If you’re nearing retirement age and thinking of a move, the Pacific Northwest may not be the first place that pops in your head. But the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas near Seattle deliver a lifestyle and amenities—both natural and manmade—that make them an appealing place to call home in your later years.
Check out a few of the things that the Salish Sea region has to offer for retirees:
Outdoor Living
If you’re looking to stay active, there’s a little something for every ability and comfort level. It’s easy to get outdoors year-round no matter which area you settle down in. Many towns have networks of hiking trails nearby, or take the short drive up into the Olympic Mountains for something more intense. Hop on your bike and head to the Olympic Discovery Trail, a 130-mile pathway stretching from Port Townsend to La Push with many entry points along the way. Or grab a paddle and take your kayak out in numerous protected bays and open waters, including the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails.
Mild Climate
If you’re not into the constant sunshine and heat of Florida or Arizona (and the constant air conditioning that goes with it), the Pacific Northwest offers a mild climate much of the year, including beautiful sunny days throughout the summer and fall. While winter is gray and rainy, most lowland areas don’t get much snow, and the landscape is stunningly beautiful all year. Some locations on the Olympic Peninsula, including Port Angeles, Sequim, and Port Townsend, sit in the Olympic Rainshadow, thereby experiencing many more dry, sunny days than other areas of the Northwest.
Sunny Spots in Reach
If you’re craving more sunshine during the winter, destinations like Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Scottsdale are direct flights away for a weekend getaway, with airline specials making last-minute trips within easy reach.
Casinos and Shows
If you enjoy blackjack and slots, you have your pick throughout the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Many of the casinos here are also luxury resorts and entertainment venues, as well, with concerts, comics, and special events.
Foodie Heaven
You don’t have to go to Seattle to find great food. Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties have numerous unique and creative options, including locally sourced meat, produce, and seafood. Try fresh shellfish at Hama Hama Oyster Company, intimate farm-to-table dining at Hey Day Farm, breakfast at Oak Table Café, or mouth-watering baked goods at Port Gamble General Store, to name just a few.
Festivals and Events
There’s never a dull weekend on the Salish Sea, no matter the season nor the weather, thanks to a full calendar of locally beloved festivals, celebrations, and cultural events. These include the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival in Port Angeles, Chief Seattle Days in Suquamish, the Lavender Festival in Sequim, and the Wooden Bost Festival in Port Townsend.
There’s a little something for everyone on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, making it an ideal spot to retire no matter your speed, hobbies, and interests. If you’re ready to build your dream home from Port Orchard to Port Angeles, Estes Builders can help turn imagination into reality. Schedule a Custom Home Investment Study today.