Inexpensive town in-between Seattle & Spokane? (Richland, Wenatchee: to rent, low crime, house prices)

[Lily0fthevalley]

HI -

Well, I'm nearing retirement age. I'm a single woman, and should probably live closer to family when I retire.

My sister and her family live in Seattle. My brother and his family live in Spokane.

So, is there some town in-between the two cities that would be nice for retirement while at the same time not overly expensive (and also low crime)?

It's been a long time since I've lived in Washington, but I remember Wenatchee as being pretty. But the housing costs I've seen on-line are a shock, coming from the midwest.

I'm not worried about weather - it is what it is wherever you are! Same with social opportunities. I just want someplace safe, quiet and inexpensive. And I suppose, since I'll be aging there, the town should have decent health care available.

Thanks for your advice!

[StealthRabbit]

I would look in the area of Wenatchee, served by their terrific regional transportation system.

Secondly look to Ellensburg as a potential alternative (not as pretty or variety of activities). In either case, I would get a home with an extra living space to rent to a student, single, or future caregiver.

There will be some really cheap (very small) towns in Eastern WA, but I am not sure you will feel 'plugged-in' to a vibrant retirement community.

[TormentedYeti]

You may want to consider the Tri Cities, specifically Richland. Many retirees from Seattle and California are settling there. The housing is affordable, crime is low, and the weather is sunny 300 days are year. Check it out.

[509]

Pay the money and move to Wenatchee. Living costs are fairly low, once you get past paying for the house.

There is a reason why it is so much more expensive than other cities in Washington.

My second choice would be Ephrata. Good library system shared with Wenatchee and other communities in central Washington. High speed fiber for internet, phone and TV throughout the community at 100 mbps. I believe 1gbps service available. Low utility costs like other communities in central Washington. Good schools. Low living costs. Nice looking country just north of town. Lots of professional folks in community so a small town with money that does not look it.

Disadvantages: Looks like the mid-west. Town is linear and extends for a good mile or more along the highway. So your going to be driving up and down town. Kinda takes away from a small community when your downtown is so spread out.

If a pretty setting and urban services are important to you I would pay the money and move to Wenatchee. Its only money and you can't take it with you!!

[Hemlock140]

If you find Wenatchee prices high, then you will have a hard time. Even Spokane is cheap compared to Seattle, as is everything east of the mountains. Tri-cities may be a little less than Wenatchee but not that
much, and it's really too far south for going back and forth. Have you looked at Moses Lake?

[NW Crow]

If Wenatchee interests you but is on the expensive side and you are ok with living in another small town, Waterville to the north and Rock Island to the east of Wenatchee appear to have noticeably lower average house prices and have low reported crime (significantly lower than Wenatchee, Quincy, Ephrata and Moses Lake).