What's It Like to Retire in Seabeck?

If you are from the Pacific Northwest, you are undoubtedly familiar with the splendor of the Olympic range. From the tiny rural town of Seabeck, which sits at the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, the beauty and magnificence of the mountainous views are magnified. If you have never been to the region, your first sighting of the sunlight hitting the snow-capped mountaintops will leave you breathless.

Located along the southeastern shore of the Hood Canal, the charming town of Seabeck offers spectacular waterfront homes with astounding views. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular in the conveniently located waterway. Parks and nature trails provide ample space for enjoying the wonders of the great outdoors.

The small Washington town has a population of only 860, but residents of the close-knit community do not seem to mind and may even prefer it that way. While being surrounded by the area's natural beauty may sound amazing, you might be curious about what it is truly like to retire in Seabeck. Read on to discover if this tranquil town is a place you want to call home in your golden years.

At the heart of the town is the Seabeck Landing General Store, where locals socialize around the wood-burning stove and talk amongst friends. In fact, it was at this store that the idea to turn the old school gymnasium into a community center came to be.

In 2021, the Seabeck Community Center opened and has since become a popular gathering place where neighbors welcome and help one another. Family-friendly activities, community projects, a farmers’ market, communal gardens, holiday arts and crafts fairs, and volunteering opportunities are just a few of the many benefits residents enjoy at this multi-purpose hub.

Seabeck residents pride themselves in looking out for one another and are extremely friendly to newcomers, no matter where they are from. The tranquility of the area is an ideal locale for nature lovers, with the best of dense forests, sparkling waterways, and spacious parks at your disposal. Residents enjoy peaceful Seabeck homes with plenty of privacy, surrounded by rocky roads and incredible views of the landscape. Many aspiring residents choose to purchase land and build new residences, creating their own life of luxury in this peaceful paradise.

Despite the rural vibes, there are plenty of upscale amenities in neighboring towns, with the availability of modern conveniences never too far away.

There is no income tax in Washington, but the state does have a 2023 base sales tax rate of 6.5%, which is considerably higher than other places in the country. In Seabeck, the combined sales tax rate is 9.2%. The cost of living is also high when compared to other regions.

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance reports that the regional cost of living in Kitsap County is 121.1, compared to a normalized national average of 100. That means it costs approximately 21% more to live in Seabeck than in the rest of the country. This figure considers the average cost of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, miscellaneous goods and services.

The Alliance also reports that a living wage of $34 per hour is necessary for comfortably affording a home mortgage in Seabeck. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Kitsap County was $84,600 in 2021.

If you’ve decided to pursue assisted living or other services in the area rather than owning your own home in Seabeck, you have several options. In nearby Silverdale, top-quality independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities are available for seniors who no longer want to live alone. Many offer upscale amenities, a full calendar of activities, luxury accommodations, and chef-inspired meal plans.

Thanks to the Cascade Mountain Range and air currents from the Pacific Ocean, Kitsap County experiences a mild climate with comfortable winters and warm, dry summers.

Despite the Pacific Northwest's reputation for rainy weather, Seabeck only sees an average of 41.2 inches of annual precipitation. July is typically the driest month, with temperatures rarely rising above 82º F. December is the wettest month, averaging nine inches of rainfall, and snow is rare in most areas.

Gardeners experience a great growing season that lasts approximately 180 days, with a climate akin to that of southern England. The average high summer temperature is 77º F, and the winter low averages 35º F.

Whether you enjoy watching the bald eagles soar over the mountain tops, kayaking through the local waterways, or hiking through the hundreds of local area trails, there are plenty of opportunities for vigorous outdoor activities and fun-filled adventures.

Boaters will love the easy access to the nearby San Juan Islands, a captivating place for whale watching, sailing, and exploring. Recreational activities are also plentiful throughout the region, with world-class golfing, challenging ski terrain, bicycling trails, and more. Enjoy a camping trip at Scenic Beach State Park, where you can check out the impressive mountain vistas and meander through the wooded trails. Head to Kitsap County Guillemot Cove Nature Preserve for amazing views and a fantastic time in nature.

Seabeck is also about an hour from downtown Seattle, providing unlimited opportunities for enjoying all the amenities and entertainment spots the city has to offer. Whether you want to dine in an upscale restaurant, shop in a chic boutique, wander through a first-class art gallery, get a fresh cup of coffee, or indulge in high-end amenities, you will find it all and more in Seattle.

If investing in Seabeck, WA, real estate sounds like the perfect fit, team up with a true professional who can lead you to your goals. As a full-service, licensed real estate professional, trusted broker Rebecca Johnson is ready to guide you. Call today to get started!