Where to Retire in Washington: 55+ Communities

Published on: October 8, 2025

For many buyers, finding the right home is about more than square footage, it’s about lifestyle. Washington offers a diverse selection of 55+ communities designed for active adults who value low-maintenance living and easy access to recreation and amenities. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant cities, peaceful suburbs, or coastal retreats, there’s a community to match your pace and priorities.

We’ve taken a look at the NWMLS database (which contains hundreds of thousands of listings, dating back to the 1990s) to check out different kinds 55+ homes and where to find them.

Why Choose a Home in a 55+ Community?

Accessibility and Comfort: Homes often feature single-level layouts and modern designs tailored to active adults.

Low-maintenance Living: Many communities manage landscaping and exterior upkeep, freeing residents to focus on leisure and wellness.

Community and Convenience: Many 55+ neighborhoods feature clubhouses, fitness centers, organized activities, and proximity to shopping, healthcare, and parks.

Built-in Social Networks: Shared amenities and activities create opportunities for connection and engagement.

55+ Manufactured Home Communities: Affordable & Active Living

Manufactured home communities tailored to those aged 55 and older offer vibrant, affordable, and low-maintenance living, where nature, lifestyle, and community converge.

In 2024, NWMLS brokers sold 1,207 manufactured homes in 55+ communities. The cities below saw the most activity:

• Puyallup, Auburn, and Everett lead in volume, showing strong demand for affordable homes that are close to amenities.
• Sequim and Bothell stand out with higher median prices, reflecting premium settings in popular retirement destinations.

Residential 55+ Communities: Comfort, Style & Convenience

For those seeking the feeling of a traditional neighborhood or resort-style amenities, Washington’s 55+ communities deliver a blend of comfort, convenience, and connection.

In 2024, NWMLS brokers sold 531 homes in site-built 55+ neighborhoods.

• Redmond saw the most sales and the highest prices indicating a strong interest in luxury options with easy access to trails, shopping, and dining.
• Bothell & Maple Valley offer a balance of affordability and access to the Seattle metro area while Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon, & Oak Harbor provide smaller communities that offer tranquility and a natural setting.

55+ Condominium Communities: Turnkey & Worry Free

For those seeking turnkey living with maximum convenience, 55+ condos offer maintenance-free ownership, walkable locations, and a sense of community—all without the upkeep of a traditional home.

In 2024, NWMLS brokers sold 267 condos in 55+ communities across Washington.

• The most expensive 55+ condo market, with a median sale price of $724,112, Redmond appeals to buyers seeking luxury finishes, prime locations, and vibrant urban amenities.
• Among the most affordable, with a median sale price of $173,500, Puyallup offers budget-friendly living and community-focused convenience, ideal for retirees prioritizing value and low-maintenance living.

Taking the Next Step

Interested in buying or selling a home in a 55+ community? Northwest MLS is the central system where thousands of brokers in the Pacific Northwest share and update listings. As a buyer, that means you never miss a listing that fits your criteria. As a seller, this means your home gets more exposure from qualified buyers. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or starting a new chapter, a Northwest MLS broker can help you explore 55+ communities across Washington—both manufactured and site-built.

Data for all reported MLS residential, condominium & manufactured home sales during 2024 in Washington state.