Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Wenatchee, Washington
In a Beautiful Landscape East of the Cascade Mountains in Central Washington, Picturesque Wenatchee Sits Amid Rivers, Mountains and Apple Orchards
East of the Cascade Mountain Range in central Washington, the picturesque, agricultural town of Wenatchee makes its home. It is bordered by mountains on two sides and by the Columbia River on the other side.
This is rugged but incredibly fertile land covered with apple orchards. In fact, Wentachee is at the heart of the largest apple producing region in the world. Outdoor recreation abounds, but cultural amenities are plentiful, too. The Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee, the Wenatchee Valley Symphony, the Columbia Chorale, Wenatchee Valley Appleaires, the Music Theater of Wenatchee and Mission Creek Improv are all here. Residents also enjoy wineries, garden tours, a farmers' market, a botanic garden and antique stores. The parks and recreation department is particularly active, and the city has a good trails system for hiking and bicycling.
Population: 36,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 35%
Cost of Living: 16% above the national average
Median Home Price: $500,000
Climate: Wenatchee has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and winter temperatures are in the 20s and 30s. On average, the area receives 27 inches of snow and nine inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Public Transit: Yes, provided by Link Transit
Crime Rate: Meet the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 24%
Is Washington Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: The earthquake risk is 75% above the national average, and this region is no stranger to wildfires. Roads sometimes close in winter.
Notes: Wentachee has grown 8% within the last decade. Some long-time residents grumble about over-development, particularly as houses have replaced trees on the hillsides over the last 20 years. The price of those houses has increased 3% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Washington:
Washington is in the Pacific Northwest. It is just south of British Columbia in Canada, north of Oregon and west of Idaho. The state was carved out of the western part of the Washington Territory and admitted into the Union as the 42nd state in 1889.
Approximately 60% of Washington's population lives within the Seattle metropolitan area. The rest of the population lives amid the rain forests in the west, the mountain ranges in the center, northeast, southeast and east, and the semi-arid deserts in the east.
Named after George Washington, the state is the only one named after a president. In order to distinguish it from Washington D.C., Washington is often referred to as Washington State.
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