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Living a New urban/master planned Lifestyle in Seattle, Washington

Choosing Seattle, Washington as your  community has many advantages. This coastal town offers a walkable downtown with great public transportation. Many apartments and homes overlook harbors, lakes, parks, and mountains. Great boating, skiing, hiking are all at your doorstep, as are many cultural programs. While it is not famous for its beaches, there are some public beaches in the area.

Seattle (population 537,000) is a magnet for young people (average age here is 36) it has a youthful flair that helps keep people young. Originally a pioneer outpost, the Yukon Gold Rush transformed Seattle into a major city. It is the commercial hub of the Pacific Northwest.

Where to Retire in Seattle and Home Prices

There are many neighborhoods in the city for retirees - old and new, stand alone houses or apartments. If you are thinking of moving to Seattle you would probably want to visit or rent here first to get a feel for the many different neighborhoods. In the suburbs there are many developments to choose from.  There are active adult communities to choose from (see link at top left).  According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median selling price in the second quarter of 2021 was $715,900 in the Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue area.

What Is Special about Seattle

• A major city that remains manageable • Great parks and views of harbors, lakes and mountains • Downtown shopping • Charming Neighborhoods • Seattle Public Library is perhaps the best public library in the country • Space Needle • Pioneer Square • Experience Music Project • Fishermen’s Terminal • 3 Professional sports teams • No income tax

What Is Not Special about Seattle

 Have to be ready for an urban environment; It is expensive; Summers are a lot nicer than winters here

Climate and Physical Environment

Seattle is located in northwestern Washington on Puget Sound. From here you can get to the Olympic Peninsula, the San Juan Islands and British Columbia by boat or car. Winters tend to be wet and dark, and summers are beautiful with long, long days.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Seattle has a cultural scene that befits one of the world's great cities. The Seattle Symphony is in the Benaroya Hall. Leading cultural institutions include the Seattle Opera, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Experience Music Project. There are 13 professional theater companies and scores of amateur productions. There is an annual Film Festival along with the International Children's Theater Festival. The University of Washington also has a major cultural impact on the region. The Seattle Public Library is outstanding and a popular tourist attraction.

Crime

The crime rate is well above average in Seattle.

Medical Facilities

There is an array of major hospitals, including the University of Washington's Teaching Hospital.

Transportation

Seattle-Tacoma Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country. Amtrak has a major station here. The trolleys and buses of Metro Transit provide excellent public transportation around town. The state ferry system has an extensive network.

Valuable Links

Visit Seattle

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