Finding Great Places to Retire Since 2006!
Coupeville, Washington
Rural Whidbey Island is Home to Coupeville, a Charming Weathered Waterfront Village Surrounded by the Sea, Old Growth Forests, Farmland and Abundant Wildlife
In northwestern Washington, rural Whidbey Island sits in Puget Sound and is about 50 miles north of Seattle. It is home to several villages, including historic Coupeville, a colorful, weathered seaside town that dates from 1852 and in many ways feels as though it never left the mid-19th century.
A soothing place, Coupeville is surrounded by the sea, old growth forests, tide pools, farm land and abundant wildlife, including gray whales and sea otters. The second oldest town in Washington, it oozes an "old salt" feeling and is part of the nation's first historical reserve, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, which encompasses long-standing farms, old boat houses, wetland marshes and more. Coupeville's authentic waterfront sits along Penn Cove, and the small downtown, which caters to tourists, has taverns, grilles, galleries, gourmet food shops (mussels are popular) and a grocery or two. A coffeeshop and a restaurant are at the end of the wharf. This is a place that attracts artists and craftsmen, thanks in large part to the classes and workshops offered by the Pacific Northwest Art School.
Many commercial structures are original saltbox (a wooden frame with two stories in front and one in back), along with some Queen Anne styles. Private homes include ranch ramblers, chalet styles and double decker custom dwellings, most on a wooded lot.
Residents enjoy a variety of events, including the Arts and Crafts Festival, the Penn Cove Mussel Festival, Concerts on the Cove and studio tours. Kayaking, beach strolling, whale watching, hiking and more entice residents outdoors. Numerous environmental groups are active in town.
Coupeville has roughly 2,000 people, with 57% of residents age 45 or better. Thirty-two percent of locals hold a four-year college degree. The population has grown 4% over the last decade.
The cost of living is 21% above the national average, and the median home price is around $575,000. Real estate prices have increased 3% from a year ago.
Thanks to its location in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Coupeville summers are mild, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, while winters are cool and overcast, with temperatures in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, and frequent fog. The area averages 20 inches of rain and six inches of snow each year.
WhidbeyHealth Medical center provides health care. Public transit is available but limited, and there is a public library. The crime rate is below the national average. Politics lean to the left.
Coupeville has no major drawbacks, though its relative remoteness keeps prices high as most goods, including gas and food, are brought in by ferry. Many residents travel to Oak Harbor (10 miles) or Anacortes (30 miles) for additional shopping and services.
The closest ferry to the mainland departs from Clinton, about 25 miles south.
Coastal Washington is a place of dramatic natural beauty, where rugged shorelines, rocky headlands, and dense evergreen forests meet the vast Pacific Ocean. The region is cooler and wetter than much of the state, with frequent mist, fog, and rain contributing to its lush landscapes.
Small fishing towns and harbor communities, such as Westport, Long Beach, and Port Townsend, offer a slower pace of life, fresh seafood, and strong maritime traditions, while the Olympic Peninsula is home to pristine beaches, wild coastal stretches, and the diverse ecosystems of Olympic National Park. The coast attracts outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy beachcombing, hiking, whale watching, and exploring historic lighthouses.
Though the area can feel remote, its quiet charm, natural scenery, and laid-back lifestyle make coastal Washington an appealing destination for those seeking a retreat from busier urban centers.
Washington is considered tax-friendly for retirees.
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