20 Worst Towns for Retirees in Washington

That’s why discovering towns where the biggest worry is avoiding becoming a crime statistic comes as such a shock.

These places combine the charm of industrial zones with the tranquility of freight train corridors.

Washington’s worst retirement towns prove that sometimes the American dream needs a serious reality check.

1. Fife, Washington

Fife sits right along Interstate 5 with freight yards and truck stops everywhere. This small Pierce County city has become a magnet for crime because of all the traffic passing through.

But here’s the deal – thieves love the easy highway access for quick getaways. The city records 1,529 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.

Property crime hits a staggering 9,857 per 100,000 people. Car theft is especially bad with 3,544 vehicles stolen yearly.

2. Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma is Washington’s third-largest city with a busy deep-water port. The city blends industrial areas with arts districts, but crime remains a serious problem.

You’re better off knowing that violent crime reaches 1,242 incidents per 100,000 residents. Most of these are aggravated assaults happening in various neighborhoods.

Property crimes total 7,353 per 100,000 people. Car thieves are particularly active, stealing 2,921 vehicles annually and shipping parts up and down I-5.

3. Tukwila, Washington

Tukwila packs a lot into just ten square miles. The city hosts Southcenter Mall, Washington’s biggest retail center, which draws both shoppers and criminals.

Here’s the catch – all that retail activity creates massive property crime problems. The city sees 18,003 property crimes per 100,000 residents, the highest ratio in the state.

Violent crime hits 842 incidents per 100,000 people. Car theft is out of control with 4,239 vehicles disappearing each year from mall parking lots and nearby areas.

4. Seattle, Washington

Seattle ranks as one of the worst retirement cities in America, coming in at number 144 out of 182 cities studied. The high cost of living hits retirees especially hard.

But here’s the deal – housing costs in Seattle are way above national averages. Everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare also cost significantly more than most places.

The city records 777 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Property crime sits at 5,110 per 100,000, with numbers climbing in dense neighborhoods with limited parking security.

5. Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver ranks 164th out of 182 cities for retirement according to national studies. The city sits right across from Portland, Oregon, but faces its own unique challenges.

That’s why many retirees struggle with the higher-than-average gas prices due to Washington’s highest-in-the-nation gas tax. Vehicle expenses add up quickly for seniors.

Housing costs have risen significantly, with many areas becoming less affordable for retirees. The proximity to Portland creates additional traffic and congestion issues.

6. Spokane, Washington

Spokane ranks 167th out of 182 cities in national retirement studies. This eastern Washington city faces challenges that make retirement difficult for many seniors.

You’re better off knowing that Spokane struggles with affordability issues common throughout Washington state. The cost of living continues to rise faster than many retirees can handle.

The city deals with weather challenges including cold winters and limited sunshine. Healthcare costs also run higher than the national average, impacting retiree budgets.

7. Lakewood, Washington

Lakewood sits between military installations and older commercial areas. This Pierce County city has a transient feel that doesn’t appeal to many retirees.

Here’s the catch – the city records 754 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Most incidents happen around nightlife areas along Pacific Avenue.

Property crime reaches 4,913 per 100,000 people. Burglars often target detached garages and unlocked patios in residential neighborhoods.

8. Bellevue, Washington

Bellevue sits in the heart of the Seattle metro area with extremely high housing costs. This tech hub city prices out many retirees despite its amenities.

But here’s the deal – housing costs in Bellevue rank among the highest in Washington state. Many retirees simply cannot afford to live here on fixed incomes.

The city also faces significant traffic congestion during commute hours. Everyday expenses like groceries and services cost much more than the national average.

9. Everett, Washington

Everett serves as a major industrial center north of Seattle. The city’s economy relies heavily on aerospace manufacturing, but retirees face several challenges here.

That’s why many seniors struggle with the higher cost of living throughout the Seattle metro area. Housing and healthcare costs continue rising faster than Social Security adjustments.

The city also deals with traffic congestion and limited public transportation options. Weather patterns include long gray winters that can affect mental health.

10. Renton, Washington

Renton sits south of Seattle in the heart of the metro area. This city faces many of the same challenges affecting retirees throughout King County.

You’re better off understanding that Renton deals with high housing costs and traffic problems. The city’s location means dealing with urban issues without urban amenities.

Property taxes in King County rank among the highest in Washington state. Sales taxes also add significantly to the cost of everyday purchases for retirees.

11. Federal Way, Washington

Federal Way stretches along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Tacoma. This King County city has grown rapidly but struggles with crime and affordability issues.

But here’s the deal – violent crime reaches 623 incidents per 100,000 residents. Most problems occur around shopping centers and apartment complexes near major roads.

Property crime hits 4,287 per 100,000 people. Car break-ins are especially common in parking lots at strip malls and transit centers throughout the city.

12. Kent, Washington

Kent sits in the Green River Valley with a mix of residential and industrial areas. This South King County city faces ongoing challenges with crime and cost of living.

Here’s the catch – the city records 589 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Gang activity and drug-related incidents contribute to safety concerns in certain neighborhoods.

Property crime totals 4,156 per 100,000 people. Warehouse areas and apartment complexes see higher rates of theft and burglary than single-family neighborhoods.

13. Auburn, Washington

Auburn straddles King and Pierce counties in the Green River Valley. The city mixes suburban neighborhoods with industrial zones and transportation corridors.

That’s why many retirees find the crime rates concerning. Violent crime reaches 567 incidents per 100,000 residents, with most occurring near commercial areas.

Property crime hits 3,892 per 100,000 people. The city’s location along major highways makes it attractive to criminals who can escape quickly after committing crimes.

14. Burien, Washington

Burien sits between Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport in King County. This small city deals with noise pollution and crime issues that affect quality of life.

You’re better off knowing that aircraft noise from Sea-Tac creates constant disruption. Planes fly overhead every few minutes during peak travel times.

The city also faces higher crime rates with 512 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime reaches 3,654 per 100,000, often involving car prowls and residential burglaries.

15. Des Moines, Washington

Des Moines sits along Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma. This small city offers waterfront views but struggles with crime and cost issues.

But here’s the deal – violent crime hits 498 incidents per 100,000 residents. The city’s small size means these crimes have a bigger impact on community safety.

Property crime reaches 3,421 per 100,000 people. Car theft and burglary rates remain high despite the city’s waterfront location and smaller population.

16. SeaTac, Washington

SeaTac surrounds Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and deals with constant noise and traffic. This King County city faces unique challenges from its airport location.

Here’s the catch – aircraft noise makes outdoor activities unpleasant throughout most of the city. Planes take off and land every two minutes during busy periods.

The transient population from airport hotels creates additional crime concerns. Violent crime reaches 487 per 100,000 residents, with property crime at 3,298 per 100,000.

17. Bremerton, Washington

Bremerton sits across Puget Sound from Seattle and hosts a major naval shipyard. This Kitsap County city struggles with economic challenges and limited amenities.

That’s why many retirees find the job market affects the entire community. When shipyard work slows down, local businesses and services suffer too.

The city records 476 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Ferry-dependent transportation to Seattle creates isolation that many retirees find limiting for healthcare and entertainment.

18. Centralia, Washington

Centralia sits along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Portland. This Lewis County city struggles with economic decline and limited healthcare options.

You’re better off understanding that many businesses have closed along the main commercial strips. The downtown area has numerous vacant storefronts and limited services.

Healthcare options are particularly limited for a city of this size. Retirees often need to travel to Olympia or Tacoma for specialized medical care and services.

19. Longview, Washington

Longview sits along the Columbia River near the Oregon border. This Cowlitz County city faces economic challenges and environmental concerns from industrial operations.

But here’s the deal – the paper mill and port operations create air quality issues. Retirees with respiratory conditions may find the environment problematic.

The city also struggles with limited cultural and recreational amenities. Most entertainment options require driving to Portland or other larger cities for variety.

20. Kelso, Washington

Kelso neighbors Longview along the Cowlitz River in southwestern Washington. This small city faces similar challenges with economic decline and limited services.

Here’s the catch – the city has struggled economically since timber industry changes. Many local businesses have closed, reducing shopping and dining options significantly.

Healthcare services are particularly limited, with retirees often traveling to Longview or Portland for medical care. The city lacks many amenities that retirees typically seek.