Life in Sequim: Sunshine and Small-Town Vibes
If you love the Pacific Northwest but despise the rain, consider Sequim, Washington, your retirement destination. Nestled between the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Sequim offers the beautiful outdoor lifestyle Northwesterners crave—but because it sits in a rain shadow, the town gets far less precipitation, and much more sunshine, than most of the region. Sequim’s quaint downtown reflects its small-town feel while playing host to a vibrant community of art, culinary experiences, and local goods. And, of course, Sequim is home to some of the country’s most abundant lavender farms that attract visitors from far and wide.
With a lower cost of living than many areas of the region, land and housing in Sequim is much more accessible, particularly for retirees. Buildable properties offer a lot of variety—select from water views, lavender meadows, or mountainside escapes. And building a custom home ensures you get exactly the home you want and that the home is designed specifically for your property and its amenities. Estes Builders can help you work through the unique aspects of building on land in Sequim, including navigating county regulations and septic and well installation.
Want something a bit more removed? Nearby neighborhoods and communities include:
Diamond Point: This sought-after enclave occupies a tidy corner on the eastern Olympic Peninsula, perched above the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Discovery Bay, offering the feel of private exclusivity while still remaining close to everything the area has to offer. Because it borders water on two sides, many of the bluff and plateau lots in Diamond Point bring stunning views. The area is very walkable, with easy community beach access. Building in Diamond Point may bring challenges with slopes, so working with a design/build firm like Estes Builders can help you determine the best way to maximize your home design to the property and the surroundings.
Bell Hill: Located south of Sequim city limits, Bell Hill is situated within the northern edge of the Olympics, with hillocks sitting nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. This means opportunities for large wooded lots, more seclusion, and potentially expansive views of the whole region from up high. Some of the areas of Bell Hill are harder to get to, so working with an experienced builder comfortable with bringing equipment and materials to more remote sites is important.
Custom Homes in Sequim
With a lower cost of living than many areas of the region, land and housing in Sequim is much more accessible, particularly for retirees. Buildable properties offer a lot of variety—select from water views, lavender meadows, or mountainside escapes. And building a custom home ensures you get exactly the home you want and that the home is designed specifically for your property and its amenities. Estes Builders can help you work through the unique aspects of building on land in Sequim, including navigating county regulations and septic and well installation.
Here are just a few of the highlights of owning a home in Sequim:
Outdoor Activities
On foot or two wheels, there’s plenty to do in and near Sequim.
- Watch the tides for a day on the Dungeness Spit, where an 11-mile out-and-back walk takes you to a working lighthouse with endless views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Victoria, Mount Baker, and the Cascade Range. Keep an eye out for birds and marine life that frequent the surrounding waters and wildlife refuge.
- The main entrance to Olympic National Park is just 25 minutes from Sequim, offering access to the views and hikes of Hurricane Ridge. Access other trails and forest sights at even closer range.
- Hop on your bike for a trek along the Olympic Discovery Trail, a 130-mile pathway stretching from Port Townsend to La Push. Multiple entry points can be found around Sequim, offering quick access for a long or short ride year-round.
- Drop your paddleboard, kayak, or boat onto the water at one of many locations and see the bird- and marine-life and Olympic Mountain views from the water looking onshore.
- Still seeking wildlife? Get up close and personal with elk, foxes, lions, tigers, bears, and more at the Olympic Game Farm, featuring driving and walking tours.
Vibrant Downtown
Don’t let the small-town feel fool you—Sequim’s downtown offers a little something for everyone.
- On Saturdays from May through October, the Sequim Farmer’s Market features local produce and meat, honey, artisanal crafts, and more.
- Find the perfect gift at Sequim’s many boutiques and unique shops offering local home and garden goods, antiques, and more.
- Whether grabbing a cup of coffee or indulging on locally caught crab, Sequim offers a number of delightful restaurants. Foodies should check out the Olympic Culinary Loop for a true Northwest experience.
Festival Fun
There’s always something to look forward to on Sequim’s events calendar.
- Sequim is best known for its world-famous Lavender Festival, held in late July, where farm tours and a street fair celebrate all things purple. Can’t make it that weekend? When you live here, you can visit throughout the summer. Many of the lavender farms are open daily for you-pick, tours, and goods for sale.
- The longest-running festival in the state at 125 years, the Sequim Irrigation Festival in May includes pageantry, floats, and a parade.
- New in 2020, the Sunshine Festival will feature art, activities, and the positive energies of the sunny orb that inspired its name.
Ready to experience Sequim living for yourself? Connect with us for a free consultation.