Retire In Washington State or Overseas In Spain?

Retire In Washington State or Overseas In Spain?

Retire In Washington State or Overseas In Spain?

Retirement is a big step in anyone’s life, and one of the biggest decisions retirees have to make is where to settle down. There are a lot of factors that can influence your decision, like income – social security or pension, healthcare – Medicare or private health insurance, and of course, family.  Family played a big part in my decision on where to retire.  My family wanted to relocate and were looking into several different states, as well as, countries overseas.
 
My daughter-in-law used her skills on Facebook to gather information from expat families overseas.  My son researched visas, including non-lucrative ones and where the various consulates were in the United States. We all researched the pros and cons of the different states we were considering to help us make this important decision.  One state we checked out was Washington State. Below are some pros and cons of what Washington State has to offer a retiree.

The Pros And Cons For A U.S. Retiree In Washington State

Retiring in Washington State can be a dream come true for many people. From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant cultural scene, there is no shortage of reasons to settle down in the Evergreen State. However, like any decision, retiring in Washington State comes with its own set of pros and cons. That’s why it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making the leap.
 
We will explore the pros and cons of retiring in Washington State, and how this helped me make an informed decision about which is the best place to retire – the states or living overseas and retiring in Spain.

Pros Of Retiring to Washington State

Okay, let’s talk about retiring in Washington State. First off, Washington is a really beautiful place to call home. I mean, there is  everything from pristine forests and stunning mountains to beautiful coastlines and picturesque lakes. 

If you’re into outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or just taking in the breathtaking scenery, then Washington is definitely the place for you.
 
Another big plus is the mild climate. Sure, it can get a bit rainy in the winter, but that just means everything stays green and luscious. Plus, it’s not too hot in the summer, so you can avoid that sweltering heat that some other states have to deal with.
Washington also has a pretty great quality of life. The state is known for its progressive policies, like universal healthcare and a strong focus on education. Plus, the cost of living here is pretty reasonable compared to some other states on the West Coast. 

And to top it all off, Washington has no income tax! That’s right, you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
 
Another big perk of retiring in Washington is the vibrant arts and culture scene. They have world-class museums, theaters, and music venues all around the state. So if you’re looking to stay busy and immerse yourself in some awesome cultural experiences during your retirement, Washington has got you covered.
Let’s not forget about the food and drink scene. Washington is home to some amazing wineries and craft breweries. You can spend your retirement sipping on delicious local wines and beers, exploring different flavors and supporting local businesses. 

Oh, and did I mention the seafood? You won’t find fresher or tastier seafood anywhere else.
 
So, there you have it. Retiring in Washington State comes with a whole bunch of pros. From the stunning natural beauty to the great quality of life and all the cultural and culinary delights, this state has it all.  I can see why a lot of people would consider retiring here.

Cons of Retiring in Washington State

Washington State has a lot of things going for it, but before you start packing up your flip-flops and fanny pack, pros for one person may actually be cons for someone else.  Let me give you the lowdown on some of the cons of retiring in the Evergreen State.  Let’s have a look at weather, cost of living, healthcare …
 
First off, let’s talk about the weather. Now, Washington is known for its beautiful scenery and lush green forests, but it’s also known for its rain. And when we say rain, we mean RAIN. It’s no secret that it can be pretty gloomy and wet for a large part of the year. Washington is known for its gray and drizzly weather, especially in the western part of the state.
 
I grew up in Hawaii and raised my boys in Hilo, on the Big Island.  I know about rain and I do love it, but we also had so much sunshine, blue skies and passing showers.  I don’t know if I could handle gray and gloomy weather for months on end.  

So if you’re expecting sunny days and beach weather, you might be in for a rude awakening. If you’re someone who needs sunshine to keep your spirits up, this might not be the best place for you. 

Cost of Living - Housing And Taxes In Washington State

Another thing to consider is the cost of living. Washington State is not exactly known for being cheap. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the most expensive states to live in.
 
Housing prices in popular retirement areas like Seattle and the surrounding suburbs are through the roof. The median home price is well above the national average, so you’ll need to budget accordingly if you want to buy a house. And if you’re thinking about renting, well, get ready to fork over a pretty penny for that too.
 

Property taxes are also pretty high in Washington, so be ready to also budget for that. Washington doesn’t have a state income tax, which is great news for retirees. However, they do have some of the highest sales taxes in the country. 

So keep that in mind when you’re out shopping for all those retirement goodies. If you’re on a tight budget or looking to stretch your retirement savings, Washington might not be the best place for you.

Other Expenses - Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare In Washington State

Other expenses, like groceries, transportation, and healthcare, can also be higher than average in Washington.  If you’re a foodie like me, you’re gonna love all the fresh produce and seafood options Washington has to offer. 

But be prepared to pay a little extra for those fancy groceries. It’s not outrageous, but it’s definitely a bit pricier than some other states. So if you’re on a fixed income, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got enough cash to cover all your expenses.
 
If you’re retiring, you probably want to relax and take it easy, right? Well, good luck doing that on the crowded highways of Washington. The traffic there can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour. If you’re moving to or near the Seattle area, be prepared for long commutes and never-ending traffic jams.
 
The population has been booming in recent years, which has led to some major congestion on the roads. So if you don’t have the patience for sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you might want to think twice about retiring here.
 
Let’s not forget about healthcare. Washington is known for having top-notch healthcare facilities, but that also means you’ll be paying a pretty penny for those services. Make sure you factor in the cost of health insurance and any potential medical expenses when you’re planning your budget.
 
Access to quality healthcare can be a bit of a challenge, especially in more rural areas. So if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are just generally concerned about your healthcare options, you might want to do some research before retiring here. 

In addition to Medicare, there are also other healthcare options available in Washington State.
 
The state offers a program called the Washington Apple Health for Seniors, which provides low-cost or free healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and families. This program can be a great option if you’re on a fixed income and need help paying for healthcare.
Lastly, Washington State is known for its liberal politics. Now, this might be a pro for some people, but if you happen to lean more conservative, you might feel a bit out of place. 

The state is pretty progressive in its policies and ideals, so if you’re not on board with that, it could be a major con for you.
 

Now, I don’t want to scare you away from retiring in Washington State. Overall, Washington State has its advantages, but it’s not for everyone. It does have a lot to offer, like beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and no state income tax. 

The healthcare system is also top-notch, so you’ll have access to excellent medical care. And let’s not forget about the beauty of the Pacific Northwest – there’s really nothing quite like it!
 
But it’s important to be aware of the cost of living so you can plan accordingly. So before you make any decisions, do some research and crunch the numbers to make sure retiring in Washington State is the right move for you.
 

Decision Time - Washington State Or Move To Spain

If you have been following our blog, then you know where I decided to move to.  The most important deciding factor for me was family!  As you know, my oldest son and his family decided to relocate to Spain.  

They did their research, completed all the necessary visa application paperwork, visited the Spanish Consulate in Chicago and received a non-lucrative visa so that we could move abroad and live in Spain. 

 

Valencia Spain Map

As a retiree, Spain has so much to offer.  We chose Valencia, along the Mediterranean coast, where the cost of living is lower than other major Spanish cities.  Housing, utilities, groceries and other miscellaneous items are very affordable and lower than in the U.S.  

Valencia is known for its delicious food, rich, vibrant cultural scene and high quality of life.  With all of this being said, I can understand why so many expats retire to Spain.

If you choose to live in the city, affordable public transportation is available for all ages, which includes buses, trams, metro and trains.  

As a retired person, on a limited monthly income and budget, I also love that they have universal public healthcare.  I do pay for a private health insurance but it is very reasonable and includes so many added perks!  

Another perk of retiring abroad is the ability to travel to other European countries with my family!  We love to plan mini vacations to cities in Spain as well as outside of Spain. 

This is a great way to encourage and educate our children about different cultures through hands on experiences.  It teaches them to value and respect what each country has to offer.  I can definitely say that retirement in Spain has been absolutely thrilling and one of the best decisions in my life!
 

P.S. Here at Simplify Abroad we have got different articles and videos done by a family of 6 (and three dogs), a family of 3 (and one dog) and a recent retiree. If you want to see more articles from us click here.

P.S.S. If anyone is interested we also have a YouTube channel where we cover different aspects of our lives / move overseas. Lastly if you have any suggestion for a new article or video you would like to see; please comment below or send us an email and we will see if we can make it happen!

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