Retiring in Washington might sound ideal—lush forests, mild summers, and no state income tax. But not every town in the Evergreen State is built with retirees in mind. New 2025 data reveals that some communities fall well short when it comes to senior-friendly living. Whether it’s limited access to healthcare, lack of cultural amenities, or poor transit options, these towns scored low on our Overall Retirement Score (ORS), which takes into account walkability, quietness, vibrancy, and more.
From quiet rural pockets with zero transit options to bustling cities where stress outweighs comfort, here are 21 places in Washington where retirement might not be all it’s cracked up to be.
21. Graham – Limited Senior-Friendly Healthcare
Graham is a semi-rural suburb located in Pierce County, southeast of Tacoma. Though it has a peaceful, residential vibe that may appeal to some, it lacks essential infrastructure for aging adults. With sparse access to hospitals and few senior services nearby, retirees may find daily living challenging without a car. While quietness and car-friendliness are decent, the low walkability and cultural scores point to a lifestyle with limited options for engagement or independence.
Graham – ORS 24.30
- Overall Retirement Score: 24.30
- Quietness: 69.90
- Walkability: 29.52
- Cultural amenities: 42.40
- Vibrancy: 43.79
- Car-Friendliness: 73.50
- Transit-Friendliness: 33.54
This suburb is quiet but isolating for retirees without a car. Few walkable paths, scarce cultural venues, and modest public transit access lower its appeal for those seeking active, connected retirement living.
20. Satsop – Virtually No Transit or Activities
Tucked in Grays Harbor County, Satsop is best known for its unfinished nuclear power plant—a landmark that’s far more famous than the town itself. It’s extremely quiet and remote, with almost no public transportation and few cultural outlets. That remoteness means limited access to healthcare and entertainment, which can be a serious drawback for retirees hoping for more than solitude.
Satsop – ORS 24.16
- Overall Retirement Score: 24.16
- Quietness: 78.96
- Walkability: 18.99
- Cultural amenities: 33.09
- Vibrancy: 25.30
- Car-Friendliness: 72.55
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Satsop might suit someone looking to fully unplug, but for older adults seeking services, community, or mobility options, it offers very little. The complete lack of transit access is especially limiting.
19. Tacoma – Noisy, Crowded, and Pricey
Tacoma is a major port city and one of the largest urban areas in Washington. It offers strong cultural and transit infrastructure, but it’s not ideal for retirees seeking a quiet or relaxed setting. Rising housing costs, pockets of crime, and dense traffic corridors make daily life more stressful for older adults.
Tacoma – ORS 23.95
- Overall Retirement Score: 23.95
- Quietness: 40.59
- Walkability: 70.40
- Cultural amenities: 63.25
- Vibrancy: 66.24
- Car-Friendliness: 70.18
- Transit-Friendliness: 76.02
Though rich in amenities, Tacoma’s urban intensity and lower quietness make it more suitable for younger, working professionals than retirees hoping to slow down.
18. South Prairie – Limited Amenities, Modest Connectivity
Located on the edge of Pierce County, South Prairie is small and quiet, but its lack of accessible amenities leaves much to be desired for retirees. There’s minimal access to shopping, healthcare, and cultural events. Although moderately walkable, its rural character and limited transit connections make it a tough spot for aging in place.
South Prairie – ORS 23.63
- Overall Retirement Score: 23.63
- Quietness: 76.94
- Walkability: 50.75
- Cultural amenities: 44.88
- Vibrancy: 35.13
- Car-Friendliness: 72.65
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
The peaceful environment is appealing at first glance, but retirees may find themselves feeling cut off from essential resources and social interaction.
17. Auburn – Urban Stress Without Big-City Benefits
Auburn sits between Seattle and Tacoma, offering convenient access to larger metro areas. But for retirees, its benefits are offset by noise, congestion, and limited senior-specific amenities. Though transit options are decent, the city struggles with affordability, and healthcare services are stretched. The environment leans more toward families and commuters than aging residents seeking calm and comfort.
Auburn – ORS 23.41
- Overall Retirement Score: 23.41
- Quietness: 44.65
- Walkability: 64.16
- Cultural amenities: 55.55
- Vibrancy: 60.65
- Car-Friendliness: 75.95
- Transit-Friendliness: 72.76
Auburn’s fast pace and moderate walkability come with trade-offs—namely noise, limited green space, and a lower sense of ease that many retirees prioritize.
16. Millwood – Walkable but Lacking Quiet
Millwood is a small town just east of Spokane, known for its walkable streets and older architecture. But despite its layout, it’s not a great choice for retirement. The town scores low in quietness, likely due to its location along busy roadways and proximity to Spokane’s urban sprawl. While you can get around on foot or by bus, the lack of peace and minimal healthcare infrastructure make it less appealing for aging residents.
Millwood – ORS 21.84
- Overall Retirement Score: 21.84
- Quietness: 39.03
- Walkability: 82.00
- Cultural amenities: 56.16
- Vibrancy: 65.06
- Car-Friendliness: 76.23
- Transit-Friendliness: 77.54
Though easily navigable, Millwood’s low tranquility and modest healthcare access may be dealbreakers for retirees prioritizing peace and support services.
15. Sunnyside – Walkable But Isolated
Located in the Yakima Valley, Sunnyside benefits from its agricultural charm but struggles with connectivity and access to healthcare. It’s decently walkable and vibrant, but its rural nature makes getting specialized medical care a challenge. Retirees might also feel isolated due to fewer opportunities for recreation, social life, and community support.
Sunnyside – ORS 21.55
- Overall Retirement Score: 21.55
- Quietness: 62.33
- Walkability: 70.26
- Cultural amenities: 56.19
- Vibrancy: 51.46
- Car-Friendliness: 86.54
- Transit-Friendliness: 55.89
While there are some good basics here, Sunnyside lacks the deeper infrastructure needed for aging well—like accessible healthcare and consistent services.
14. Kent – Fast-Growing But Overwhelmed
Kent has seen rapid growth in the last decade as people move south from Seattle, but that growth comes with strain. While walkability and public transit are reasonable, noise, traffic, and a lack of peaceful green space make it a difficult environment for retirees. Medical centers are present but often crowded, and affordable housing is increasingly scarce.
Kent – ORS 20.48
- Overall Retirement Score: 20.48
- Quietness: 47.15
- Walkability: 64.58
- Cultural amenities: 57.00
- Vibrancy: 64.76
- Car-Friendliness: 75.64
- Transit-Friendliness: 73.48
Kent may appeal to active adults still in the workforce, but its busyness and limited serenity don’t translate well for retirement.
13. Granger – Good Mobility, Poor Amenities
Granger is a small, mostly agricultural community in Yakima County. It offers surprising walkability and good car access, but seniors may struggle to find robust cultural or healthcare services. The town’s infrastructure hasn’t kept up with residents’ needs, particularly for those requiring specialized care or enrichment.
Granger – ORS 20.08
- Overall Retirement Score: 20.08
- Quietness: 65.30
- Walkability: 76.25
- Cultural amenities: 57.56
- Vibrancy: 51.01
- Car-Friendliness: 87.19
- Transit-Friendliness: 55.95
Granger’s mobility strengths are offset by the lack of amenities retirees depend on—from local clinics to meaningful social outlets.
12. Tukwila – Overstimulating and Inconvenient
Tukwila sits just south of Seattle and is packed with shopping centers, highways, and commercial developments. While it’s well-connected and has decent walkability, it’s far from tranquil. The noise, crowds, and lack of scenic areas make it more attractive for commerce than for retirement.
Tukwila – ORS 18.84
- Overall Retirement Score: 18.84
- Quietness: 29.40
- Walkability: 70.30
- Cultural amenities: 60.42
- Vibrancy: 71.86
- Car-Friendliness: 71.08
- Transit-Friendliness: 84.26
Tukwila might offer convenience, but it lacks the slower pace and calming environment that older adults typically value.
11. Milton – Modest Offerings, Limited Peace
Milton lies on the border of King and Pierce counties and acts as a quiet suburb for nearby cities. While it scores reasonably in mobility and vibrancy, it’s lacking in quietness and has limited on-the-ground amenities for retirees. Medical centers and senior programs aren’t as robust here as in neighboring towns.
Milton – ORS 17.68
- Overall Retirement Score: 17.68
- Quietness: 44.25
- Walkability: 64.63
- Cultural amenities: 53.87
- Vibrancy: 59.89
- Car-Friendliness: 79.03
- Transit-Friendliness: 67.43
Milton offers basics but doesn’t go the extra mile to serve aging populations well. Those seeking peace and specialized care will likely find it lacking.
10. Toppenish – Culturally Rich, But Lacking Peace
Toppenish stands out for its murals and Native American heritage, but beyond that cultural appeal, it poses real challenges for retirees. It’s noisy, offers limited healthcare access, and has few quiet, natural retreats. Though walkability is decent, the day-to-day living environment can feel hectic and under-resourced for older adults needing more support.
Toppenish – ORS 17.47
- Overall Retirement Score: 17.47
- Quietness: 56.47
- Walkability: 71.37
- Cultural amenities: 56.36
- Vibrancy: 50.17
- Car-Friendliness: 84.87
- Transit-Friendliness: 62.61
Toppenish has cultural charm, but for retirees who value calm and consistent healthcare services, it falls short in meaningful ways.
9. Pasco – Growing City, Limited Comfort
Pasco is one of the Tri-Cities, a growing area with agricultural roots and a diversifying economy. While that’s great for development, the city isn’t aging gracefully for retirees. Access to quiet areas is poor, walkability is uneven, and healthcare can be overburdened by a young, fast-growing population.
Pasco – ORS 17.19
- Overall Retirement Score: 17.19
- Quietness: 57.29
- Walkability: 51.26
- Cultural amenities: 46.41
- Vibrancy: 49.36
- Car-Friendliness: 77.88
- Transit-Friendliness: 55.26
Pasco may work well for working families, but retirees looking for serenity and dedicated senior resources may find it lacking in comfort and care.
8. Wapato – Quiet, But Lacking in Services
Wapato is a small, agricultural town in Yakima County. While it’s peaceful and has decent mobility, the town is severely limited when it comes to healthcare, cultural offerings, and activities. Seniors here are likely to feel cut off from engaging resources and support systems.
Wapato – ORS 15.86
- Overall Retirement Score: 15.86
- Quietness: 60.61
- Walkability: 69.50
- Cultural amenities: 54.98
- Vibrancy: 46.66
- Car-Friendliness: 86.22
- Transit-Friendliness: 55.65
The infrastructure may be passable, but the lack of senior-focused amenities makes Wapato a difficult place for healthy, connected retirement.
7. Covington – Limited Amenities, Suburban Traffic
Covington is a growing suburb in King County with newer developments and big-box stores—but that growth hasn’t brought much for retirees. The walkability is poor, cultural venues are minimal, and suburban sprawl means long drives for basic services. It’s more suited to families with vehicles than seniors seeking a community lifestyle.
Covington – ORS 14.76
- Overall Retirement Score: 14.76
- Quietness: 49.14
- Walkability: 37.08
- Cultural amenities: 41.84
- Vibrancy: 47.81
- Car-Friendliness: 73.67
- Transit-Friendliness: 57.65
Covington is a drive-first community, and for seniors looking to age in place without relying on cars, it can feel isolating and inconvenient.
6. Fairchild Air Force Base – Not Built for Retirement
As an active military installation, Fairchild Air Force Base isn’t designed with retirees in mind. Housing is restricted, noise levels are high, and amenities are largely geared toward service members and their families. There’s limited cultural life outside the base, and it’s not welcoming for civilians who are looking to retire peacefully.
Fairchild Air Force Base – ORS 13.80
- Overall Retirement Score: 13.80
- Quietness: 35.07
- Walkability: 45.17
- Cultural amenities: 31.76
- Vibrancy: 42.99
- Car-Friendliness: 76.99
- Transit-Friendliness: 54.80
This location is functional and secure, but it’s simply not built to support a relaxed, enriching retirement lifestyle.
5. Union Gap – Shopping Hub, Not a Retirement Haven
Union Gap is best known for its shopping centers and outlet malls, but that commercial activity doesn’t translate into retiree appeal. It’s noisy, lacks tranquility, and offers few opportunities for senior recreation or community. Medical options are nearby in Yakima, but not within the town itself.
Union Gap – ORS 13.78
- Overall Retirement Score: 13.78
- Quietness: 40.91
- Walkability: 62.99
- Cultural amenities: 56.36
- Vibrancy: 57.34
- Car-Friendliness: 78.08
- Transit-Friendliness: 59.47
Union Gap may be convenient for shopping, but it’s missing the essential qualities that retirees value: peace, community, and close access to healthcare.
4. Spanaway – Suburban Sprawl, No Real Center
Spanaway sits just outside Tacoma, and while it offers housing options, the town lacks a core identity. There’s no real downtown, walkability is low, and it’s spread out in a way that makes accessing services tough without a car. Despite being close to larger cities, Spanaway doesn’t provide the infrastructure retirees often need on a daily basis.
Spanaway – ORS 12.96
- Overall Retirement Score: 12.96
- Quietness: 44.24
- Walkability: 35.93
- Cultural amenities: 36.10
- Vibrancy: 44.67
- Car-Friendliness: 76.89
- Transit-Friendliness: 44.18
Spanaway feels more like a bedroom community than a place to enjoy your golden years. Its design favors commuters over seniors.
3. Algona – Cramped and Overlooked
Algona is a tiny city squeezed between Auburn and Pacific. It suffers from heavy traffic, noise, and a shortage of parks, trails, or social gathering spaces. Although it has surprising walkability and decent transit, it’s not an appealing place to slow down or connect with a community.
Algona – ORS 11.00
- Overall Retirement Score: 11.00
- Quietness: 49.97
- Walkability: 68.98
- Cultural amenities: 57.07
- Vibrancy: 62.15
- Car-Friendliness: 73.02
- Transit-Friendliness: 79.27
The numbers might look fair, but the cramped and noisy atmosphere makes Algona one of the least desirable places for a peaceful retirement.
2. Fife – High Traffic, Low Comfort
Fife sits along the I-5 corridor, which means lots of trucks, noise, and congestion. While the city has basic services, the traffic burden and lack of quiet make it a stressful place to live—especially for older adults seeking rest and recreation. It’s functional but far from restful.
Fife – ORS 8.39
- Overall Retirement Score: 8.39
- Quietness: 27.57
- Walkability: 60.77
- Cultural amenities: 52.83
- Vibrancy: 68.54
- Car-Friendliness: 76.42
- Transit-Friendliness: 70.56
Despite some good infrastructure scores, Fife’s industrial feel and constant traffic make it an unpleasant place to age comfortably.
1. McChord Air Force Base – No Civilian Infrastructure
At the very bottom of the list is McChord Air Force Base, part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. As with most military bases, civilian retirees aren’t meant to live here permanently. There’s limited housing access, almost no public services for non-military residents, and a near-total absence of quiet or culture. The base is busy, loud, and mission-driven—not designed for aging in place.
McChord Air Force Base – ORS 7.16
- Overall Retirement Score: 7.16
- Quietness: 18.33
- Walkability: 19.75
- Cultural amenities: 7.37
- Vibrancy: 29.5
- Car-Friendliness: 64.01
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Even though it’s highly secure and well-run, McChord AFB ranks as the worst town for retirement in Washington simply because it’s not intended for civilian retirement at all.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau – QuickFacts: Washington
- Washington State Department of Health – Health Systems and Quality Assurance
- Zillow – Zillow Home Values and Market Trends
- Redfin – Redfin Housing Market Data
- Walk Score – Walk Score by Town
- City-Data – City-Data.com Profiles for WA Towns
- Washington State Office of Financial Management – Population Estimates and Projections
