4 Best Cities for People To Retire Early in 2025, According to Real Estate Experts
Retiring early isn’t just about how much you’ve saved up. Relocating to an area with a lower cost of living also makes it easier to walk away from the stresses of a full-time job before your 60s.
While you can retire much quicker by moving to a rural neighborhood, not everyone wants to do that. Some people want city amenities while being surrounded by affordable houses and groceries.
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If you’re looking for a good city for an early retirement, you may want to consider these options.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Chris Reis, a broker at Compass, recommended a few West Coast cities for people who want to retire early. While Seattle made his list, early retirees who want more mileage out of their nest eggs may want to give Gig Harbor a closer look.
“With breathtaking views and easy access to both Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier, Gig Harbor is a haven for those seeking to retire early while enjoying nature at their doorstep. Summers can be spent on the water or hiking, while winters can be spent on the ski slopes at Crystal Mountain,” he said. “With a small-town feel and tight-knit community, Gig Harbor is packed with boutique stores and restaurants and is just a short drive from Tacoma and Seattle, meaning urban amenities are not too far away. Additionally, SeaTac airport is not far away, allowing retirees to travel easily.”
Reis also explained a tax advantage of living in Gig Harbor that will help early retirees who are withdrawing funds from a traditional retirement account to cover living costs.
“While housing costs are higher than the national average, Washington has the benefit of not having state income tax, which can be an additional benefit for early retirees,” he said.
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Bellingham, Washington
Reis also recommended Bellingham as a great city for early retirees. It balances outdoor life with city amenities.
“A coastal town just shy of the Canadian border, Bellingham balances natural beauty, cultural richness and a laid-back lifestyle effortlessly. Retiring early in Bellingham allows for an adventurous lifestyle on the Puget Sound or in the Cascade Mountains without compromising on a vibrant arts and culture scene,” he said. “The historic Fairhaven District is a hub for shopping, dining, live music and hosts a Summer Festival. Just 90 minutes from Vancouver, living in Bellingham allows retirees to enjoy its tranquil small-town charm without compromising on the amenities of a world-class city.”
Chelan, Washington
If you want a lot of sunshine and the vacation town experience, Reis recommended Chelan.
“For early retirees seeking sunshine and wine in retirement, look no further than Chelan! Basked in sunshine 300 days a year, in wine country and on a crystal clear lake, it’s the perfect spot for those who want to slow down a little bit while having the option of spending the day on the water or in the mountains,” he said. “Being a vacation town, Chelan is not short on amenities and is just a short scenic drive from Wenatchee. Chelan is about halfway between Seattle and Spokane, providing early retirees with a central location in Washington from which to explore the state.”
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Florida remains a top destination for people who want to stop working full-time and enjoy the fruits of their labor due to its wide selection of quality cities. Jeff Lichtenstein, broker and CEO of Echo Fine Properties, recommended the growing Port St. Lucie area that provides early retirees with plenty of things to do.
“In the Port St Lucie 55-plus new community areas, 3/4 the community is working or semi-retired. The other 1/4 is fully retired. It’s incredibly active, with a bazillion pickleball courts, basketball courts, giant upscale gyms, swimming pools and walking trails,” he said. “Most of it is new construction, so as the community ages, that number might change, but for now, it’s super active. Lots of people who also moved down during the pandemic wanted to begin semi-retirement early and work from home.”
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