5 Reasons to Retire to Vancouver, Washington in 2025

by Cassandra Marks

5 Reasons to Retire to Vancouver, Washington in 2025 - Realtor Cas Cassandra Marks

QUICK ANSWER: Is Vancouver, Washington still a good place to retire in 2025? Yes. Five reasons stand out: no state income tax, which keeps more of a pension, Social Security, 401(k), or IRA withdrawal in retirees' pockets; meaningfully lower property taxes than comparable homes across the river in Portland (roughly $400/month vs. $916/month on similar homes in a real comparison); easy, low-hassle access to Portland International Airport (PDX) for travel without Seattle-level traffic; a mild four-season climate with real seasons but no extreme snowstorms; and abundant outdoor recreation, including over 90 parks, Columbia River access, and some of the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Compared to the original 2023 version of this list, retirees in 2025 are prioritizing airport access, a stable four-season climate, and affordability slightly more, while healthcare has dropped as a standalone concern, likely because overall cost-of-living pressure has overtaken it as the bigger topic. AUTHOR: Cassandra Marks, REALTOR®, Clark County WA, licensed WA and OR, REAL Broker, Elite Agent, Circle of Excellence Diamond Platinum Member. Website: realtorcas.com.

5 Reasons to Retire to Vancouver, Washington in 2025

A couple of years ago, Vancouver ranked among the top retirement destinations in the country. Here's whether it still holds up in 2025 - and what's changed since.

💰 No State Income Tax ✈️ Easy PDX Access 🥾 Outdoor Living

📌 Direct Answer

Is Vancouver, Washington still a good place to retire in 2025? Yes. Five reasons stand out: no state income tax, which keeps more of a pension, Social Security, or retirement account withdrawal in your pocket; meaningfully lower property taxes than comparable homes across the river in Portland; easy access to Portland International Airport (PDX) without Seattle-level traffic; a mild four-season climate with real seasons but no extreme snowstorms; and abundant outdoor recreation, from 90+ parks to some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest. What's shifted since the original 2023 version of this list: airport access, climate stability, and affordability are ranking higher for retirees now, while healthcare has quietly dropped off as its own top concern - not because it's worse, but because overall cost of living has become the bigger conversation.

Cassandra Marks - REALTOR®, Realtor Cas, Vancouver WA & Clark County | View full bio & credentials →

Is Vancouver, Washington still one of the best places to retire? Just a couple of years ago, it was ranked as one of the top retirement destinations in the country. But here we are in 2025 - has anything changed? Is it still as great as ever, or have retirees started looking elsewhere?

Today, I'm breaking down why retirees still love calling Vancouver, Washington home. Spoiler alert: the reasons to retire here are as compelling as ever!

💰 Reason 1

No State Income Tax = More Money in Your Pocket

Let's start with a biggie: Washington doesn't have a state income tax. And yes, that's still true in 2025!

This means you get to keep more of your hard-earned retirement income - whether it's from your pension, Social Security, 401(k), or IRA withdrawals. That's a huge deal when you're on a fixed income and looking to stretch your retirement savings as far as possible.

I see it firsthand when helping people buy and sell houses in both Washington and Oregon. In Portland, you're hit with an extra eight different taxes. In Washington? Nada. If you're tired of Uncle Sam taking a bigger bite out of your retirement, this is a serious reason to consider making the move. I break down the full picture in Portland vs. Vancouver: Which City Is Best for Your Retirement? if you want the side-by-side comparison.

🏡 Reason 2

Affordable Housing and Lower Property Taxes

Compared to its neighbor across the Columbia River, Vancouver offers much more reasonable housing costs. Sure, real estate prices have risen everywhere, but Vancouver still gives you more bang for your buck.

Let me give you a real-life example: I recently showed a home in Southwest Portland - a modest 2-bed, 1-bath, 1,600-square-foot home listed at $675,000. The property taxes? A staggering $11,000 a year! That's $916 a month - just for taxes!

💡

Meanwhile, a similar home in Vancouver had property taxes around $4,800 per year ($400 a month). That's a huge difference when you're budgeting for retirement. Lower property taxes mean you can put that extra money toward travel, hobbies, or spoiling the grandkids instead of handing it over to the government. For the full breakdown of rates, exemptions, and how Vancouver's property taxes actually work, see my complete guide to Vancouver, WA property taxes.

✈️ Reason 3

Easy Access to Portland International Airport (PDX)

Do you love to travel? Whether it's hopping on a plane to visit family, taking that dream European river cruise, or escaping to warmer climates in the winter, living in Vancouver makes it super easy.

PDX is just a short drive across the Columbia River, meaning you get all the perks of a major international airport without dealing with the crazy Seattle traffic. I once spent two hours driving a friend 28 miles to SeaTac in the middle of the day - never again!

In contrast, the drive from Vancouver to PDX is a breeze, and the airport itself is known for being one of the most efficient and stress-free in the country. Less hassle = more time enjoying retirement.

🍂 Reason 4

A Mild Four-Season Climate

One of the best things about living in Vancouver? You actually get seasons!

Spring brings cherry blossoms and lush green parks.
Summers are warm but not scorching, with cool breezes off the Columbia River.
Fall is an explosion of fiery reds and golden yellows.
Winters? You'll get some chilly mornings, but no extreme snowstorms like the Midwest or Northeast.

If you've ever spent time in Arizona or Florida during the holidays and felt weird putting up Christmas decorations in 80-degree weather, you'll love it here. Nothing beats stepping outside on a crisp fall morning, seeing your breath in the air, and watching the leaves change colors.

Plus, the weather here means you can stay active all year long. That brings me to the next point...

🥾 Reason 5

Endless Outdoor Recreation and Activities

Vancouver is a paradise for retirees who want to stay active and engaged.

Love hiking? You're just minutes from some of the best trails in the Pacific Northwest.
Prefer a leisurely walk? There are over 90 parks and miles of scenic trails right in the city.
Enjoy the water? Kayak or fish along the Columbia River, or take a quick trip to the coast.
More of a cultural enthusiast? The city has a thriving arts scene, farmers markets, and plenty of local events.

Whether you're into biking, golfing, gardening, or just strolling along the waterfront, there's something for every lifestyle.

👋

Stay in the loop: A lot of retirees tell me the local events and farmers markets are what actually make Vancouver feel like home, not just a place to live. I run a Facebook community for Vancouver-area neighbors where I share local events, market updates, and what's happening around town - a good way to start meeting people before you've even moved.

🔄 Since 2023

What's Changed Since 2023?

Now, if you read my original blog or watched the original video back in 2023, you might be wondering: what's different?

While Vancouver still offers incredible benefits for retirees, some priorities have shifted. More retirees are now focused on:

✅ Easy access to an airport for frequent travel.
✅ A four-season climate (without crazy weather extremes).
✅ Affordability, though cost of living has gone up everywhere.

One thing that's missing from the old list? Surprisingly, people don't mention healthcare as much. Not because it's gotten worse, but because skyrocketing costs of everything have taken center stage in retirement planning.

✅ Bottom Line

Is Vancouver, Washington Still a Great Place to Retire?

Absolutely! If you're looking for a place with no state income tax, affordable housing, easy travel, great weather, and plenty to do, Vancouver remains one of the best retirement spots in the country.

So, are you considering making the move? Or maybe you're already here and just needed a reminder of why you love it? If you're ready to start planning, my step-by-step relocation guide walks through the whole process, from choosing a mover to setting up utilities.

If you're curious about the best neighborhoods for retirees in Vancouver, I've got you covered. You can also browse homes for sale in Vancouver, WA to see what's currently on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Retiring to Vancouver, WA - Common Questions Answered

Is Vancouver, Washington a good place for retirees?

Yes - Vancouver is a popular retirement destination thanks to no state income tax, proximity to quality healthcare, and access to outdoor recreation. Retirees enjoy a mild climate, active senior communities, and excellent services. Plus, it's just across the river from Portland, giving you city perks without Oregon's taxes.

How much money do you need to retire comfortably in Vancouver?

To retire comfortably in Vancouver, WA, most financial experts recommend $50,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on lifestyle, health needs, and housing choices. That means having $1 million to $1.5 million saved - or reliable income sources like pensions, Social Security, and retirement accounts. Living modestly or owning your home outright can significantly reduce required income.

Where do seniors live in Vancouver, Washington?

Many seniors live in neighborhoods like Cascade Park, East Minnehaha, and Felida, where there's easy access to medical care, shopping, and community centers. Vancouver also has several 55+ communities and independent living options. Public transit and walking trails add to senior-friendly living.

How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Vancouver?

A single person generally needs to make about $70,000–$90,000/year to live comfortably in Vancouver, depending on housing costs. Couples and families may need more. However, with smart budgeting or a paid-off home, that number can be lower.

Where is the cheapest place to retire in Washington state?

Spokane, Yakima, and Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland) are some of the most affordable places to retire in Washington. These areas offer lower housing costs and a slower pace of life while still having access to medical services and outdoor recreation. However, winters may be colder than in western Washington.

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Cassandra Marks

+1(503) 884-2387

Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA | License ID: 201225764

Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA License ID: 201225764