Why Edmonds, WA Is A Great Place For Retirees
In 2018, Edmonds Washington was featured as a leading retirement destination by Where To Retire magazine. But you don’t have to convince us that Edmonds is the place to be. With easy access to bustling Seattle, walking distance to the beach, a quick trip to National Parks, and a view of the Olympic Mountains, Edmonds certainly is something special.
The Northwest is a wonderful place for retirees. Whether you have been in the area all your life or are a recent transplant, deciding where to live in retirement is a pivotal decision and we want to help you do it right.
Our TFS headquarters rests in Edmonds and we love the area so much that we wanted to share some of the best places for retirees to live. Enjoy!
Housing and Retirement
Deciding where you want to live is a huge decision for retirees. Some people wish to stay where they have been for a majority of their lives, some want to move closer to their children and grandchildren, and others wish to travel and explore new places in their golden years. With so many options available to you, it is important that you know the option that will leave you the most fulfilled.
Where you live isn’t a choice you should make lightly. Reflect on all of the reasons you either do or do not want to live in a certain location and take an objective eye when evaluating if it will be the right place for you. Here are some points that can help:
- Proximity to family and friends
- Cost of living
- Taxes (both on income and retirement benefits)
- Access to medical facilities and health care
- Housing options
- Recreational opportunities
Be sure you have this conversation with your spouse and your family so you can come to a decision that is right for you and will make your retirement a happy one.
About Edmonds, WA
The population of Edmonds has continued to increase steadily over the past decade. Today, there are about 40,000 residents in our little suburb of Seattle. About 20% of the residents here are 65 and older, making it a great retirement hotspot. The weather is mild and temperate and you’ll get used to the rain (we promise)! In fact – it rains in Edmonds less than you probably think. We always like to point out that it rains more in Miami each year (62 inches) than it does in Edmonds (36 inches).
While picturesque and pleasant, it is important to note that Edmonds does have a high cost of living, 70% higher than the US national average. According to Zillow, the median home value for homes in Edmonds is $612,600 with the median list price of $599,000. If you are thinking about renting as opposed to buying, the average price to rent a house/apartment is $2,100 per month. This is important information to work into your retirement budget, so you know what to expect.
Edmonds boasts beaches, hiking trails, museums, boutique shops, and restaurants all of which will keep you busy. With its small-town appeal, you will feel like you are really part of a community here.
Now, let’s dive in to look at some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Edmonds.
Neighborhood Guide
From strolling on the streets of downtown to being nestled in the forest, there is really something for everyone in Edmonds. We wanted to give you an overview of some of the neighborhoods to give you an idea of where you can live around here.
Downtown
From art walks to garden markets to jazz festivals, downtown Edmonds will keep you as busy as you want to be. Being steps away from shops and restaurants, downtown is a wonderful place for retirees to consider. There are always events to keep you busy and public transportation to get you there. If you consider yourself more of a city dweller, downtown is the perfect location for you because you get the city feel while still having access to all of the outdoor activities around you.
Surrounding Suburbs
There are many suburbs to Edmonds: Aurora marketplace, Chase Lake, College Place, Olympic View, Port of Edmonds, Westgate, and more. For a comprehensive list, please look at the city data report. Each neighborhood has its appeal, it really comes down to what you are looking for in a place to live.
Think through your priorities when it comes to retirement living. These priorities will help you figure out the best place for you to be. Perhaps you want to be downtown where all of the action is, or maybe you want to be closer to the water, or maybe your dream is to live farther outside the city, nestled in the trees. No matter what your ideal retirement living situation is, you can find it in Edmonds.
Speak With An Expert
Our office is located in Edmonds and we love living here. If you are thinking about Edmonds for your retirement, why not talk with the people who know it best? Where you live in retirement is an important step to creating your ideal retirement lifestyle and that is something we know a lot about.
Your retirement lifestyle is uniquely yours and here at TFS, we help our clients create and live their retirement lifestyle every day. We can’t wait to hear from you!
