Sure,
Seattle is popular among the young and trendy. However, it’s also a great place for the young at heart. While 66% of the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro areas are between 18 and 64 years of age,
a full 13% of the city’s residents are over age 65.
Best Neighborhoods for Seattle Seniors
Seniors, just like any other segment of the population, vary in their idea of what makes a great neighborhood.
To some, walkability is a key characteristic. Seattle’s
Ballard neighborhood is very walkable, with plenty of public transit options. It’s also full of great restaurants, quirky local shops, and plenty of parks and entertainment options. Ballard has a very strong sense of community, and it feels good to live among friendly neighbors.
Queen Anne is a very popular option among wealthy retirees with a love for charming older homes and a passion for the arts. Here, you can experience all the excitement of downtown but retreat to the tranquility of your tree-lined residential enclave. From
Kerry Park to the
Queen Anne Farmers Market, retirees will find a lot to love about this neighborhood.
West Seattle residents run the gamut from young couples to urban seniors. It’s a bit removed from the urban center, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Plus, it’s more affordable than many other parts of the city, making it ideal for retirees who want to save some money.
The Junction shops,
Alki Beach, and welcoming residents – West Seattle certainly has a lot going for it.
Madrona may be right around the corner from trendy Capitol Hill, but it’s a lot more laid-back. The neighborhood offers excellent walkability, a diverse culinary scene, and lots of natural wonder given its numerous trails and stunning Lake Washington sunsets.
Seattle Arts, Culture and Attractions
The
Seattle Art Museum is among the best in the Pacific Northwest, and you’ll be happy to learn that it offers discounted memberships for seniors.
The
Seattle Pinball Museum is a bit on the noisy side, but it features pinball machines from the 1960s to the present. Longtime pinball lovers will find plenty of nostalgia here.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a trip to
Pike Place Market. It’s a lively atmosphere, full of local retailers and colorful fishmongers. It’s more than a shopping experience – it’s a feast for the senses.
Seattle sports fans have almost too much to take in. Key Arena hosts NCAA and WNBA games.
University of Washington basketball games ("Go Huskies!") take place at Alaska Airlines Arena. SafeCo Field is where the
Seattle Mariners play. Centurylink Field is home to the
Seattle Seahawks NFL team and the
Seattle Sounders soccer team.
Dressing for the Weather in Seattle
Yes, it does rain frequently in Seattle, but not as much as you might think. If you want to look like a local, leave the umbrella at home and don your L.L. Bean boots and a raincoat. Oh, and summers in Seattle are glorious. They’re your reward for putting up with all the clouds.
Average highs range from 47 degrees in January to a mild 75 in July and August.
Getting Around the Emerald City
For seniors who love a good stroll, Seattle is pretty close to ideal. It has earned an overall
Walk Score of 73, which means most errands can be accomplished on foot. For longer-distance journeys, Seattle offers
a network of light rail, buses, streetcars, monorail and bike-sharing. Seniors who love the city life but want to save some cash can probably do without a car in Seattle.
Seattle Senior Services
Seattle features several senior centers throughout the city. At the
Senior Center of West Seattle, Rainbow Bingo is a big hit. The
Southeast Seattle Senior Center is known for its top-notch musical performances and movie nights. At the
Pike Market Senior Center, the meals are hot, the social activities are hopping, and all the services are free.
Aging and Disability Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County, planning and coordinating services for older adults.
Living Costs for Seniors in Seattle
For those coming from New York or San Francisco, Seattle might seem pretty affordable. For everyone else, the city will look pretty pricey. According to
Payscale.com, the cost of living in Seattle is 24% higher than the national average. On the senior housing front, Washington State is the
11th most expensive state for assisted living, at an average of $4,500 a month.
On the plus side, Washington residents
pay no taxes on retirement income. Washington also has no state income tax - good news for retirees who want to get a part-time job.
Low-income seniors in Seattle will be pleased to learn that the
Seattle Housing Authority operates more than 20 affordable senior housing apartments in the city, with fees assessed on a sliding scale.
Seattle: Maybe a Bit Expensive, But Worth It
There you have it: Seattle is above average for living expenses, but it’s also above average for entertainment and natural wonders. It’s a younger city – perfect for those who find that being around youthful energy keeps them feeling spry. Sports fans, art lovers, and outdoorsy seniors love Seattle, as do music fans, gourmands and liberal grandmas. All in all, Seattle is a great place to retire.
Learn More in After55.com's Seattle Retirement GuideRetiring in Seattle: Getting Back to Nature in the Pacific Northwest