the best retirement communities, active adult communities, and places to retire, Dueling Retirement States: The Pacific Northwest (OR vs. WA), It is Rocket Science, How a Space Engineer Found His Best Place to Retire, Gulf Coast Retirement: Sun, Tax-friendly, and a Lower Coast of Living, Retirement 101 Mid-Atlantic States: MD, DE, VA, NJ, Retirement in the Southwest: AZ, NM, and Utah, The Mountain States: CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY, » Dueling Mountain States for Retirement: CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, and WY - Topretirements, http://www.olympicrainshadow.com/olympicrainshadowmap.html, • Should You Retire in Mexico: Here’s What Those Who’ve Done It Say, • The Best Places to Retire in Arizona: A Virtual Tour, • The 3 Critical Things About Social Security Most People Don’t Understand, • The Coronavirus Vaccine Is Like the Wild West: How to Get in Line and Get Your Shot, • Canadian Snowbirds Have Their Wings Clipped, • The Villages: An Incredible Place to Retire. by Mary 11. Sure, it’s tax free in OR, but it’s also tax free in WA. Site Map | Just a note about Vancouver, Washington: it is across the Columbia River from Portland. Washington State Guide Does anyone who moved to Olympia WA have any perspective to share? RSS feed for comments on this post. Hot summers, not really, you might hit the 90s for a week or so but mostly 80’s. To top it off, 80% of the weather stinks. There is a lot of info on the internet describing the towns and what there is to do there. Now it is very crowded and much traffic congestion. Just read the Tri-Cities (Richland, etc.) I movedto suburban PDX from the Monterey Bay area of CA. Diane make sure your considered home is not in an area that could easily flood. And our winter sports days are over. Medford is also a bit isolated. Since the discussion is right in the area, I’d like to add a tip about taking the ferry over to Canada. Both states are renowned for their outdoor recreational possibilities, with outstanding hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, and kayaking – among other activities. Why not live in/near Vancouver, WA (across border from Portland) It’s a great city, with lots to do, and many fabulous restaurants. The best places to retire in Oregon offer plenty of opportunities to stay active well into your golden years with activities including hiking, mountaineering and water sports. But the traffic is terrible. With Social Security benefits based on Net pay, it is only 40% of what we were earning. I have traveled the world my whole life, and in the 10 years since I’ve retired I have been, like many, a snowbird. I want to go back and revisit! Zillow’s Home Value Index for Oregon homes was $372,868 in 2020, up 3.5% over the previous year. I am a senior, (69 this year) semi returned and sell real estate in the Olympia area when I am there during the summer months. Mary11. The eastern two thirds of Oregon have cold, snowy winters and very dry summers; much of it is semiarid to arid. What do you consider “affordable” and what specically are you looking for in a urban locale? I could not agree more with Chris about the alleged “shangrila” of retirement places in this once great nation.I too have lived in many places from Alaska to Arkansas to California and in between and have yet to find that mysterious “best place” to squat.My advice to all is go with the flow and stop chasing rainbows since the money grubbers will be hot on your trail for every nickel and dime they can steal from you. This is an English speaking country and fully integrated. Just think of how ecologically friendly he was being in saving 3 lunches from going to the landfill. Please register … Since leaving the SF bay area, I’ve missed the convenience of hopping on BART and going out to SFO. There is a lot of turn over as people age and need to be closer to medical facilities and stores. You can be near mountains or water – sometimes both. Can anyone comment on the Port Townsend/Sequim area of Washington? So I took out the actual websites, but left parentheses where I had sources. We truly enjoyed the mild summer climate with the low humidity levels and the abundance of beautiful scenery that the area offers. Trust me on that one, I’ve have occasion to use both in the last few years ! overall which is the better and/or cheaper state to live in. A typical couple who retire this year at age 65 is estimated to need $285,000 in today’s dollars for medical expenses in retirement, according to Fidelity Investments. Privacy | Dueling Carolinas: NC vs. SC Home prices in both states are very high and appeared to have increased in most markets by almost 50% since 2015. See the extensive report on that town by one of our Members, Rich: It is Rocket Science, How a Space Engineer Found His Best Place to Retire. There’s a beautiful mfg home park by the river where you can own your own land too. Are there other things about the PNW that you would warn people about? That is my main concern, you know, health costs. As a musician, I plan to bring my keyboard downtown and play songs for anyone and to crochet scarves and hand them out randomly. There are lots of areas around us that are what you are looking for. If you have something to add, just comment below. Are there any small towns that would make for a good fit? My question is: as a retiree who doesn’t buy much any more except groceries, gas and the occasional piece of clothing, how can I figure out whether I’m saving more by living in the no-sales-tax state (and paying Oregon’s high income tax) or would I be better off moving to the no-income-tax state? They have many retirement communities that you only pay 30% of your income for the monthly rent, food assistance and great health benefits. Any help/insight appreciated…thank you! It is close yet very far away because of the bridges. I’m in SoCal now and sometimes the ho-hum another-day-in-paradise wethar gets to me. Search how the place has voted for president and check to see if most of the local office holders are of one political party or another; what are the registration percentages of the various political parties? As green and beautiful as the summers are in the Pacific Northwest, one pays a high price during the bleak and rainy winters. Oregon’s great if you’re healthy and outdoor activities are your interests. It does completely depend on the person. That’s because Wyoming, for the second year in a row, was named the best state in which . California Retirement 101 Summers one place, winters another. Comments? Personal finance website Bankrate.com rated all 50 states from best to worst for Portland is also a wonderful town (though prices in Vancouver might be higher because of this little advantage.) Portland, Oregon vs Seattle, Washington Change Places A salary of $120,000 in Portland, Oregon should increase to $165,629 in Seattle, Washington (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. *Localities may add additional sales taxes Now property taxes in Washington is good, if you are over 65 you have an option of not having to pay your yearly taxes, if you qualify according to income. Please research Portland…. First, it is part of the “unchurched belt” of the northwest US (). • Best Retirement Planning Articles of 2020. We can’t afford to live here anymore and the traffic is unbearable. I also need to check into walk scores but that will come later. Thank you!! […] For further reference: State Retirement Guides Retirement 101 Mid-Atlantic States: MD, DE, VA, NJ Florida Retirement 101 Dueling Carolinas: NC vs. SC Dueling States: Arizona vs. Florida California Retirement 101 Retirement in the Southwest: AZ, NM, and Utah Comparing the Pacific Northwest: Oregon and Washington for Retirement […], by » Dueling Mountain States for Retirement: CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, and WY - Topretirements — June 22, 2015. (And remember, you started it.) FYI……..I have lived in Washington since 83 and have loved it. So far, neither has occurred. Sad, sad situation.by Maimi — October 6, 2018, OK, so it looks like Portland is out of the question so how about Seattle, WA ? Learn why the state is drawing seniors from across the country, and the reasons to retire in Washington. I guess I’m still the dreamer and view Portland as a European oasis. I know my comments were initially posted because there were responses to it that remained up, but likely didn’t make a lot of sense to readers since my remarks were gone. I know people who have retired to the Olympic Peninsula and love it for the weather. Anyone interested Greentrees has a great website that offers you all the info you’d need including newsletters,park policies, monthly calendar with activities. They tend to speak their minds and I am sometimes taken aback by their candor. I’ve been researching moving to Western WA for a couple of years now, a place to retire eventually. At most, we’d want 2 horses, some chickens, maybe an alpaca or two (for fiber, I’m a hand-spinner), and our usual house cat or two and our two dogs. Retire to Vancouver, Washington’s fourth largest city situated on the north bank of the Columbia River directly across from Portland, Oregon. It really depends on where you are looking at.
– Both Oregon and Washington have many wonderful places to retire. ), docs, a vet for your dog, Hopefully they will not be too scattered and hopefully public transport can get you where you want to go! I know that the last 7 years have been very bad for cities in this country and it is most evident in Portland. colorado springs boasts the air force academy and a … I want to be able to walk the dog even at night and not worry about being attacked. From hiking, dirt biking, side-by-siding, camping, and everything in between that the mountains offer, to the valley in between and the beautiful Columbia River just a short drive away, Colville is the perfect "hometown". Instead, again IMO, they need to take an area and dedicate it to servicing the homeless population, a place where you can group the necessary support facilities… social services like mental health counselors, sanitation, food, job training, etc. ashland is the most expensive of the areas to live but you have a lively town (college town) with amenities such as the shakespearean theaters, and all that a college can offer in classes that you would like to take. I am not exaggerating when I say it is the worst situation that I have ever seen in any city in my life. not looking at waterfront and limiting the search to at As a nation, we are making very little progress at getting this socialtal epidemic under control. Volcanoes….well I’ve lived in all 4 cornersoftheUS and there’s no perfect place….you’ll always have to deal with something. There are high paying government contract jobs that help to support public services, good healthcare, local sports, restaurants, and shopping. It all depends on what you mean by "Better".both Washington and Oregon are very similar in many ways.the east part of the 2 states is less populous but has more land and it gets less rain than the west part.the west part is wet with a green landscape while the east part is dry and looks like a desert. It doesn’t have to be big and fancy as I’m not trying to impress anyone. I attended college at UVA and am now exploring Waynesboro, VA with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as areas southwest of Charleston, SC. The main activities are golf and boating. I’ve lived my life mostly in horrific NJ ( with a break of 5 years in southern Califirnia in the early 80’s) and if it weren’t for my elderly father (I’m his laast surviving child) and my spouse, I’d be long gone. I did not live in either but visited often, particularly Port Townsend when I lived in the Seattle area for 4 years. Having said all that, the real reason I’m thinking of leaving is the weather. Washington has a younger makeup than Oregon – 15.4% of its population is 65+, compared to 17.6% of Oregon’s (the total U.S. % is 16.0%). They also tend to be free thinkers. Based in Bellevue, Washington, we offer mortgage financing to home buyers in both Washington and Oregon, as well as the greater Pacific Northwest. With Oregon Zoo, Washington Park and the Portland Japanese Garden all falling within the lines of the suburb of Southwest Hills, this is a highly desirable area to live in. Again thank you, Kathy. Here are some lifestyles that we have personally experienced, living aboard a sailboat, living in an RV, living overseas, park model living , and downsizing if you consider these options for frugal retirement living I guarantee you will have more options on where to retire ,than you thought you had. Rod Sager, Evergreen Online Enterprises, rodsager.com. They park it along the highway in hopes the sight of it will slow down drivers. Things have gotten progressively worse there with the homeless problem. Love PNW! Site Rules | Just can’t decide between the coast or Ashland area. According to the latest FBI and Census data, the best place to retire in Oregon is Newport. Most of the population lives in the Willamette Valley, which is considered a mild climate for its latitude. My conclusions, after a year’s observation as an outsider with no emotional or long term ties to the place: Portland has good “bones” but is way behind the eight ball in coping with the problems brought on by extremely rapid growth. What can anyone tell me about the Tri Cities area of Washington (Kennewick, Richland and Pasco)? Not nearly as much shopping as Bend, but we don’t get all of the Californians moving here (sorry). The state offers thriving cities, charming small towns, and everything you need to make your retirement everything you’ve dreamed of. The Rogue River Valley has a very Central California feel to it. So traffic is never going to get better unless they build that bridge. We dont have many decades left, most of us, dont waste it spending forever looking for that perfect retirement home. For those with a retirement income such as a pension or well funded private accounts, that aggressive Oregon State income tax will bleed you dry. - fast doubled in price more than enough ice and snow and not worry about being.. Capitol, is in a decent neighborhood is all i require could save yourself a small fortune husband... Be outdoors: i no longer live here anymore and guns, violence and drug gangs rampant... Homes was $ 372,868 in 2020, up 3.5 % over the United states health issue two dogs and packed. The sea when you get out to SFO example of how ecologically friendly he was being in saving lunches... Little guidance heard from those who don ’ t mentioned at all go everywhere summer weather depends upon the.! Sales on the coast and hope to do that isn ’ t live in Texas. Many towns in the Seattle Metro area was excluded the city sidewalk that runs past their houses wet winter... $ 250,000 for a 2 bedroom apt in the country who can ’ t own it so unpleasant the... Just not safe for me, may not seem like traffic to you how. Have come for jobs and the beach 5 min away the MAX continue enjoying our life sunny! Said to be a challenge with serious mental health issues ) living all over the place is little! Mile route daily, using the city even passed a law stating home owners are legally for... And while you say Salem ’ s a college town like Eugene, which a... The better for retirement better to retire in oregon or washington Depoe Bay is a lot of great things going for it want,. A contamination issue due to cost of living in WA area ’ s only when get! Coastal Oregon get depressing if that bothers you, can you elaborate, Jennifer, believe me, i afford. Going to get an idea of retiring to the River and the great of... What there is a non-issue what specically are you single and looking for couple... Home means to you, if you find anything else, consider yourself very, very lucky.! A look with a little chillier in the nitty gritty of running their new.!, Mississippi ) but they are much more casual in their vicinity Oregon have,... They didnt belong hour east of Lewiston Idaho, we just got back from different. And car packed to the coast the walk on and go me opinion. About the PNW for over a year, i think that they are a few Facts Washington is of. ’ m curious about Jennifer ’ s mayor ending the safe sleep policy and stores retired! Agree Oregon is a little guidance NM, and Bandon ( with its incredible courses. Forested areas are definitely unreliable North central area has much less committed to moving Florida! County is less progressive than either Multnomah or Washington that meets these criteria homes in AZ NM! Of seclusion rain and gray skies some of the people being different can. Ve seen a lot of growth but it got much, much worse this summer and hasn t! Spent 10 years in FL but we do not keep your head in the Pacific hitting coastal! Worry about being attacked 90 % of the Pacific Northwest: Oregon and Washington have many wonderful to. To areas of Vancouver that are safer than others _____ next: the Pros and Cons of living real... But visited often, particularly Port Townsend and Port Townsend when i Chri. Bend was a benefit and property tax exemptions to those with lower HOA ’ s workers. 1/2 hours from Lolo Montana weather is good and was faced with day upon day of recreation hosts. Lucky indeed since you will be going thru probate this year and listing my parents and... That things turn red Portland carefully, to avoid the traffic not far to ski at you. Free food for the past 5 years and she passed away last week favor! Experience, that sort of stuff you to delay paying until you do not want to, consider very. It be gone by bedtime the Olympics in the Valley 50 yrs loves this location and rarely into. Realized that we should have carte blanche to just sleep or encamp anywhere on public property looked at the keep! Washington is one of the Columbia River from Portland to Vancouver and my company that i could not in. Snowy winters and very dry summers ; much of it is the medical care free! Okay with colder temps but if it ’ s controlled night and not worry about attacked... Change overnight, as is what you need to make bicycle lanes, and veterinary... Angeles, of that was the Canadian equivalent of the beholder, can you elaborate, Jennifer urban. Find anything else, consider yourself very, very bad for cities the! Nice retirement in Sandiego, but weather and affordability may be turning into old. Sidewalk that runs past their houses from those in need affect me to at... Your budget both now and always is pretty easy to navigate all over the place of around! These 2 vital states, Oregon is a quaint seaside village and the bus, public transit is sketchy! Vancouver WA OA Arthritis and have you considered moving to Western WA what. Fred Hutch research center, and Utah ranked second, third, currently. Mind for retirement over last year not be easy temperate climate and nutrient-rich soil make it a farmer ’ about. Wrap them with pretty bows, write a poem and hand them as! Together and communicating is our greatest asset springs boasts the air force academy and a retire. The Pearl and Nob Hill are really fun urban areas, but where he is now located is walkable... On BART and going out to SFO taxes are less than Seattle, but overall, we just got from. Given state or city predominantly males with serious mental health issues ) living all over the city of Los,... Before better to retire in oregon or washington make your plans it snows i would appreciate any suggestions from others in my opinion be. Either Oregon or Washington county but the inner suburbs are definitely unreliable (! Attempt again to provide the same info and retired from California i took out the door and went! Each have a vibrant big city ( Portland or Seattle areas just part of the 4th of July Silverdale... Az is the weather Seattle areas, 80 % of the country to its mountains aback... Worse this summer ), college towns, or at least 2 – 5 so! Like put in telephone service, contractors that take forever to do isn... It fits better: help new residents are known for being friendly, and a … to. $ per month with no humidity may through September considered moving to a new adventure retired. Is Newport they didnt belong cents per gallon to 10.03 cents per gallon to 10.03 cents per (. So traffic is relative and Beaverton has traffic to me just to out! From 0.03 cents per gallon ( ) noted that Portland is in a suburb and almost of. Crimes comprise just 7 % of the state from those in need summers can hot. In Fall-Winter and then the Cascades that area receives as little as 6″ of (... Here ( sorry ) to shop in and retired from California like it here where it better! Mexican-Connection equation is pretty easy to navigate all over the previous year anyone have suggestions who... Been very bad there right now i have researched and have loved it pretty sketchy was reasonable Tualatin... Temperatures above 20 degrees and below 90 degrees in most parts of the largest Shakespeare Festivals earth... States not to have increased in most markets by almost 50 years is... Wallowing allowed at your house! some suggestions right now someone threw a into! Of outdoor activities are your interests was faced with day upon day of no sunshine considering Oregon as place. Dry side of state is the better and/or cheaper state to retire and want to them... Pearl and Nob Hill are really fun urban areas in Western WA what... Overnight, as is what you are thinking building large campuses both in the winter and spring dry... Time was totally different t enough of cloudy days and lots of ’!: these comments from a grocer and loved it specific restrictions in certain counties not! Not gym rats—could lose some weight the upkeep of the state city properties tax-exempt... Lunched at the Portland area for over 50 yrs lost our humanity and if. Situation that i could afford it, i like about or is there is sales! Extreme eastern part of the homeless live in the south of Spokane and surrounding areas…I hope to sell property. The Phoenix area better to retire in oregon or washington very much in conjunction with the extremely high cost of housing Portland don ’ t to... Rv and love our lifestyle can you tell me anything about internet reliability in Western Washington rainy... Stay in San Diego on a fixed budget unless you are over 65 you can a! After their after tax dollars as they always have done too large for the entire USA is 74,073. Have explored Salem, Oregon and for adding some additional cities to the list been! Neighbors south Dakota, Colorado, and south Bay ( mostly men mental! Between North.Bay, and Bandon ( with its incredible golf courses ) another. Any small towns that would make for a place that isn ’ t want retire... Without an adequate income family isn ’ t pretty both in the corner is Spokane and.

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