Retirees moving to Washington (Seattle, Wenatchee: sales, house, to buy)

[rjshae]

Top 5 States Where Retirees Are Moving (AARP)

These five states drew the largest percentage of interstate moves by retirees in 2023:

* Florida (11.1% of all inbound moves)
* South Carolina (10%)
* New Jersey (6%)
* Texas (5.8%)
* Washington (5.3%)

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?

[Diana Holbrook]

No state income tax. Good recreation... boating, fishing.

I actually think we have the best weather. Sunnier places are too hot.

[Deserterer]

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?

Because they are running out of other places to ruin

[Diana Holbrook]

Originally Posted by Deserterer

Because they are running out of other places to ruin

What places have retirees "ruined"?

[HeartNox18]

Originally Posted by rjshae

... why do so many retirees want to move here?

for 'early retirees...

Easy to get Apple Care + ACA exchange with supplements is a reasonable bridge to Medicare.

Easy access to CA, ID, and BC.

Many are coming to join grandkids (whose parents arrived in WA for WFH with no state income tax)

[rjshae]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

No state income tax. Good recreation... boating, fishing.

I actually think we have the best weather. Sunnier places are too hot.

Wouldn't a state sales tax be more of a factor for retirees?

[Diana Holbrook]

Originally Posted by rjshae

Wouldn't a state sales tax be more of a factor for retirees?

Both are a factor for many! It depends on their retirement income and lifestyle I suppose.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by rjshae

Wouldn't a state sales tax be more of a factor for retirees?

Yes, and in much of our state (outside of Puget Sound) it's only 8.9% which is less than in many other states.
I doubt that many retirees would move to Seattle or the Eastside.

The retirees that I know who moved here, such as my parents (to Sequim), did so because of:

Lower home prices and with equity from selling, able toto buy a house with cash or very small mortgage
Natural Beauty
Less allergenic plants
Other family here
Mild climate, not as hot
Laid-back lifestyle

Others that we know moved to Wenatchee, Blaine, and Chelan.

[JOinGA]

I am moving to Washington to be near my grandchild in Seattle.

[texasdiver]

Originally Posted by rjshae

Wouldn't a state sales tax be more of a factor for retirees?

You can control your spending much easier than your income. And if you live in SW Washington or the Tri Cities you can avoid a lot of sales tax simply by shopping in Oregon. Although the selection of shops in Hermiston is not quite what you find in Portland.

In any event, if we are talking about mobile retirees then we are almost certainly talking about the more affluent 50% of retirees. Those retirees who are struggling to make do on social security or whatever, tend not to hop states because that is a very expensive proposition. So the population of retirees that have the means to relocate across the country are by definition going to be those who are more affected by income taxes than sales taxes.

Washington also has somewhat reasonable property taxes compared to some states like Texas. Especially if you stay out of the high-priced Puget Sound cities. So that is a bonus as well.

But I expect taxes aren't the only factor. If they were then the Dakotas would be a retirement mecca. Washington has world-class recreational and scenic opportunities and also cities, and I expect that draws people too who are looking for meaningful ways to fill their retirement time with more than just following their grandchildren on Facebook or watching Oprah.