5 Top Picks for Relocation Communities
Relocate Northwest
Arizona communities of our parent’s generation. These young retirees or those who are semi-retired love the balmy Northwest climate (too much sun in their younger years), active lifestyle, and community feel of our smaller towns and cities. With the mountains to our East and San Juan Islands and
Puget Sound to our West, there truly is something for everyone who value quality of life.
Whatcom
County , is a master planned community offering an Arnold Palmer PGA golf course, a four-star resort, marina and panoramic views of the San Juan Islands,
Gulf
Islands in
San Juan
Island group to live on based on both affordability and access to the mainland. With it’s artsy feel and water views, Lummi offers an ideal retreat for artists and writers, boaters and gardeners. There are several restaurants, a famous Bed and Breakfast called, The Willows, and a small town atmosphere. Home prices range from the mid-$300,000 to well over $3 million for your own cove and waterfront estate. Island and mainland views abound in every community. Definitely not for someone who wants to go into the city every day, this island has a very unique island living lifestyle. It is probably better to purchase an existing home as water rights are getting hard to acquire.
Bellingham is also rated the 2nd best ‘Dog Friendly Cities’ in the nation. Trails abound through-out
Fairhaven . This is an area for those looking for an active, small city lifestyle. Homes start in the mid-$300,000 and view homes range from $500,000 to over $2 million. Water view and waterfront condos range from $250,000-$1.5 million.
Washington
Sudden
Valley is located on the South shore of
Lake
Whatcom and a 15 minute commute to
Lake
Whatcom is the 3rd largest lake in
Washington
State and 360 feet deep.
Sudden
Valley , originally a resort destination for the Canadians, has evolved to a bedroom community for those who want easy access to both
Bellingham but secluded and quiet. This community association protects both the trees and the wild life that live there. A colony of beaver and a bird sanctuary, deer and other wild things all call
Sudden
Valley home. Walking trails, an 18-hole PGA rated golf course, fitness room, kayak and canoe racks, 2 tennis courts, a marina and numerous outdoor pools are just some of the recreational activities offered here. Home prices range from $300,000 to $900,000 and views of the golf course and lake abound.
Fidalgo
Island and features over 12 miles of saltwater shoreline. Anacortes offers boaters five major marinas and is known as the ‘Gateway to the San Juans. This is a slow pace community for those who want a quieter, hiking, fishing, and boating lifestyle. Home prices range from $300,000 to $2 million for waterfront. The
Luanne Highlander is a travel writer and she and her husband Charley are owners of Relocate Northwest. She is a Relocation Specialist and RE/MAX Realtor. Visit www.RelocateNW.com for links to these communities and others in the Great Northwest.
5 Top Picks for Retirement Communities
Luanne Highlander
What’s your idea of the perfect retirement community? Is it an urban, walk to everything condo or a retreat nestled in the woods? Or is it where ever the grand babies are? We all are thinking about our personal ‘perfect scenario’ now that the children are grown and we have the luxury of making decisions based on our own preferences rather than the job or good school districts. Most boomers I know are deciding on the Pacific Northwest rather than the
Here are 5 of my favorite unique, wonderful communities, in order of far North to South.
1.
Semiahmoo, located in
Here are some of the features:
- 300 Slip Full Service, Deep water
Marina - Minutes to the
- Two Championship Golf Courses
- Nationally recognized Arnold Palmer Course
- Gated Community with 1/3 acre or larger with fully serviced lots
- Condominiums right on the water with walking trails
- Health Facilities and Spa
- Four Star Waterfront Hotel and 2 Restaurants
- Two Hours North of
Seattle - 30 minutes North of Bellingham, Washington - One Hour from
Vancouver BC , site of 2010 Olympics - Three Hours to Whistler/Blackcomb- world class skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking, white water rafting and golfing in
2.
Located just off the coastline of
3.
This bayside community (population 85,000) appeals to those who like a bay and university town. Bellingham was rated the #2 pick in the Best City Directory this year, rated best ‘Outdoor Town’ by Outside Magazine and one of the top ‘8 Clean & Green Cities’ in the US in Where to Retire magazine.
4. Sudden Valley,
Though not really a town, it is so unique it deserves to be featured as one.
5.
Anacortes (population 17,000) is the main city on
So, there you have it, our favorite places. Go exploring!