Page not found - Topretirements (2024)

A Few Facts
Washington is the more populous of the 2 states. Its 1990 population of just under 4.9 million climbed to 7.5 million in 2020 – a 53% increase in 30 years. Oregon’s population was 2.8 million in 1990, and grew to just under 4.2 million in 2020 – a 50% increase over that span.

Washington has a younger makeup than Oregon – 15.4% of its population is 65+, compared to 17.6% of Oregon’s (the total U.S. % is 16.0%).

Economics and Home Prices.
Home prices in both states are very high and appeared to have increased in most markets by almost 50% since 2015. Zillow’s Home Value Index for Oregon homes was $372,868 in 2020, up 3.5% over the previous year. The highest priced Oregon Metro is Portland at $467,621 and the lowest was Salem at $295,188. By comparison, the Home Value Index for the entire USA is $248,857.

Comments? We and all your fellow members love to know what you are thinking. Please share your thoughts about retirement in these 2 states in the Comments section below.

Living in Portland since 1962, I've seen a lot of growth but it's controlled. What the Portland metro area has over Seattle metro is a great light rail system as well as a lot less traffic.75 minutes from the coast, an hour from Timberline on Mt. Hood and three hours from high desert in central Oregon, with Bend being the absolute best area for golf, hiking, fly fishing....anything out doors. It's a great state to retire in. Best bet....come stay for two weeks in Fall-Winter and then do the same in Spring-Summer. Awesome area.

Don't know about WA, but I've lived in Depoe Bay, and currently am living in Salem. Unless you are wealthy, or a healthy pioneer planning to die chopping your own wood, Oregon is not a good place for middle to low income elderly. There are next to no services available when health fails or disabilities occur, unless you are on Medicaid or can afford private-pay. And while you say Salem's housing price average is around $168,000, you wouldn't want to live in it. For that price you will get a) high crime neighborhood, b) flood plain, c) house built before 1940 with aging septic tank, or d) 2 or more of the above. Salem taxes are extremely high because of the tremendous number of government buildings (federal, stake, county, city--including 3 prisons), none of which pay property taxes. On the coast, it's beautiful--but very little quality medical care, which means for serious illness you will be making a 3-4 hour round trip drive over the mountains to inland doctors. Oregon's great if you're healthy and outdoor activities are your interests. But, in our experience, that's about it.

I must agree with Andrea. I will soon be widowed and plan on retiring alone. As green and beautiful as the summers are in the Pacific Northwest, one pays a high price during the bleak and rainy winters. I have explored Salem, Oregon and a decent home costs plenty. The taxes are less than here on the East Coast, but not much less. Medical care is an important consideration when planning to retire. We may be healthy now, but that could change overnight, as is what is happening with my 64 year old husband. I attended college at UVA and am now exploring Waynesboro, VA with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as areas southwest of Charleston, SC. Arizona is too dry and Florida is too humid. Because I cannot afford the 6 and 6 lifestyle, I have to find my retirement in a place that is tolerable year-round as well as affordable and safe. I have not been able to find anywhere in either Oregon or Washington that meets these criteria. I would appreciate any suggestions from others in my situation. I love to golf, ride my bike and exercise. On the other hand, I like to sit on my deck and breathe in clean air, read and listen to music. I am having a very difficult time making a decision.

For us and I would imagine many other Seniors it is not really a question of where we want to live - it is a fact of life as to where we can afford to live out the rest of our lives in hopefully a comfortable environment and have the finances to enjoy at least the basics of life.

I could not agree more with Chris about the alleged "shangrila" of retirement places in this once great nation.I too have lived in many places from Alaska to Arkansas to California and in between and have yet to find that mysterious "best place" to squat.My advice to all is go with the flow and stop chasing rainbows since the money grubbers will be hot on your trail for every nickel and dime they can steal from you. We are all on this rock for a short time so make the best of what you have and stop living in a make believe world.

Has anyone lived in Spokane WA? I understand the weather is good and was curious about other pros and cons of that area of the pacific NW. I am reasonably sure I will end up in the southeast, but love to read about potential areas elsewhere and hope to get the thread back on track

Elaine,I lived in the Spokane area several times over the years.The area has cold winters and hot summers,a true 4 season place.In the summers the downtown area can get smoggy,so they used to have emissions testing for cars,not sure if they still do.I lived in Cheney so was exempt then.A lot of Californians moved into the area in the 1980's and still are I assume,driving up real estate prices in the Spokane/Courdelene area.Northern Idaho has become a mecca for summertime tourists,and since it is right next door to Spokane,the entire area is affected.Not a bad thing I guess if you have a tourist business.Used to be the wages were low in Spokane,again,I don't know anymore since I am retired.Personally,I think there are better places in the NW to live and visit.Just my 2 cents.

Spokane, I grew up in Spokane. I vist regulary to visit family. Other than more people the City has changed very little in the last 50 years. Housing costs are low for a mid to large size city in the west. Hot summers, not really, you might hit the 90s for a week or so but mostly 80's. And with no humidity May through Sept are very comfortable. The winters cold! But with many more sunny days annually than the Portland or Seattle areas. There are 30 lakes within 30 miles of Spokane, a very serviceable airport, moderate traffic in the city center a very relaxed environment, excellent medical care, three unciversitiies including Gonzaga, Eastern Washington, and Whitworth.It's a pretty ice spot. Livng in St. George Utah considering the move to Spokane as that's where the grandkids are. Actually laughed out loud, rare for me, when I read Chri's comment about leaving everywhere to go everywhere. Spot on!

Elaine,
The weather can be very different in Washington and Oregon depending on which side of the mountains you live. Spokane is in the extreme eastern part of the state which is much dryer and has a wider range of temperatures. The coastal areas on the western side of the mountains are much wetter but you don't have the temperature extremes like the eastern side.

Have you thought about Idaho. We live 3 hours south of Spokane and 1 Hour east of Lewiston Idaho, we are 1 1/2 hours from Lolo Montana. Very SAFE area. low low crime .affordable living.
We have 5 acres along the Clearwater River in the town of Kooskia. Idaho. We are considering selling lots to park an RV or build your own home. Lots 50 feet by 100 feet can be purchased for 20,000.00 and you can purchase as many as you want. Many sites include river frontage.

Thanks for info on Spokane and surrounding areas...I hope to get to visit and keep in the back of my mind for retirement. The south east if more probable for me....and lately seems to provide me with more than enough ice and snow and cold.

I am from the mid-west (St. Louis, MO), though I had lived in Denver, San Francisco, Eureka & Vancouver WA about 40 to 30 years ago. I have been looking at Washington State and with the high cost of Seattle, I have been looking at Olympia. Does anyone who moved to Olympia WA have any perspective to share?

We have kicked around the idea of retiring to the Seattle area. My wife liked Seattle when we were there back in the early 90's. I am not a city person so am more interested in the Port Townsend/Squiem area. I like the fact that the area appears to be a little dryer than Seattle due to the rain shadow effect from Mt Olympus.

Any comments on Ocean Sores, WA for retiring.

Your comments are appreciated, especially as I just spent most of my free time the past week reading everything I could on North and South Carolina and Washington, where I now live... I agree with the 'no eutopia' view but that there has to be something we think we'd prefer... I moved to WA after college from the east coast and although, yes, beautiful scenery, the best nature- like in many places- has to offer, but personally found, although many disagree, (still after all these decades) a lack of like-mindedness that I have as soon as speaking to anyone from the east coast, which makes friendships much easier - (google "the Seattle freeze") so as I've heard lots of people from NJ/NY retire to the Carolinas, I'm researching that and would appreciate all input and be happy to answer anything about the NW corner of WA state.

What can anyone tell me about the Tri Cities area of Washington (Kennewick, Richland and Pasco)?

I too am debating where to retire. I know for me safety is priority number one. I want to be able to walk the dog even at night and not worry about being attacked. Weather is next in importance, no snow and not too rainy but not looking for desert heat. I'm okay with colder temps but if it snows I would prefer it be gone by bedtime. Although taxes and cost of living are important I know those factors change on a daily basis and having spent a lifeime of non-stop budgetting I assume I'll be doing that as long as physically able. I would love some suggestions Right now I am considering Ashland Oregon West Linn Oregon Seattle Washington and Bainbridge Island Washington

I currently live in Surprise, AZ, am retired, and find a reasonably comfortable standard of living can be achieved on a relatively low income here. Good healthcare is plentiful for seniors as this is a retirement mecca, and crime is very low. My major complaint with AZ is the political atmosphere. It is swathed in ridiculously ultra conservative/right wing extremism in every aspect of life, which is mentally debilitating if you are of a liberal/progressive bent. But if you hate the current administration, are a subscriber to conspiracy theories, want to take your gun into college classrooms and the grocery store, have your christian god involved in everything from education to healthcare, and fear Muslim extremists lurking around every corner, then you'll love it here. I'm looking for someplace, anyplace, I can afford where I'll be surrounded by the exact opposite point of view. Both Washington and Oregon appear to score high in that regard, but weather and affordability may be deal breakers.

I have been researching both WA vs OR and the deuling Carolinas for my "Utopia" in retirement, although I've been on SSD for 10 years due to failed back surgery. I've lived my life mostly in horrific NJ ( with a break of 5 years in southern Califirnia in the early 80's) and if it weren't for my elderly father (I'm his laast surviving child) and my spouse, I'd be long gone. I'm so tired of the snowy winters and very hot summers and crounds, even though I live in the "burbs:. I crave milder weather, greener surroundings and quitude where I don't hhear the neighbors partying in their yards at night if I want to sleep with the windows open. I'm tempted to get a tiny house or RV and roam the country in search of my utopia, but again, am stuck here with my father and spouse. Reading these blogs only adds to my dispondence.

Does anyone have suggestions on who to contact to show the various housing options in Bend, OR? I see it coming up over and over as best place to retire and want to take a look with a little guidance. I'm interested in independent living but would also consider an Active 55+ Community but I don't like being forced in to socializing. : ) Thank you.

My wife and I are considering the Portland, OR. metro area for retirement. I spent some time on the North end earlier this summer and was very comfortable. We would hope to land in a more urban area and I'd be interested in any feedback regarding the most affordable parts of the metro region....The transit system was very efficient and affordable

Ro, if you like AZ, try Tucson. We're pretty much blue down here. Yes, we're affected by the red state legislature and governor, but I believe the state is turning purple with more young people coming of voting age. The problem, as I see it, is that many snowbirds come down in time to register to vote, vote conservative and against taxes for education, then go home in the spring. I'm not anti-snowbirds, but I wish they would understand that they are part-timers here, and those of us who live here year-round have year-round issues, like being sure everyone gets a quality education in this state. Anyway, Tucson is more open-minded - although guns on hips at McDonald's are still a part of the scenery.

Peter - I have been living in the Portland area for the past 25 years, albeit in the 'burbs of Beaverton on the west side of town. What do you consider "affordable" and what specically are you looking for in a urban locale? Northeast and Southeast Portland and Gresham are probably the most affordable of urban type areas, but they also seem to be higher in crime. There are some nicer neighborhoods (Laurelhurst, Alameda, Hawthorne, Mississippi) but they are very spendy with fierce buying competition. Southeast has a more bohemian vibe. Northwest nighborhoods of the Pearl and Nob Hill are really fun urban areas, but the prices are astronomical. The west side suburbs are nice (yeah, I am biased), and a ranch house will go for about $275-325K, although most housing around here seem to be two stories. Here it is more the chain restaurants and stores, so if you are looking for food carts, upscale cuisine or authentic ethnic cuisine, then go downtown or to the east side. Between the MAX lightrail, the Portland Street car and the bus, public transit is pretty easy to navigate all over the city. Keep in mind that anywhere in Multnomah County will have higher property taxes than Clackamas or Washington counties because they cover the lion's share of public services for Portland. I hope this helped.

This is for Donna.... I was actually surprised that Tri-Cities wasn't mentioned at all. The combo 3 cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) and 3 rivers, (Columbia, Yakima, Snake) make this area of arid, eastern Washington very attractive as far as low cost of living, lots of outdoors activities (golf, hiking, fishing), vineyards and wineries everywhere, and low crime in Richland and Kennewick. And sunshine? Over 300 days a year of sunshine with no humidity. Snowfall is minimal to rare, and we may get a week or two of below 20 degrees F for the high in the winter, but it's mostly low to mid 40s. Spring and fall here are fantastic. There are high paying government contract jobs that help to support public services, good healthcare, local sports, restaurants, and shopping.

I have lived in Oregon for the past 26 years. The first 10 yrs in Bend and we now have lived in Corvallis for 16 yrs. Bend was a nice place to live, with lots of outdoor activities, but some winters can be brutal. Sub-zero temps and lots of snow, one winter we had about 3-4 foot of snow piled on our roof. Our front yard had about 8-10 foot snow banks where the plows would push the snow. And way too many mornings , even in summer months, I would have to scrap ice off of my windshield. Now it is very crowded and much traffic congestion. Corvallis has a nice university, and a nice downtown. Not nearly as much shopping as Bend, but we don't get all of the Californians moving here (sorry). But we do get a lot of rain in the winter and fog. So it can get depressing if that bothers you. But everything is nice and green almost year around. Anything will grow here. The spring, summer, and fall can be beautiful. And only 1 hour drive to the coast. We do like it here, but are thinking of moving up around Seattle as that is where our daughter now lives and we want to be closer to them after we retire. Hope this helps a little for someone.

Just read the Tri-Cities (Richland, etc.) have a contamination issue due to a nuclear power plant in their vicinity. Any factual information available?

I want to retire to Ashland as well. I probably would have to rent or purchase a Manufactured home because of the home prices. Medford which is only 10 miles away is less expensive.

I lived there for more than 16 years. winter is ashland is fairly miild . summers can be hot, but not too hot for some. mt ashland is not far to ski at if you desire. temperature inversions take place in the winter, socking in talent, phoenix and medford while ashland stays sunny and bright. tourist season (summer) the place is a zoo. very crowded with folks from out of town. ashland is the most expensive of the areas to live but you have a lively town (college town) with amenities such as the shakespearean theaters, and all that a college can offer in classes that you would like to take

I've been researching moving to Western WA for a couple of years now, a place to retire eventually. I scour real estate listings, study towns, trying to find the "best fit", or at least a good list of places to scope out *in person*. My husband and I want some space...like at least 2 - 5 acres so we can have animals again. Ideally we do not want to even be able to see another home. We both like to be not too far from water (ocean, lakes, rivers), and The Great Outdoors is big on our list! We both feel compelled to live in/near trees. We mountain bike and hike a lot. I've been focused mainly in the Kitsap Peninsula, Seabeck, Silverdale areas - as well as up through Sequim/Port Angeles areas. We are aware that living in this type of scenario can carry it's own risks - rural can mean wild animals, rough wind storms that knock out power lines (frequently in places like Seabeck), and washed out or flooded roads in winter rains. Our plan is to definitely have a generator (for both house and for a water well, if needed) and be prepared to stay put for awhile if services are disrupted. The goal is to live rural but not more than 15-20 minutes from town for things we need an decent medical care, if needed. I *think* the areas mentioned will serve our goal...however strangely enough, the biggest drawback I'm finding is - supposedly limited or non-reliable high speed internet connectivity! Some forested areas are protected from having fiber networks brought in, and others are really spotty. I have a homebased website business I plan to continue while retired, and internet is the center of that. Most real estate agents assure me internet is "no problem" up there...yet to visit many city data type forums, I hear a different story form actual residents. This really could be a deal-breaker for me. Can any of you tell me anything about internet reliability in Western WA and what areas are definitely unreliable? Also curious about restrictions on # of animals allowed in different areas. I hear some say there are very specific restrictions in certain counties, not in others. And again, I get mixed stories for real estate agents. At most, we'd want 2 horses, some chickens, maybe an alpaca or two (for fiber, I'm a hand-spinner), and our usual house cat or two and our two dogs. Any help/insight appreciated...thank you!

Looking for comments/recommendations about Western Nevada: Lake Tahoe. Carson City, etc. Am a single woman with a small dog looking for a place with seasons and thought this area might be an option. Have lived om Chicago for the last 40 years so this might be culture shock too! I love to ride my bike and be outdoors. Thanks!

Carol, I could give you some information on other areas in Western Washington as I live in Olympia. There are lots of areas around us that are what you are looking for. Please feel free to e/mail me directly at Sreda244@aol.com.

I have gotten a good laugh reading these posts! Rule #1 don't believe what anyone who is trying to sell you some thing tells you.
I was born in Washington, educated in Oregon and worked in and retired from California. I like to forget the 11 months I survived in Detroit.
I say I have been drifting south all my life. I need to be with in driving distance of the sea. Only the rich can afford beach front in California and I couldn't stand everyone living in fear and hatred. I discovered Belize before Wheel-Of-Fortune did and retired in 2002 and moved here full time in 2003.
This is an English speaking country and fully integrated. If you are a bigot don't come.
I overlook the Caribbean Sea and live on half my retirement. I could never again live in the USA.
Good luck to everyone. Just remember - nothing is perfect - not even you. Smile!

Hi Harriette, I have heard about Belize before and did a little research. From somebody that has 'boots on the ground' there, can you comment on if Belize has 'mañana' syndrome? Not 'mañana' as in 'tomorrow morning', but mañana as in 'not now but later'... sometimes much later, as in no contractor/business/government body is in a hurry to get anything done, and having to wait for a long time to get something done. Like put in telephone service, contractors that take forever to do anything, that sort of stuff?
Also we have read here in this blog of US citizens being fair game for crime in places like Mexico, with the local constabulary basically turning a blind eye to property crime committed against them under the theory that US citizens can 'afford it'. Any issues like that in Belize?
Thanks for a report from on-site.

Harriett, I am glad that you found the right place for you. How is the medical care in Belize if you had a serious condition? I have had friends who left the USA and had to return to this country for treatment and endedmup having to pay cash because they did not have health insurance.

Anyone have any comments about the Port Townsend, WA area? The area has much less rain than Seattle and appears to have a lower cost of living as well.

I am considering Washington State as well. I have researched and have looked into the rain shaddow. The rain fall is said to be less than Seattle. Is this true? I am considering Brinnon and surrounding areas. Can anyone tell me about the area or any other areas to consider. I am looking for water views and a certain amount of seclusion. I will be purchasing an RV and touring around until I decide on where to land. Of course the people and community are important too as I would love to volunteer and be involved. I think it is such a beautiful state. Thank you for any information. It is greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to a new adventure.
Kathy

Kathy, Brinnon is NOT in the Olympic rain shadow. Brinnon gets considerably more rain than Seattle.
http://www.olympicrainshadow.com/olympicrainshadowmap.html

Have been following the daily weather reports for Port Townsend and Squiem this summer. Lots of sunny days and temps barely hitting 70 degrees. These two towns are in the rain shadow. I'm sure winter has more overcast days but with only 18" of rain annually it would at least be dry most of the time.

I know people who have retired to the Olympic Peninsula and love it for the weather. On the other hand, if you need serious medical care beyond what the local hospital/medical providers can handle, it's a long haul to Seattle where you will have to be for top medical care. Even though I'm healthy now, proximity to medical care is one of the top items on my checklist.

I visited Port Angeles many years ago and loved it. But I see that Port Angeles, Sequim, and Port Townsend all get an 'F' in crime on the website I turn to first for a snapshot of a community. Just sayin'.

Thank you for all the information. It is so difficult to relocate. So much to consider. I have done tons of research on line however it doesn't take the place of scouting around in person. Full time rving has its pluses and minuses too but I think it is the only way to really find out where to finally settle.
Again thank you, Kathy

Rich - We visited the Olympic National Park and Cape Flattery two years ago. I want to go back and revisit! We could only do 6 days and covered Sequim, Port Angeles and Port Townsend too. Next trip, I hope to do a ferry to Victoria as you described and maybe visit Whidbey Island too. We are off to northern CA next month for a week and will fly into Medford OR then stay in Trinidad CA. I'm trying to plan day trips from there and we will visit Ashland OR. We did the OR coast last year starting in Portland and visited Astoria down through Florence. Stayed in Newport and Cannon Beach. WA and OR and stunningly beautiful states! Love PNW!

I lived in Portland for 8 years back in the late 90s and loved it. Things have changed though....prices of homes and apts have skyrocketed. You are right about the people, they are very down to earth and very friendly. That's where I met my husband and eventually moved back to SanDiego for family reasons but plan on retiring back to the coast of oregon. It's a lot cheaper especially for people on a fixed budget. Sure it rains more but that's why it's so beautiful..... just can't decide which coastal town to retire to because there are so many to choose from! Lol

I have posted about Portland, Oregon before. I was thinking of moving there too. I just got back from my fourth visit to Portland and spent 3 weeks there. Things have gotten progressively worse there with the homeless problem. It is very, very bad there right now. There are homeless people( mostly men with mental health issues) living all over the streets. Apparently, the passed a new law, the Safe Sleep Act, which allows people to live on any public property, sidewalks, parks, street, highways, etc. I am not exaggerating when I say it is the worst situation that I have ever seen in any city in my life. I really suggest a long visit to the area you are thinking of before you make your plans. I left there this summer, thinking that it is just not safe for me and I may never go back again.

Homeless encampments are springing up all over the United States. This is very much in conjunction with the horrific and epidemic level of opioid addiction we are suffering from as a country. As a nation, we are making very little progress at getting this socialtal epidemic under control. Unfortunately, far too many seniors are part of this epidemic cycle due to their severe addiction to opioid pain medications.

So, why are people still moving to Portland? I used to only pay $650 for a 2 bedroom apt in the early 2000s and now it's doubled in price .

I moved to Portland a year ago to be near family but I've just about decided that family isn't enough. I live in a suburb and almost never go into downtown because I find it so unpleasant. My conclusions, after a year's observation as an outsider with no emotional or long term ties to the place: Portland has good "bones" but is way behind the eight ball in coping with the problems brought on by extremely rapid growth. City government seems well meaning but inept and powerless; the Portland school district administration is in a shambles. The most creative thinking about how to deal with the homeless is coming from wealthy developers. According to "Portland Monthly" magazine, most new arrivals are mid-level management folksattracted by the booming economy. They are the 20-30 somethings with big checkbooks but small inclination to get involved in the nitty gritty of running their new home. So, my observation is that there is a huge gap between the older, "native" population who dream of how things were back in the 90s and these new arrivals looking for a good time.
Having said all that, the real reason I'm thinking of leaving is the weather. Well, weather combined with the extremely high cost of housing. I've discovered that I need lots of light and sun. Having lived almost all of my life in sunny places so rarely having been without it, I had no idea how much I depend on it to avoid depression. The part of me that really loves my life here, keeps thinking that there must be an affordable, sunny living space just waiting out there for me to find it. But if it's out there, it isn't appearing on Craigslist or any of the other popular rental listing sites. Again it's the collision of high demand and lack of supply. And I'd add long-time lack of creative design thinking. For all Oregonians' love of the outdoors and environment, I've yet to find an a multi-unit complex oriented towards the sun's path for passive heating/light. Only the newest (& therefore the most expensive) complexes have air conditioning and most don't even have windows that allow cross ventilation. It's really hard to deal with high 90's outside (forecasted for Thurs-Sunday this week) with no relief inside my apartment!
One last negative: traffic! If you like LA style slow-and-go driving, Portland is your place. If you like planning your life around traffic, come here.
Sorry to sound so negative. Portland does have much to recommend it and even I haven't fully committed to moving on. The folks for whom it would work best, in my opinion, are: from northern latitudes or similar climates or know that they are not effected by 9 months of cloudiness; have more than average income; don't mind either traffic or using public transportation. I can imagine urban folks from the NE who are sick of snow and cold will find Portland a heaven of exciting urban life with no need for more winter protection than an umbrella.

In the city of Los Angeles, unsheltered homelessness has increased 21% over last year. If you travel 6th St. in downtown Los Angeles, you will experience an incredibly large encampment of tents, cardboard boxes, and other creative fixtures; full of homeless people in very crowded conditions. This is an environment of predominantly males with serious mental health issues and drug addictions. Because this is Los Angles, with the best climatic conditions, you have the epicenter of homelessness in the United States. I do believe the Left Coast with superior climatic conditions from the Mexican border and northward; has become a haven for the homeless.

MI - you will be an asset to Portland. You do not keep your head in the sand, even in retirement. No Whining, Worrying , or Wallowing allowed at your house !!

I had considered Portland, OR several times as my retirement place. Once I went to look for housing and was faced with day upon day of no sunshine. I knew then that I could not live without an adequate amount of sunshine.

Here's a positive picture of life with Portland's homeless. My sister and I went dowtown on Tuesday to see the "Native Fashion Now" exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art. Excellent exhibit in an excellent museum! Afterwards we lunched at The Carts, joining lots of PDX's office workers and tourists. Like those who didn't have to rush back to a desk, we took our lunches to Pioneer Park and ate, sitting on a bench. The scene was SO Portland: "Bespoke Bikes" busy creating fruit smoothies by pedal power, a violinist providing lovely music and a good selection of Portland types to watch. They included quite a few men who looked, acted and talked as tho' they are homeless. They were not pan handling, just sitting in groups on benches talking among themselves. There was one guy sitting near the trash receptables. We watched him pull a container out as soon as it was thrown away, open it, and start eating - lunch #1. I only wanted about 1/2 of my lunch so, to save him the trouble of digging it out of the trash, I offered it to him directly and was thanked - lunch #2. No sooner than he'd finished it, than someone threw a container into the trash. He grabbed it and started eating lunch #3! Just think of how ecologically friendly he was being in saving 3 lunches from going to the landfill.

Laney, loved your story!!

Here's a question for the tax focused: Washington does not have an income tax; Oregon doesn't have a sales tax. My question is: as a retiree who doesn't buy much any more except groceries, gas and the occasional piece of clothing, how can I figure out whether I'm saving more by living in the no-sales-tax state (and paying Oregon's high income tax) or would I be better off moving to the no-income-tax state? In fact many retirees do move to WA but continue to shop in OR to take advantage of both tax free offerings. There are the costs of moving to consider as well as the "costs" of dealing with the traffic clogged bridges and freeways across the river separating the two states.

Laney,
I also was looking into this question and came out with saving approximately $30 month on sales taxes without buying large purchase items. I won't be working so income taxes isn't a concern, and if you have less than $25000 per year you don't need to even file any taxes either. Now property taxes in Washington is good, if you are over 65 you have an option of not having to pay your yearly taxes, if you qualify according to income. Oregon also allows you to delay paying until you pass away too. So, I have chosen oregon incase of large purchases being made at some point in the future.

The comments by Chris back in Feb are still the best. No place is perfect year round. Not just in the USA but worldwide. I have traveled the world my whole life, and in the 10 years since I've retired I have been, like many, a snowbird. Summers one place, winters another. Why, because there is no perfect year round place. Anywhere along the Gulf coast is nice in winter. Would have to pay me a million to stay there is summer. Northern states are good in summer. Don't want to freeze and shovel snow in winter. That is why the rich have home in many places. Not being rich I just rent. That works for me because I am not a fussbudget when it comes to housing. Clean and in a decent neighborhood is all I require. It doesn't have to be big and fancy as I'm not trying to impress anyone. I don't own it so don't have to spend and time or money on maintenance. IMO retirees make things harder on themselves by not being able to let go of the whole home ownership mentality. Renting also makes it a lot easier to move again if you find out you don't really like the place after all.

Art Bonds, thank you for posting the article about Portland, Oregon's mayor ending the
Safe Sleep policy. I don't know what will happen there, but it is going to take time and a great deal of effort to make the streets safe again. I don't judge the homeless, but the situation was not safe at all for a woman who likes to take walks alone. The apartment that I was staying in was in an expensive part of town, and had homeless men camped out beneath the windows and they drank and screamed at passerbys all night. It was terrifying just to step out the door and I didn't get much sleep. In the morning there were broken bottles and human waste on the sidewalks next to their sleeping bodies. It was awful no matter where I went. I know that the last 7 years have been very bad for cities in this country and it is most evident in Portland.

Thanks, all, for your experiential comments which are extremely helpful for my ongoing evaluation of a possible move to the Pacific NW and, in keeping with the article, to learning more about OR v. WA. I'm already retired, but widowed about two years ago and wanting a total change. This is probably the wrong thread to mention some experiences about East Coast retirement and living, although I've seen a few comments about the consideration of East Coast alternatives to the NW. If useful, I have some substantive experience to offer about living in the SE, and spent 10 years in FL.

I have lived in Southern Oregon both as a child and an adult, am currently living in SoCal where I cannot afford to retire and to be honest don't want to, tired of the endless summer (for those of you looking for that and can afford the cost of living this may be the place for you) but for me intend to return to Southern Oregon the Medford/Grants Pass area, I look forward to 4 seasons and rain. The Rogue River provides lots of activities the location of So Oregon allows for day trips or 2 day trips to the coast, Portland area, California there is lots of out door activities, cultural activities, great access to fresh veggies and fruits and the people are really great. A manufactured home close to the river is calling my name.

Kathe, you sound like a twin. I lived in Portland, where I met my husband and now living in Sandiego, but plan to move to southern oregon. Just can't decide between the coast or Ashland area. Can't afford and don't want to retire in california. I've lived in all 4 corners of the US and you can't beat the weather but looking forward to moving back to oregon. ....

Mary11....... Please do more research on the property taxes, I think you will find that you in fact do have to pay property taxes although there is a senior exception in my county but it only lowers your tax base it does not eliminate it. I know of nowhere in Washington State that you don't have to pay property taxes. FYI........I have lived in Washington since 83 and have loved it. I am a senior, (69 this year) semi returned and sell real estate in the Olympia area when I am there during the summer months. My wife and I snowbird to AZ during the winter months in our RV and love our lifestyle. Washington State is no different from another, same political issues, same homeless issues, lousy weather (unless you enjoy the rain in the spring and fall and cold winters with occasional snow) but beautiful and unbeatable in the summer months with mild temps and fabulous environment. Probably one of the prettiest places in the US during the months of May through September. Of course I am partial to the Olympia area as I have lived here many years, moved here from the North Seattle area and would never go back there. If you were to choose Olympia as your landing place, your are 60 to 90 minutes to Seattle, a huge city with everything you could ever need. Outstanding medical facilities with the UofW, etc. one of the top rated cancer research facilities in the country, Fred Hutch Research Center, and wonderful heart, etc. facilities in surrounding hospitals. Trust me on that one, I've have occasion to use both in the last few years ! The Olympia area still has good reasonably priced housing, outstanding environment, almost no traffic, surrounded by the Puget Sound so tons of water sports if you like that sort of thing, an hours drive to the ocean, a hour and half to some of the best winter sports in the world, etc. etc. However, as many have stated, there is no perfect place but if you are like us and can pack up and head out when the weather gets to a point that you feel "all coupled up" then this is the place for you. If you, or anyone else on this blog, has questions regarding the Thurston County area of Washington State (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and surrounding area) feel free to reply here.

We just got back from a month in Portland. It's a great city, with lots to do, and many fabulous restaurants. But the traffic is terrible. I hate to think what it would be like without the MAX light rail system. It's still worth it, and we bought a home across the Columbia River, in Vancouver WA. We will have to time our trips into Portland carefully, to avoid the traffic.

Can anyone comment on the Port Townsend/Sequim area of Washington? Trying to get an idea of the overall cost of living including real estate taxes.

A LOT of reading here but until I can make my way through all of it, can anyone give me input? I'm interested in a townhouse or apartment in the Pacific N/W with access to public transportation. I currently live in S/E Texas and hope to sell my property for enough to move away from the Armpit of the Southeast. I'm nearly 70 and in good health. I am on Social Security only but an adequate income. Are there any small towns that would make for a good fit? Any intel is welcome.

DIANE S, you need to check out craigslist to give you an idea of prices in different towns. On the coast of oregon you can purchase a condo on the ocean in the low $100,000s or a Mfg home for less. Rentals start at $600.

Diane make sure your considered home is not in an area that could easily flood. If you want a coastal property, consider one with a view of the ocean, but not right on the beach as it could be more expensive and the weather does wear down the construction of a home. A garage is also helpful to protect one's car from the elements. Many people on the coast are also seasonal home owners and rent out their homes and condos in the summer--happens here on the east coast as well. Does that bother you at all? If so, be careful where you choose to live on the coast. Also be sure there is a clear path out of the coastal area in case of a tsunami...it is predicted to happen in the future and you might as well be prepared.

Diane, small and coastal can be very pretty but those towns, especially the ones you can afford, are very isolated. They don't have great medical services or much to do that isn't sea related. Some are great tourist spots. They offer more but they are more expensive. The bigger urban areas in OR and WA have great public transport. Having lived in the Portland area for over a year, I do not recommend Oregon as a place for people of limited income. There is a huge divide between the urban areas which offer a lot of services but are very expensive and getting worse and the rural areas which are very rural and conservative and aren't really designed for newcomers. Personally, I think there are other places where you'd get more value for your money than the NW.

Sometimes I wonder if people even think about volcano's or if they are just pushed to the back of the mind like earthquakes. Making retirement plans sure is about what you can live with or not!! Sure has been a population growth with legalizing marijuana. Still neither State is a place of lower end retirement, or those living on just Social Security benefits.

William.....which states specifically are you referencing to?? As I have mentioned before Oregon provides much assistance to retirees on a limited income. They have many retirement communities that you only pay 30% of your income for the monthly rent, food assistance and great health benefits. And the legalization of MJ will become nationwide very soon so that's here nor there on that point.....Everyone has an option on where they can save money if they're low income....from downsizing of their home to eliminating expensive cable and cell phone costs. People are just used to a certain standard of living but you can change if you really want to. I'd rather live in a studio apt than do without other things in my retirement!! Volcanoes....well I've lived in all 4 cornersoftheUS and there's no perfect place....you'll always have to deal with something.

Ladies, ladies... just my thought wave on Volcanoes and earthquakes, sure no place is perfect.. ...Was wondering with the legalization of marijuana if the cost of living has increased as I do know many medically moved to obtain treatment? I have many friends and families members living in Oregon, but retiring else where due to cost of living. I have researched and found it comparable or higher than Ohio in many ways,,,. Sure anyone can change their standards of living. With Social Security benefits based on Net pay, it is only 40% of what we were earning. Cost of living doesn't remain the same...so what are your suggestions on downsizing the cost of living?

Deborah: We lived in Port Ludlow 12 years, in the South Bay. There is a lot of turn over as people age and need to be closer to medical facilities and stores. From P.L. You have to drive everywhere..closest grocery store is 20 minutes, Port Townsend 40 minutes, same with Silverdale. The main activities are golf and boating. People can be friendly, but Seattle is a ferry ride away for the best medical care...we were spending over $200.00 a month on fares 12 years ago. It's much sunnier than Seattle, but rather isolated, and worrisome as one ages. There's still a snobbish differential between North .Bay, and South Bay, although it's much improved. I'd never go back, and now live in Lexington, my, which has the best of all worlds, and people here are very friendly.

Mary11. I think we agree Oregon is a nice place. I could NEVER live in Washington. So many live on only Social Security benefits and can not maintain their homes anymore. But what things would you not cut out when downsizing your expenses? And how much does the "great health benefits" cost? That is my main concern, you know, health costs. Thx

Help me out please--
What are the benefits then of living in WA? I know there is no state income tax. What would the down side be compared to OR?
Thanks

Florence, one thing I like about OR is there is no sales tax....

Here's my thinking on sales tax: I no longer buy much besides food. Sure, it's tax free in OR, but it's also tax free in WA. In other words, I don't spend enough on taxable purchases for my OR sales tax free savings to equal what I would save in an income tax free state. No sales tax sounds really appealing until you do the numbers. Laney

I figured we would save on an average about 30-40$ per month with no sales tax. It's better than nothing.

If you are low income health Care is free in Oregon.

Just read an article on the top 7 states with the highest income tax. Oregon is home to one of the country's highest income tax brackets with a 9.9% top rate on taxable income of 125k - 250k, respectively for single and joint filers. In fact, the states lowest tax bracket of 5% would be considered a high rate in many parts of the country.
It did state that that no sales tax was a benefit and property tax was reasonable. I guess they need to get revenue form some source.

Regarding property taxes in Oregon--it all depends upon the county. Some have low taxes, but also very few services, including police. Others, like Marion County, have extremely high property taxes--around $4K/year for a $300K house. This is because Salem, the capitol, is in this county. All federal, state, county and city properties are tax-exempt, laying the burden on home owners only. We, too, have few services. The city even passed a law stating home owners are legally responsible for the upkeep of the city sidewalk that runs past their houses. Fortunately (?), it cannot be enforced until the city brings the sidewalks up to code, and they haven't the money to do so. Bus service is only 5 days/week, with no evening hours. One of the poorer counties even told its residents it hadn't the money or manpower to protect them from people violating restraining orders, and if you were in that situation, it might be best to move. One town on the coast does not have any law enforcement, but it does have a police car. They park it along the highway in hopes the sight of it will slow down drivers.

I lived and worked in Portland Oregon in the mid 90s. I agree the income taxes are higher. We won't have to be concerned because 1, I won't be working in my retirement and 2, our combined income will be less than $20000 per year. So we plan to move to smaller cities compared to Portland, such as Eugene, Medford or Ashland....where you will be provided better County services and transportation. FYI, in Eugene if you are over 65 you can ride the busses for free....

JoannL sent in this comment:
Coastal Oregon is beautiful! My one reservation would be access to competent healthcare such as a sizable hospital - medical center. 21 bed hospital in Florence appears more like a clinic to me. I would question their status and ability to handle a serious patient event (stroke, heart attack, etc.) but that is just my opinion. Eugene is 60 miles away and about 1.5 hour drive for larger medical center. Of course, these situations are just part of life and can / do occur anytime or anywhere...

Oregon coast is beautiful. But homes are soooooo expensive. I have lived in the PNW for over 50 yrs. Moving to Green Valley AZ or NM. Need sunshine!!!

Tomi – Can you tell me more about Vancouver? I’ve thought about it from time to time because of its location (in
WA but across the river from OR and therefore close to a major airport and cultural offerings), but I’ve been concerned about the crime rate. Are there any areas of Vancouver that are safer than others? Any gated communities? (I may lock the house up and travel for extended periods of time and this offers an extra level of security.) Do you have any general comments on the demographics of the city’s residents?
---JoanneC

Tomi - thanks for your comments on Vancouver. I will need to do more research. I don't mind rain and gray skies some of the year provided it isn't year round. I'm in SoCal now and sometimes the ho-hum another-day-in-paradise wethar gets to me. I really want seasons, but the lack of mass transit as I get older is going to be an issue. Thanks again for your input. Food for thought.

JoannL - thanks for the link on the oil terminal issue. I can't even begin to imagine how horrible it would be to live near something like that.

Ladies, I have found the Movoto.com website very helpful with providing info on homes to buy and where all the shopping and entertainment areas are situated from the home. I also am looking for a home walkable to grocery stores. I LIVED IN Portland for 8 years across the street from a grocer and loved the convenience. Now living in CA I use instacart or Safeway to have my groceries delivered. Portland has a very good mass transit system as well.

It really depends on budget too. Portland Metro area and outer areas are very expensive. Vancouver is less. The new "retirement" home we built,and will sell is in an area with no transit. I love my views but I will trade for Sun more days of the year

For those who have lived in or visited Portland and find it (much) less than perfect - would your comments also go for some of the communities outside of Portland, e.g., Beaverton, Tigard or Lake Oswego? I'm not particularly concerned about traffic going into Portland because I wouldn't expect to go into the city on a regular basis, but I would like to avoid a community where there is a lot of either homelessness or crime. After that, my primary concerns are being within reasonable distance of an international airport, excellent medical care, and top-notch veterinary care. I also need to check into walk scores but that will come later. Thoughts, anyone?

Joann C,
We just spent 3 months in the Portland area visiting family and friends. We stayed in Wilsonville, but visited all throughout metropolitan area. We did try to avoid the rush hour times, but overall, we were not greatly inconvenienced by the traffic. The suburbs you mentioned, plus Tualatin, West Linn and Wilsonville are all relatively low crime areas. We were able to walk a 3-4 mile route daily, using the city sidewalks and park with little or no traffic interference. We could take mass transit throughout the metropolitan area including the airport. As senior citizens, we afforded a discount rate for doing so. We didn’t require any medical facilities while visiting, but I believe that high quality care is available throughout the Portland metropolitan area. We did have a large medical facility nearby us in Tualatin.
We truly enjoyed the mild summer climate with the low humidity levels and the abundance of beautiful scenery that the area offers.

Joann C,
My brother used to live in Portland (Lake Oswego), then moved to Wilsonville and seemed to like it a lot, ultimately he moved to Beaver Creek near Mulino in Clackamas County on 15 acres in a large log home. He loves this location and rarely goes into Portland these days unless it is for business or one day of recreation. He abhors the Sanctuary City mentality. The homeless live in tents on the sidewalks in Portland proper. The city brings In " people washers" to provide showers and laundry services. The homeless actually move up and down the west coast. In the winter they migrate to areas of California like San Diego and San Francisco. They know where the best services are and where they will be treated the best. The problem is that the numbers are too large for the city to cope with. He loves the laid back lifestyle, but where he is now located is not walkable because it is situated among Christmas Tree Farms. His wife works for the Canby Utility and when she retires in a few years they are selling and moving fulltime to Lincoln City where they have a lovely home within view of the beach . Traffic is relative and Beaverton has traffic to the Nike Plant and other areas. It still is not as bad as Washington, DC or Los Angeles, of that I am sure. What is traffic to me, may not seem like traffic to you. Tualatin has a great hospital and my brother got great care there one and one half years ago with a health issue. They typically get a lot of cloudy days and lots of rain (not this past summer, however). I think that the Northwest has a lot of great things going for it. The mentality of the people is different from the mid-atlantic and northeast where I live now.

I am a lifetime Oregonian/Washingtonian.. I can answer lots of question. We plan on moving when my husband retires in 4 yrs. Lived in the city and suburbs and now Vancouver WA. Oregon& Washington are still seeing huge increases. Our home has gone up over $100,000 in 2 yrs. Oregon is even higher. We would love to move to Bend Oregon but we are priced out. So we plan on moving to the SW in 4 yrs when my husband retires. We want a more conservative state and ones that don't kill you with taxes.

Thanks to everyone for your comments on Oregon and for adding some additional cities to the list. I'm planning to go the Portland in January to visit different cities and neighborhoods and to interview veterinarians. The ability to find a good veterinary neurologist (I have a dog with meningitis) will be a deciding factor, but it looks likes there's a specialty hospital in Clackamas, so that may be the answer. I was happy to read Steve's comment that there is mass transit to the airport! Since leaving the SF bay area, I've missed the convenience of hopping on BART and going out to SFO. I'm curious about Jennifer's comment regarding the mentality of the people being different - can you elaborate, Jennifer? I'm from California but spent 5 years in the Seattle area and didn't really notice much difference between the mentality here and that in Seattle, but Portland could be very different. If I move there, it will be on my own without knowing a soul, and having a culture/mentality that's consistent or at least compatible with what I'm accustomed to is important to feeling at home. Wherever I go next, it is going to be my last move and I need to be sure it's the right one. I would love to go back to the bay area, but housing prices have shot up so much since I left that returning is probably not realistic.

I need to rephrase my comment on the mentality of people in Portland. It was not meant to be a negative comment, just different. We are not as laid back as they are in the Northwest. They tend to speak their minds and I am sometimes taken aback by their candor. They also tend to be free thinkers. They are much more casual in their approach to life which would be a good thing for us here in the east.

Joann C, if I were you, I'd make a list of what is really important to you before you even come to Oregon. I movedto suburban PDX from the Monterey Bay area of CA. Portlanders are way more relaxed, less stressed, friendlier than the Californians I knew. Politically, Clackamas county is less progressive than either Multnomah or Washington county but the inner suburbs are definitely blue. It's only when you get out to the more rural areas that things turn red. Since you won't know anyone when you move here, I'd locate places you'll go to make friends (church, hobby, etc) plus shopping (grocery stores!), docs, a vet for your dog, Hopefully they will not be too scattered and hopefully public transport can get you where you want to go! The "keep Portland weird" mentality, as far as I can tell, stays in inner Portland. I never go there so it doesn't really affect me. I will say that from I do see, Oregonians are great at talking the talk about helping and preserving the environment but not as good about actually doing it as Californians are. As I'm sure you know, Oregon State University's vet school & hospital is in Corvallis, maybe 2 hours away from PDX. Maybe they can recommend PDX area vets for you.

OK, thanks. I think we have heard from those who don't like Portland.

I have lived in Seattle all my life. I am retiring next year and moving out of the state. We can't afford to live here anymore and the traffic is unbearable. Homeless/crime everywhere. It used to be a nice place to live but not anymore.
City/State is constantly trying to suck money out of your pocket ever time you turn around. Also the weather suck 90% of the time.

Just a note about Vancouver, Washington: it is across the Columbia River from Portland. It is close yet very far away because of the bridges. There are two main bridges from Portland to Vancouver and they get endless backups. We need 10 bridges, not 2. If you intend to to work in Oregon and live in Washington beware of this.

Partagas as a lifelong PNWer I agree 100%. We are headed to Nevada. Kate O we live in Vancouver and my husband works in Portland. So traffic is never going to get better unless they build that bridge.

Well....We were hoping to move back to Oregon, but after further research have decided to stay in SAN Diego. The apt and home prices in Oregon are not much different from where we live. We decided to stay in our rental retirement community that provides everything that you would need for a nice retirement. Plus you cant beat the weather or community services that the state provides. So...unless the housing market changes we will continue enjoying our life in sunny CA!!

I'm actually wanting to move out of Oregon, this used to be a nice place but the cost of living is far too high and I'm not rich enough to live here. Throngs of progressives and hipsters have actually made it far worse, sky high taxes, drug riddled homeless everywhere, traffic nightmares, mobs and riots....not a good place for small businesses...and no, you actually cant have a free opinion here despite what others say. You have to keep your head low if you think differently than the populace. To top it off, 80% of the weather stinks. Cant wait to leave after 43 years.

Abe H’s comment is a good example of how the politics and government of a place can affect you in retirement. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to be politically in the the minority of a place during your golden years, then it’s important to check that factor out. Search how the place has voted for president and check to see if most of the local office holders are of one political party or another; what are the registration percentages of the various political parties? For some, being in political disagreement with most of the people you live around can make a big negative difference as to your enjoyment of retirement.