Why is Sequim, Washington such a popular retirement community in the Pacific Northwest? Here’s your answer, and let’s start with a story about people like you.
When Steve and Karen Harris packed their bags in San Diego after decades of city living, they knew they were ready for something new—but not something boring. They didn’t want endless strip malls or scorching heat, nor were they interested in disappearing into a sleepy desert subdivision. They craved quiet, yes—but also beauty, community, and a place that felt alive.
That’s what brought them, like so many others, to Sequim, Washington (pronounced “Skwim”). A small city with a big heart, nestled between the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and the sparkling waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Sequim offers a rare blend of peaceful living, natural grandeur, and real-world practicality. What they found here was more than just a place to retire. They found a lifestyle they didn’t know they’d been searching for.
“We have a view of the mountains, fresh lavender in the garden, and neighbors who bring us homemade jam,” Karen laughs. “What more could you want?”
The Climate Surprise: Sunshine in the Pacific Northwest
Let’s start with the shocker: Sequim is sunny. Not Florida-sunny, but for a region famously soaked in drizzle, Sequim stands out. Thanks to its position in the Olympic Rain Shadow, Sequim enjoys more than 250 days of partial to full sun per year and receives less than 17 inches of annual rainfall. This makes Sequim a weather anomaly in the Pacific Northwest—a place where you can actually plan an outdoor wedding in June without a tent, hike in January without mud boots, and go weeks without opening an umbrella.
“I had lived in Portland for ten years,” says Tom Yates, a retired engineer. “I loved the greenery, but the gloom wore me down. I wanted four seasons without suffering. Sequim gives me that.”
Mild summers hover in the 70s. Winters are cool but not severe, rarely dipping below freezing for more than a few hours. Snow, if it comes, is a novelty—not a chore.
Nature’s Playground: Mountains, Water, and Wild Trails
Sequim isn’t just scenic—it’s immersive. The Olympic Mountains rise dramatically to the south. The Strait of Juan de Fuca unfolds to the north, often dotted with sailboats, seabirds, or—if you’re lucky—gray whales. This unique geography allows you to stand in your driveway and see both alpine peaks and saltwater. It also means a wide range of outdoor activities are practically mandatory:
- Hike Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park, a 45-minute drive away.
- Walk the Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the U.S., stretching 5 miles into the sea.
- Bike the Olympic Discovery Trail, a paved route that meanders through forests, fields, and waterfront.
- Kayak Sequim Bay, fly-fish for steelhead, or beachcomb for agates and shells.
And the wildlife! Eagles soar. Black-tailed deer roam neighborhoods like friendly cats. Otters splash near the marina. In spring, the lavender fields hum with honeybees. For retirees who’ve always said, “I’ll have time to enjoy nature once I retire,” this is the place to make good on that promise.
A Retirement-Ready Real Estate Market
Compared to big metro markets like Seattle, San Francisco, or even Bend, Oregon, Sequim’s real estate market offers tremendous value and variety—and more than a few postcard-perfect properties. Sequim is particularly attractive to buyers in their 50s and 60s who are looking to:
- Sell a high-priced home elsewhere and pay cash for a well-built home in Sequim
- Invest in land for a future custom build
- Downsize into a single-story home with mountain or water views
- Secure a Washington primary residence (a state with no income tax)
Popular neighborhoods include:
- Happy Valley: A rural, agricultural area southeast of Sequim, featuring open farmland, lavender fields, and scattered homes. It’s a peaceful spot with a strong connection to Sequim’s farming heritage.
- SunLand: A planned community north of Sequim with a golf course, clubhouse, and well-maintained homes. It’s popular among retirees and those seeking an active lifestyle.
- Port Williams: A scenic area along Sequim Bay, north of downtown, featuring waterfront properties and the Port Williams boat launch. It’s popular for its serene coastal views and access to boating.
- Washington Harbor: A residential area near Sequim Bay, just east of downtown. It’s known for its proximity to the water, offering homes with bay views and access to marinas.
- Gardiner: A small, unincorporated community east of Sequim along Discovery Bay. It’s a quiet, rural area with a mix of homes, small farms, and access to the Gardiner Community Center.
- Agnew: A rural area west of Sequim, known for its open farmland and quiet, country living. It’s close to the Olympic Discovery Trail and offers a mix of small farms and residential properties.
- Blyn: A small, unincorporated community east of Sequim along Highway 101, near Sequim Bay. It’s home to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s cultural center and casino.
- Diamond Point: A coastal community northeast of Sequim, near the shores of Discovery Bay. It’s known for its private airstrip, waterfront homes, and proximity to outdoor activities like kayaking and birdwatching.
- Jamestown: Located along the shores of Sequim Bay, this area is closely associated with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. It includes tribal lands, cultural sites, and the 7 Cedars Casino.
- Blue Mountain: A hilly, forested area south of Sequim, offering secluded homes with views of the Olympic Mountains. It’s ideal for those seeking privacy and a connection to nature.
- Robin Hill: A semi-rural neighborhood west of downtown Sequim, near Robin Hill County Park. It’s a family-friendly area with access to trails and outdoor recreation.
- Palo Alto: A rural neighborhood southwest of Sequim, characterized by large lots, farmland, and a peaceful setting. It’s close to the Dungeness River and appeals to those seeking a more agricultural lifestyle.
- Lost Valley: A more remote, wooded area southwest of Sequim, near the Olympic National Forest. It’s a haven for those seeking seclusion, with larger lots and access to hiking and outdoor recreation.
- Eden Valley: A rural area south of Sequim, known for its rolling hills, farmland, and quiet residential properties. It’s a bit farther from downtown but offers a tranquil, countryside feel.
And for those looking to age in place? Many Sequim homes are built with retirees in mind—open floor plans, wide doorways, single-level living, and low-maintenance yards.
Healthcare and Support Services That Truly Support You
For retirees, access to quality medical care isn’t just a perk—it’s a necessity. Sequim delivers with a growing network of healthcare providers and support systems designed to serve its large retiree population.
Olympic Medical Center operates clinics and outpatient services in Sequim and nearby Port Angeles. Local practitioners provide family medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, and more. Several practices focus on geriatric care, and you’ll find ample alternative medicine providers as well, including naturopaths, chiropractors, and massage therapists.
For aging in place, there are home health agencies, senior transportation services, and support groups—ranging from Alzheimer’s caregiving to grief support to adaptive fitness.
“We didn’t want to live in a place where we’d have to travel two hours for a specialist,” says Carol N., 62. “Sequim has what we need—and more than we expected.”
Small Town Charm Meets Big Possibilities
Sequim’s downtown is a mix of old-school Americana and modern essentials. You’ll find:
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Locally owned restaurants and cafés
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Boutiques, bookstores, and lavender shops
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Grocery chains and co-ops
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Medical clinics and pharmacies
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Art galleries, antique stores, and craft fairs
There’s even a lavender-flavored everything during July’s world-famous Sequim Lavender Festival—a joyful explosion of scent, color, and community pride. Add in year-round farmers markets, music in the park, community theater, and a thriving arts scene, and you get a small town with surprising cultural depth.
A Welcoming Community of Like-Minded Retirees
One of the most surprising joys for new residents? The people. Sequim has become a hub for active retirees who are eager to build friendships, volunteer, join clubs, and stay engaged. You’ll find:
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Hiking and cycling groups
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Writer’s circles and book clubs
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Gardening societies
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Bridge nights and pickleball leagues
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Veterans groups and faith communities
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Local activism, conservation projects, and mentoring programs
For many, retirement here isn’t about slowing down—it’s about rediscovering purpose.
The Strategic Advantages of Sequim
Location matters, especially when it comes to staying connected. Sequim is:
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About 2.5 hours from Seattle (including a relaxing ferry ride)
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Less than 30 minutes to Port Angeles, with ferry access to Victoria, BC
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Near multiple regional airports and shuttle services
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Served by high-speed fiber internet in most areas (ideal for remote work or FaceTiming grandkids!)
Add in Washington’s no income tax, and it’s no wonder savvy pre-retirees are buying homes here years before they stop working.
The Bottom Line: A Place to Not Just Retire, but Thrive
Retirement today is less about retreating and more about choosing a lifestyle that aligns with your values—health, beauty, simplicity, affordability, and connection. Sequim delivers all of that and more. It’s no longer a secret that Sequim is one of the best places to retire in the West—but it still feels like a secret when you’re walking a lavender trail, sipping wine on your porch, or watching the sun set behind the mountains.
It’s the kind of place that makes you ask:
“Why didn’t we do this sooner?”
If you’re in your 50s or 60s and starting to imagine what the next phase of life could look like, visit Sequim. Drive through Happy Valley. Walk the Discovery Trail. Talk to the people. Then ask yourself:
“Isn’t this the life I’ve been working for all along?”
Last Updated on July 13, 2025 by Chuck Marunde
