The 7 Best Retirement Communities in Washington State

If you or your senior loved one is approaching the need for greater support in daily living, you may be sorting through mountains of information about retirement community options in Washington State. As one of the top retirement destinations in the country, we are well aware that Washington has an excellent array of reputable communities with unique offerings and strengths.

The Best Retirement Communities in Washington State

As you narrow down the location, consider financial implications in addition to community amenities. For example, while Washington State has no income tax, sales taxes are relatively high whereas in neighboring Oregon the reverse is true. It is wise to select a retirement state with an overall structure that benefits you. Look for an area that is senior-friendly, has the amenities you enjoy, and has easy access to any future medical care you might need. It is common to move closer to family, so consider the distance between the community you are eyeing and your children and grandchildren.

Once you have selected a region, you can narrow down these choices further by taking a look at your needs and the facility’s specialties. What will you or your senior need help with? Check out our Guide to Understanding Different Levels of Care for Seniors to explore this topic in more depth. Understanding support needs will help you decide what will suit you or your family best: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite Care, or Memory Care. What activities or amenities are important? Are you looking for a community that offers church services? Is a thriving social scene important? What is the current availability and wait time before you can move in?

Here's a look at seven of the best assisted living facilities and retirement communities (in no particular order) in the Washington State area:

1. Holiday Retirement, Gig Harbor: Gig Harbor is the fourth most popular retirement destination in the country and Holiday Retirement showcases why. Holiday offers a wide variety of apartments with choices ranging from Independent Living to full Alzheimer's and Memory Care, as well as pet-friendly options. They further offer a variety of innovative programs such as senior volunteer opportunity matching and vacation excursions to their sister community.

2. Suncrest Village Retirement Apartments, Sequim: While Suncrest only offers Independent Living, it does also boast a theater, salon, library, and raised garden beds. These niceties are all within easy walking distance to nearby town amenities, such as excellent shopping and dining.

3. Sunrise of Edmonds, Edmonds: Sunrise offers both Assisted Living and Memory Care. It also provides unique amenities such as a Family Engagement app. This app allows loved ones to stay up to date on daily life experiences such as the dining menu items, activities calendar, and announcements.

4. Village Green Retirement Campus, Federal Way: Just north of Olympia, Village Green offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Respite Care. Village Green is located in a breathtaking natural setting and emphasizes sustainable, eco-friendly practices. In addition to allowing pets, it also boasts gorgeous walking trails and a bustling schedule of activities and amenities, allowing a true range of peaceful and social experiences to match your senior's personality and mood.

5. Daystar Retirement Village, West Seattle: Daystar offers a full range of living options including Senior Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Respite Care in order to meet residents' changing needs. In keeping with this commitment, Daystar offers a variety of clinical services such as Diabetes or Parkinson's management and mobile x-rays.

This vibrant community prioritizes personal growth by fostering life-long learning and enrichment. Guest lectures and history lessons, art classes, gardening opportunities, and fitness classes feature in the daily offerings.

Also, consider these 6 Reasons to Retire in West Seattle.

6. Washington Oakes, Everett: Washington Oakes offers Independent Living with the option to switch to Assisted Living at a future date. This unique community is located within a historic schoolhouse and offers fine dining choices, a wide range of fitness classes, travel options, and a truly diverse and appealing activities calendar.

7. Mountlake Terrace Plaza, Snohomish: Mountlake Terrace provides Assisted Living and Respite Care. A unique schedule of offerings includes church service, meditation, art classes, and scenic drives in addition to more traditional fitness and community activities. Mountlake Terrace Plaza is also pet-friendly.