Best places to retire? 2 ‘surprisingly affordable’ WA cities made the cut
When deciding where to retire, several factors come into play — including healthcare, weather and public safety.
Another key factor when choosing the best place to live out your golden years is cost.
Forbes recently released its 2026 list of the best places To retire in the United States, singling out 25 spots “offering a high quality of life at a comparatively affordable price.”
The publication compared nearly 1,000 locations, focusing on housing and other living expenses as well as “quality-of-life metrics” such as air quality, crime and the availability of primary care doctors.
Two cities in Washington state made the list, including one in Tri-Cities.
Here’s what to know:
Why is Pasco one of the top cities to retire?
According to Forbes, Pasco is one of the top 25 places to retire in the nation.
Forbes said the “sun-kissed” city along the Columbia River boasts a “very comfortable climate” and good air quality along with a serious crime rate that’s below the national average.
The median home price in Pasco was about $418,000, 2% above the national median, according to Forbes.
The average home in Pasco was valued at $418,088 as of Monday, March 11, according to real estate website Zillow.
The cost of living 3% below national average, and there’s no state income tax.
However, Pasco is “not very walkable or bikeable,” Forbes said.
Why move to Tri-Cities?
Pasco is part of a “sun-soaked” region of the Pacific Northwest that “blends outdoor recreation, urban charm and deep historic roots, all at the heart of Washington wine country,” Visit Tri-Cities Washington said on its website.
“Pasco’s picturesque landscape and inviting food scene offer unlimited opportunities for exploration, with a myriad of hiking and biking pathways, an 18-hole public golf course, and savory and sweet bites—
Home to the Tri-Cities Airport, Pasco attractions ranging from the Pasco Farmers Market and Fiery Food Festival to the Tri-City Dust Devils baseball team, according to The Lane Real Estate Team in Richland.
What makes Spokane a top city to retire?
Another Eastern Washington city, Spokane, made Forbes’ list of the top cities for retirees.
The “picturesque river city” is “very bikeable, pretty walkable (with) good air quality,” Forbes said, noting that Spokane has a “good ratio” of primary care physicians per capita.
Cold winters, “moderate” vulnerability to natural hazards and a serious crime rate above the national average may make Spokane a less tempting place to move for some retirees, according to Forbes.
Forbes said Spokane had a median home price of $395,000, 3% below the national median.
The cost of living was 3% above the national average., the publication reported.
According to Zillow, the average Spokane home was valued at $395,325 as of Monday.
What other cities in the West made the list?
Pasco and Spokane were the only Pacific Northwest destinations to make Forbes’ list for “surprisingly affordable” cities for senior living.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Green Valley, Arizona, also made the cut.
This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Best places to retire? 2 ‘surprisingly affordable’ WA cities made the cut."