Why Southwest Washington Is the Best Place to Retire
Those of us in the Pacific Northwest know we’ve got something special.
Here’s why Southwest Washington stands out as the top retirement spot on the West Coast.
When people think of retirement destinations on the West Coast, places like California beaches, Oregon’s coastline, or Seattle often come to mind.
But more and more retirees are discovering that Southwest Washington may actually be the hidden gem of the West Coast.
With its combination of affordability, tax advantages, natural beauty, and community feel, it offers something many other regions can’t match.
Here’s why it’s so special:
1. Favorable Tax Environment
Washington has no state income tax!
This means that your pension, Social Security, and retirement account withdrawals aren’t subject to state tax. That’s a major advantage for retirees in Washington, since every dollar you withdraw from an IRA, 401(k), or pension goes further without an extra state bite.
By contrast, in Oregon and California, state income taxes can quickly chip away at retirement dollars, with tax brackets that reach and exceed the 10% mark.
For a retiree drawing $80,000–$100,000 a year from savings, that could mean paying an additional $8,000–$10,000 annually in state income taxes alone. This money could otherwise be used for travel, healthcare, or helping family.
Estimated State Income Tax - Married Couple in WA, OR & CA
Note: 2024 tax rates and income thresholds used.
For retirees focused on stretching every dollar, that difference adds up fast.
Over the course of a 20- to 30-year retirement, the tax savings of living in Washington rather than Oregon or California can easily amount to six figures.
It’s one of the key reasons Southwest Washington stands out as a retirement destination, offering both the lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest and the financial relief of a tax-friendly state.
2. Cost of Living Advantage
Housing costs in Clark County and its surrounding areas tend to be quite a bit lower than in Portland, Seattle, and California coastal cities.
Retirees can downsize, relocate, or even build a dream retirement home without the price tag of other West Coast hotspots.
Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, transportation, etc., are also more reasonable compared to other large metro areas.
One overlooked benefit of retiring in Southwest Washington is its proximity to Oregon.
While Washington residents do pay sales tax locally, large purchases can often be made across the Columbia River in Oregon, which has no state sales tax.
The result is a significant savings opportunity on items like furniture, appliances, and even vehicles. Combined with Washington’s absence of state income tax, retirees in Clark County enjoy a rare dual advantage: the ability to minimize both sales and income taxes depending on where and how they make purchases.
3. Easy Access to Big-City Amenities
Living in Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, or Camas means you’re likely less than 20 minutes away from Portland International Airport (PDX), making travel easy to dozens of U.S. and international destinations.
PDX has been consistently rated at or near the top of the list of best airports in the U.S, given it’s ease of navigation, efficiency, and quality local eateries. It also recently underwent a facelift!
World-class healthcare, dining, arts, and cultural activities are available in Portland and Vancouver.
It’s the best of both worlds: small-town living with big-city resources next door.
4. Outdoor Beauty & Recreation
Southwest Washington is surrounded by natural beauty:
The Columbia River:
Running right through the region, the Columbia provides year-round recreation. Retirees can enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply walking along its scenic waterfront trails. Fishing is world-class, with salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon drawing anglers from across the country.
Mount St. Helens & the Cascade Range:
Just a short drive away, you can hike through wildflower meadows, explore volcanic landscapes, or take in sweeping mountain views. Whether you’re up for a gentle day hike or a more adventurous trek, the Cascades offer trails for every level of activity.
The Pacific Ocean:
Less than two hours west, the Washington and Oregon coasts provide stunning beaches, charming small towns, and dramatic cliffs. It’s perfect for a quick weekend getaway to Cannon Beach, Long Beach, or Seaside — places where retirees can enjoy fresh seafood, beach walks, and coastal culture.
Dry, High-Desert Escapes:
For those who prefer drier climates, heading east opens the door to sunny wine country, high desert landscapes, and resort communities like Bend, Hood River, or Chelan. These destinations offer golf, hiking, skiing, and a completely different environment: all within a half-day’s drive.
National and State Parks:
In addition to the “headline” destinations, retirees in SW Washington have quick access to Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Silver Star Mountain, Beacon Rock State Park, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. These gems offer everything from waterfalls to wildflowers, with many spots easily accessible for day trips.
National parks within just a few hours’ drive, such as Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, and Olympic, provide even more opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploration, making Southwest Washington a true gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders on the West Coast.
For retirees who want an active lifestyle, few places offer such variety within a short drive.
5. Community Feel & Growth
It’s no secret that Clark County, Washington, has been growing rapidly for decades.
Towns like Ridgefield, Woodland, and Battle Ground have vibrant, growing retiree communities.
These places have active senior groups, community centers, and social opportunities that help new residents feel at home.
Here are my favorite senior groups in the area:
Ridgefield: RetireRidgefield
Battle Ground: Battle Ground Senior Citizens
Woodland: Woodland Senior Enrichment Group
Unlike larger cities, Southwest Washington still offers that friendly, small-town connection.
6. Climate That Fits Retirement Living
One of the overlooked advantages of Southwest Washington is its comfortable, livable climate. Unlike California’s inland valleys, where summer temperatures routinely soar into triple digits, SW Washington summers tend to be warm but manageable. This is ideal for retirees who want to spend time outdoors without worrying about extreme heat.
At the same time, the area avoids the near-constant drizzle and gray skies that Seattle is famous for. While Southwest Washington certainly has its share of rainy days, it enjoys a balanced mix of sunshine and precipitation, creating lush green landscapes without the gloom of more northern regions.
For retirees, this means you can enjoy gardening almost year-round, golfing on local courses well into the fall, and easy walks along rivers and trails without weather being a limiting factor. The mild winters are another plus, while snow does fall occasionally, it’s usually light and short-lived compared to harsher climates in the Midwest or Northeast.
For those who have difficulty dealing with our gloomy winters, snowbirding is always an option.
You can escape to a warmer climate during the colder months and return to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest summers, all while maintaining your Washington residency (and its tax advantages) by spending more than half the year here.
In short, Southwest Washington offers a Goldilocks climate: not too hot, not too cold, not too wet, and just right for maintaining an active, outdoor lifestyle in retirement.
What’s Not to Love!
If you’re looking for a place to retire on the West Coast that balances financial sense, natural beauty, and community connection, look no further than Southwest Washington.
It’s a region where your retirement dollars go further, your lifestyle can be as active as you want, and you’ll find a welcoming community to call home.
Southwest Washington truly is the West Coast’s best-kept retirement secret.
Have any questions about what you’ve read? Let’s talk about them!
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