Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Port Angeles, Washington
On the Northern Shores of the Stunning Olympic Peninsula in Northwestern Washington, Scenic Port Angeles is a Gateway to Olympic National Park
Port Angeles is a harbor town that sits on the northern shores of the stunning Olympic Peninsula in northwestern Washington. It was built on the site of two Indian villages, and the Ediz Hook, a sandspit that extends into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, helped create its deep water port. For many years Port Angeles was a mill town, producing lumber, pulp and paper.
As the headquarters of the Olympic National Park, the town's economy is today primarily dependent on tourism. The park has an amazing variety of ecosytems within its boundaries, everything from ancient glaciers to temperate rainforests, and it attracts all sorts of outdoor adventurers. Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge are two popular park destinations. Closer in, the Olympic Discovery Trail is a greenway that circumnavigates Port Angeles and Sequim. The town itself manages numerous parks, a stadium, a pool, and a community center. The downtown is authentic with a touristy bent. Buildings are red brick and house cafes, bookstores and antique shops. Peninsula College, a community college with 10,000 part-time students, is based here, as is Clallam County's historical society and museum.
The Port Angeles Symphony conducts a busy season of pops and chamber concerts, and the Port Angeles Community Theater has been producing plays for more than 50 years. Several highly-rated wineries are in the area, too. Home styles are eclectic and include Cape Cod, bungalow, Craftsman, raised ranch and more. Ocean View is a cozy seaside 55+ tiny home community with unobstructed water views.
Port Angeles is home to 20,000 residents, 44% of which are age 45 or older. Twenty-one percent of locals hold a college degree. The city has grown 5% during the past decade.
The cost of living is 18% above the national average, and the median home price is around $550,000, reflecting a 2% increase over the last year.
The city enjoys a relatively mild climate, receiving only about 25 inches of rain annually along with occasional light snow. Summer temperatures range from the 50s to the 70s, while winters are generally in the 30s and 40s.
There is a hospital, as well as a public library. Public transit is available, and the city is served by both an international ferry and an airport. The crime rate is slightly above the national average, and the city leans to the left politically. Shopping and services are adequate, though many residents make the 30-mile trip to Sequim for additional options.
Washington is considered tax-friendly for retirees.
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Washington is known for its striking natural beauty, ranging from the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean to the snowcapped peaks of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. It has a mild climate west of the Cascades, with rainy winters and warm, dry summers, while the eastern region experiences a drier, more continental climate.
The state’s economy is diverse, powered by technology, aerospace, agriculture, and trade, with major hubs like Seattle and Spokane. Washington is one of the few states with no personal income tax, making it attractive to retirees, though its sales tax is among the highest in the nation. Rich in outdoor recreation and cultural amenities, Washington offers a mix of urban sophistication and small-town charm.
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