Retirees moving to Washington (Seattle, Yakima: insurance, broker, high schools)

[wolfdog]

Originally Posted by saturno_v

Eventually we will live here year round maybe with the exception of a couple of months here and there (we are thinking buying another vacation house in my native Sicily).

You will get used to the humidity and heat in summer. Tampa Bay area is fantastic, great food, fantastic nature and great outdoors, so many beautiful beaches, clean and new roads, very good level of services in shops and restaurants. The only downside (not for me) is the absolute lack of public rail system, a serious negative for such a large metro area.

Another advantage is the pleasure of living again in what I can call a properly built home (cinder blocks, tile roof) with a level of finishing that can rub shoulders with homes in Medina or Mercer Island and not the glorified wood shacks in the northern states. No more worries about constant monitoring for rot, leaky roofs, termites, etc...

So far very happy.

Now, about those snakes, skeeters, gators, canes, etc...
;-)

[saturno_v]

Originally Posted by wolfdog

Now, about those snakes, skeeters, gators, canes, etc...
;-)

Since 1948 Florida recorded about 257 alligator attack (5 per years) with 23 fatalities.
I feel statistically safe and I do not live close to a swamp

Washington is not that safe from potential wildlife danger either (bears, cougars and snakes as well).

[trailtramp]

Just know when making a decision to retire in WA state it has other taxes that definitely affect retirees. Yes the state has no income tax, but there is a new Capital Gains tax of 7% that can be applied to gains over $250K in a year. Also, if you sell your home there is a real estate excise tax on the sale price, (not profit) starting at 1.35% on sales of up to $550K and increases a little over that sale price; many people are caught off guard by this. And when a spouse dies in WA, the estate value will be recalculated, and there is a fairly hefty estate tax calculated if the value of the estate is a little over $2 million. These taxes vary widely depending on individual situations so it may be worth speaking with a tax professional before making a final decision.

[Thealpinist]

Originally Posted by TamaraSavannah

Is Washington like Oregon? That is, TWO different places depending on which side of the Rockies one is on? If so, then the data needs to be redefined to what part of the state retirees are moving to.

Basically yes. Eastern WA is more like neighboring Idaho and Montana. Totally different vibe. People on the east coast who never visit western states just have no comprehension of how different western states are over relatively short distance due to the complex terrain.

[trailtramp]

Originally Posted by TamaraSavannah

Is Washington like Oregon? That is, TWO different places depending on which side of the Rockies one is on? If so, then the data needs to be redefined to what part of the state retirees are moving to.

The Rockies are not in WA or OR. The Cascades are the mountain range in the PNW.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by trailtramp

The Rockies are not in WA or OR. The Cascades are the mountain range in the PNW.

The Cascades and also the Olympics, we have two ranges in Washington State. I'm looking out the window at the Olympics right now from my west-facing office window in Seattle, and on the way home will see the Cascades as I drive east. Currently there is far more snow on the Olympics.

[bartonizer]

Originally Posted by trailtramp

The Rockies are not in WA or OR. The Cascades are the mountain range in the PNW.

While the range that the poster referred to is the Cascades, it's worth mentioning that a small chunk of NE WA IS actually considered to be part of the Rockies. The Selkirk Range, Kettle River Range, and Okanogan Range are all geologically separate from the Cascades and are part of the Columbia Mountains, which are generally referred to as part of Rocky Mountain complex by most experts in the US.

[Thealpinist]

Originally Posted by bartonizer

While the range that the poster referred to is the Cascades, it's worth mentioning that a small chunk of NE WA IS actually considered to be part of the Rockies. The Selkirk Range, Kettle River Range, and Okanogan Range are all geologically separate from the Cascades and are part of the Columbia Mountains, which are generally referred to as part of Rocky Mountain complex by most experts in the US.

This is true. The NE portion of Washington is often times considered to be part of the Rockies.

[M3 Mitch]

Originally Posted by rjshae

Top 5 States Where Retirees Are Moving (AARP)



I know we live in a beautiful state, but we do have a certain reputation for our weather. Plus we can get a little chilly in the winter. So why do so many retirees want to move here?

Well, King County has its weather, and the East side has mostly different weather. Actually for someone who is OK with overcast and light rain, Seattle area weather is mild, the winters are much less harsh than we have near Yakima and Tri-Cities. Summer is cooler on the West side as well.

All of WA is not like Seattle. Living here, you should realize that.

[Ruth4Truth]

What do y'all think about the news report today, that the legislature approved up to a 24% hike in car insurance rates? Apparently insurance companies asked for the rate hike to cover higher repair costs, and also a spike in accidents. Fatal accidents are up, too, and expected to increase even more.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/l...d-dd2bf161d50c


This doesn't seem to make WA very retiree-friendly...