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To Have a Residence in Florida, That is the Question |
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Where to Retire: Olympia, Washington |
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Where to Retire: Oxford, Mississippi |
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Where to Retire: Olympia, Washington
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Ed. Note: Where to Retire shares desired destinations for those wishing to relocate after retirement. Provided by author Warren R. Bland, these summaries offer a quick overview of the most desired retirement communities.
By Warren Bland
European settlers first arrived at the southern end of Puget Sound in the 1840s. Their little community was eventually renamed Olympia for its spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains. Today, Olympia retains a small-town atmosphere yet offers amenities typical of larger places. The city is rich in history and natural beauty and is prized for its high quality of life.
Landscape: Olympia is located on the shores of Puget Sound’s Budd Inlet and Capitol Lake, with many vantage points offering outstanding views of the snow-capped ridges of the Olympic Mountains. The natural vegetation of luxuriant coniferous forest is supplemented with broad-leafed tree varieties.
Climate: Olympia averages 51 inches of annual precipitation. Summers are pleasant, dry and sunny. Spring and autumn weather varies considerably from day to day, and winter skies are typically overcast.
Quality of Life: Very good. Olympia seems decently managed. Upscale neighborhoods are attractively designed, well treed and landscaped and moderately priced. Municipal and county parks add much to the general ambiance.
Housing: Housing costs are about 10% below the national average. Goods and Services: Health care, groceries and transportation are priced higher than their national averages, utilities are lower than nation norms and miscellaneous goods and services are priced near the national average.
Taxes: State and local taxes in Olympia are 10.4% of income compared to the U.S. average of 9.7%. Washington has no state income tax but property taxes are moderate and sales and excise taxes are high.
Transportation: Although most residents drive, comprehensive bus services provide a useful alternative. Amtrak, Greyhound and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport provide intercity transportation.
Retail Services: Capital Mall, historic downtown Olympia and an exceptionally good farmers’ market provide a good selection of shopping alternatives.
Health Care: Providence St. Peter Hospital and Capital Medical Center provide very good health care.
Community Services: Senior citizens can give and get help, and stay active socially, in a variety of programs in Olympia and Thurston County.
Cultural and Educational Activities: Downtown’s Washington Center for the Performing Arts is the principal venue for music, dance and theater groups. A wide variety of interesting courses are offered by the Evergreen State College, South Puget Sound Community College and the parks and recreation department.
Recreational Activities: Recreation opportunities are abundant in Olympia and its beautiful surroundings, including strolling the downtown Olympia waterfront, watching spawning salmon at Tumwater Falls Park and sailing and fishing on Puget Sound. Three spectacular national parks are within a few hours’ drive.
Work and Volunteer Activities: Some part-time jobs are available for seniors. Volunteer jobs are plentiful.
Crime Rates and Public Safety: Olympia’s property crime rate is above the national average, but its violent crime rate is well below average.
Conclusion: If you’re wondering where to retire, Olympia is conveniently close to Seattle’s amenities yet far enough away to avoid its rapid urbanization, high housing prices and increasing traffic congestion. Olympia offers a very good quality of life after retirement in an attractive physical setting. If you are seeking a small laid-back town with better-than-average amenities and easy access to a desirable large, city, Olympia might prove an excellent and economical choice.
Ratings courtesy of “Retire in Style, 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada” by Warren R. Bland, PhD (www.nextdecade.com)
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