Where's the best place to live in WA state (Tacoma: sales, condo)

[tropicgirl]

Hi all. I'm new to CityData so please be patient as I'm not sure exactly how this works. I need some honest opinions and info on the best places to live in Washington state. Am looking for am affordable place to retire to. I come from a very expensive place and know that I can't stay here post-retirement. I'm used to a warmish climate with lots of sunshine so don't want to move to somewhere I'm going to freeze in winter; also am not crazy about constant rain (but some is OK, I like that it makes things nice and green like where I am now). My priorities are: decent weather, affordable housing (I want to buy a home [not a condo] for about $200,000+-), enough people to make it interesting (at least 15-20,000 population), and access to some decent shopping. I would also like to be close to some water; I currently live near the ocean. I like a historical, cultural ambience if possible. Thanks in advance.

[Arushan]

I really don't think you're going to find what you're looking for in WA... The areas that don't get constant rain are going to make you freeze. Even Western WA could very well be a shock to your system. Housing is not cheap in this state either. Visit WA during the winter months and really get a feel for it.

You might do okay in areas of Southern Oregon.

[sll3454]

Originally Posted by tropicgirl

Hi all. I'm new to CityData so please be patient as I'm not sure exactly how this works. I need some honest opinions and info on the best places to live in Washington state. Am looking for am affordable place to retire to. I come from a very expensive place and know that I can't stay here post-retirement. I'm used to a warmish climate with lots of sunshine so don't want to move to somewhere I'm going to freeze in winter; also am not crazy about constant rain (but some is OK, I like that it makes things nice and green like where I am now). My priorities are: decent weather, affordable housing (I want to buy a home [not a condo] for about $200,000+-), enough people to make it interesting (at least 15-20,000 population), and access to some decent shopping. I would also like to be close to some water; I currently live near the ocean. I like a historical, cultural ambience if possible. Thanks in advance.

The eastern part of the state does get very cold in the winter. The western part of the state might be too much rain for you.

There is no state income tax, but other taxes are rather high. That's not good news for retirees, who probably don't have much taxable income anyway.

I could be wrong, but from what you've written, it doesn't seem like Washington is the best choice for you. North Carolina or South Carolina would be warmer and more affordable. Both are nice and green, and although both get more rain than we do here in WA, it is throughout the year, rather than just in winter, and you would have more winter sunshine to warm you up. Plenty of history and culture. (I'm not sure about "cultural ambience" - would everywhere have that of some sort?)

If you live somewhere warm, green, and by the ocean, I'm going to guess you are either in Hawaii or in another country. If you are anywhere in the tropics, you will find Washington cold. I recommend one of the Carolinas.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

I'm going to agree with that. Either it constantly rains, and is cold in winter, or it is drier and freezes half the year.

For $200,000 you can buy a very small fixer upper in Puna in Hawaii. There are no jobs, but if you are retired, I assume you have your own income. The ocean is close, there is plenty of culture, but it rains a lot.

Property is cheap (relative) in HOVE on the island of Hawaii and it is dry there. Also near the beach, but far from town. You can buy a house for $200,000 that might even have a small glimpse of the ocean.

[tacomaite79]

Yes, WA may not be the best place for you, becouse of the rain and cold. WA sales tax is also high, since theres no state income tax. Oregon has low sales tax, but parts can be just as rainey. Tacoma and Olympia are more affordable if you want to be near the rainey sound. You may want to consider AZ or south Texas for cheap retirement, if your okay with hot and dry. The Rio Grande valley in Texas is very popular for retired folks, in perticular "snow birds" who come from the north for the winters. South Padre island is nice on the gulf, since you want near the water. Theres also many 55 and over communities around the valley.

[Hemlock140]

Having been all over the state in the last 20 years, I would suggest only one area suitable based on your needs,that being the Tri-Cities, Pasco/Richland/Kennewick. Plenty of sun, near water (Columbia & Snake Rivers), little rain,
up to about 90 in summer, rarely much below freezing in winter. How about a brand new single family home for $160,000? I happen to like rain and forests, but you might like it in the Tri-cities.

Envision Washington > Home

[katfzl]

I personally LOVED living on the Mississippi/Alabama gulf coast. Very affordable, great food, French creole influence, culture, fishing, ocean, sunny, green, beautiful, Mardi Gras, fabulous weather, tons of things to do... I could go on and on...
Hurricanes are the awful downside of course.

[Count David]

I hate recommending outside of the state in question, but:

-western half of WA is out because of constant rain
-all but the treeless parts of eastern WA are out because you'll freeze
-the treeless parts of eastern WA aren't nice and green, but get much less rain

[amaiunmei]

Originally Posted by tropicgirl

Hi all. I'm new to CityData so please be patient as I'm not sure exactly how this works. I need some honest opinions and info on the best places to live in Washington state. Am looking for am affordable place to retire to. I come from a very expensive place and know that I can't stay here post-retirement. I'm used to a warmish climate with lots of sunshine so don't want to move to somewhere I'm going to freeze in winter; also am not crazy about constant rain (but some is OK, I like that it makes things nice and green like where I am now). My priorities are: decent weather, affordable housing (I want to buy a home [not a condo] for about $200,000+-), enough people to make it interesting (at least 15-20,000 population), and access to some decent shopping. I would also like to be close to some water; I currently live near the ocean. I like a historical, cultural ambience if possible. Thanks in advance.

Why was WA on your radar to begin with?

If you want a warm climate, you shouldn't be looking at an area this far north. Ditto with the affordability.

In fact, you'd be hard pressed to meet all of your criteria. If you are flexible on the shopping angle, you may want to consider Alabama or Mississippi.

[PS90]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

Having been all over the state in the last 20 years, I would suggest only one area suitable based on your needs,that being the Tri-Cities, Pasco/Richland/Kennewick. Plenty of sun, near water (Columbia & Snake Rivers), little rain,
up to about 90 in summer, rarely much below freezing in winter. How about a brand new single family home for $160,000? I happen to like rain and forests, but you might like it in the Tri-cities.

Envision Washington > Home

I would agree with everyone else that nowhere in Washington will fit your priorities, but I do agree with Hemlock that Tri-Cities is you best bet. Other than a distinct lack of "green", I think that area fits your list the closest.

If you're open to going anywhere, maybe consider somewhere around Houston, TX to fit your list of priorities? Seems to fit you want-list well, except for the occasional "really bad" rainstorm.