Is western Washington State a good place to retire?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 13:36:11 -0400

I loved it there while stationed at JBLM (2010-2015) and want to move there for good once I retire in 3 1/2 years. Has anyone who has retired in the area have any advice? Id like to live outside city limits but somewhat close to the jobs between Olympia and Seattle.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2019 2:47 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 14:47:56 -0400

Choose the location carefully, unless you don't mind being around unvaccinated kids, and don't care to exercise your 2A rights.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 12 at 2019 2:50 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 14:50:37 -0400

I left when I was 10. Then I was stationed there again when I was in my late 20's. I'm an outdoors man so I loved it when it didn't rain, about 20-30 days a year (maybe a little exaggeration, but not much).

I don't know what your politics are, but I pulled my kids from public schools because of the faculties politics. Among the things my kids were told in school (2nd Grade and kindergarten):
_Only bad people join the military. The people in the military like to hurt other people
_It is OK to spike timber that is slated to be harvested because trees are as important as people and people that "murder" tree need to know that it is wrong.
_Tether ball must be played with an open hand because striking anything with a fist is wrong.
_Rich people are bad.
_It is mean to have a pet, pets are just animal slaves.

All bag lunches were inspected by teachers. The following were forbidden, and thrown away if found.
-Foods high in sugar (like Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Cookies, Chips of any kind, Candy of any Kind)
-Fruit drinks
-Fried foods (like a chicken thigh leftover)
The school then provided "approved" items, whether the kids like them or not and billed the parents for a school lunch.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2019 3:02 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:02:10 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member We have lived close to Vancouver, WA for close to four years. I agree with COL Robert Grierson response. On the other hand, There are things to like in Washington. Mt Rainer is one of the best National Parks in America, the Museum of Flight in Seattle is one the best aerospace museums, and Canada is a short distance away. Good luck.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-state-voters-approved-new-gun-regulations-in-i-1639-heres-what-the-law-will-do/

Washington state voters approved new gun regulations in I-1639. Here’s what the law will do.

Washington voters this week approved Initiative 1639, a sweeping package of new gun regulations. It passed with more than 60 percent of the vote. Here's a look at what the initiative will do.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 12 at 2019 5:31 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:31:41 -0400

I got the hell out of there (Kitsap) to retire. Goofy politics, goofy property tax system, goofy traffic (no planning west of Seattle), medical care spiraling into the toilet. Franciscan has been buying up medical facilities and the good providers are punching out. Like Cali, Washington used to be a good place to live. We are now retired in way north Idaho. Yes you have a drive for Home Depot or Costco, but that just means being disciplined and making a list. State income tax goes away at 65, sooner if there's a disability component. Bob had a good idea to go to Phoenix. Take a look at what the demographics are for entering and exiting the state. Those who have a choice tend to leave more. I have a rental unit on the east side which is Red vs. Western Blue. I expect Spokane area to trend more blue as the medical and tech sectors keep growing. Huge cultural gap between left and right sides of the state. Last year's most Googled question during March Madness? Where's Spokane?