When you are going to retire, what part of Washington......? (Seattle: living in, prices)

[bcgreen]

What city in Washington would you like to retire in and why? I am from BC, but left when I was a teenager and since I have put so much into Medicare, staying on this side of the border seems to make the most sense for me and my wife. I like fishing amongst other hobbies, so this is important.

[Hemlock140]

When you say fishing, do you mean salt water or fresh? That makes a big difference. You would look for the availability of launch facilities for fishing Puget Sound, places like Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Sequim or Port Angeles. Almost anywhere in the state you can find good freshwater river and lake fishing, and in the tri-cities area you have big river fishing and lots more sun. The next issue for retirement is the availability of healthcare facilities, typically in or near major metro areas. Living in a place like Poulsbo gives you access to Bremerton
with Harrison Hospital, Sequim and Port Angles and the smaller towns have limited services.

[Inkpoe]

Are you asking for our preference or what would work for you?

Just based on what you said so far, I would assume Bellingham area would work for you. But if you're asking for our preference... I think... Hawaii (of course that's if someone pays my way). Nah, it'll probably end up being Spokane.

[cjg5]

Chelan, Wenatchee, Cle Elum, or somewhere in the areas surrounding one of the three.

[Count David]

Spokane County, or north or east of there if I'm feeling frisky.

[bcgreen]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

When you say fishing, do you mean salt water or fresh? That makes a big difference. You would look for the availability of launch facilities for fishing Puget Sound, places like Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Sequim or Port Angeles. Almost anywhere in the state you can find good freshwater river and lake fishing, and in the tri-cities area you have big river fishing and lots more sun. The next issue for retirement is the availability of healthcare facilities, typically in or near major metro areas. Living in a place like Poulsbo gives you access to Bremerton
with Harrison Hospital, Sequim and Port Angles and the smaller towns have limited services.

Salt and fresh. As you know in BC, you have alot of small islands, which adds to the beauty. You're always asking what's around that corner of the island? Is the fishing better over there and can we just go over and explore that island? I did visit Sequim and we did like the comunity and the housing prices, but I didn't care for the open water. Port Angeles we also didn't care for. I don't know Hadlock or most places in Washington. As a kid we would walk across the border to go into Blaine. I have been to Seattle a few times, but we don't want to live in the big city. Living an hour or so away from a big city is okay, so that if there is some cultural event or big entertainment in town we won't have to travel or take a plane to get there.
So were collecting data and will keep all suggestions with us when we take to the road and will visit all the places everyone suggests to us.
Thanks

[bcgreen]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Are you asking for our preference or what would work for you?

Just based on what you said so far, I would assume Bellingham area would work for you. But if you're asking for our preference... I think... Hawaii (of course that's if someone pays my way). Nah, it'll probably end up being Spokane.

I am asking for you guys who live in Washington and you know what comunities you would prefer to live in, if you don't already live in your preferred comunity.
Hawaii is my wife's preference but its too far to go trout and salmon fishing.

[bcgreen]

Originally Posted by cjg5

Chelan, Wenatchee, Cle Elum, or somewhere in the areas surrounding one of the three.

What is it about your choices that you particularly like?

[cjg5]

Originally Posted by bcgreen

What is it about your choices that you particularly like?

Abundant natural beauty, nearby outdoor recreation and activity year round, not too big, not too small, and a true four season climate that actually gets cold and snowy in the winters, and hot, dry and sunny in the summers.

Plus I have always just really liked these areas. There are several other Eastern WA locations I love, but wouldn't necessarily prefer living in them over the other choices.

[StealthRabbit]

Chelan, Wenatchee has GREAT public transportation and variety of terrain / climate and far enough from SEA to be SAFE from traffic (during the weekdays) Bit busy in Summer.

For both Trout and saltwater fishing, And BC access, I would choose Lynden or Ferndale. I like them both. Bellingham is OK if you can deal with more people. I don't really like the Pennisula cities, excluding Silverdale / Poulsbo. (Point Haddock might be fine)

If you need drier climate and LOTS of lakes, look at Colville area (far from Ocean)

If you want BIG river fishing (Sturgeon, Salmon, Steelhead ++) then Columbia River towns will do. (White Salmon, WA to Camas, / Vancouver).

Buy your wife a LONG trip to HI every yr. You can even go along once in a while if you like... (I don't). I have sent my spouse there for 30 yrs to visit Sis. I really dislike Oahu, but can tolerate the other Islands for a SHORT time. YMMV