Living a Beach Lifestyle in Port Angeles, Washington

Port Angeles, Washington is a busy port on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This hard-working town is on the northern portion of the Olympic Peninsula and offers spectacular scenery and recreational opportunities. There are some beaches in the area but that is not what people come here for. Victoria, British Columbia is across the Strait by ferry.  Port Angeles is home to Peninsula College. Population is about 18,000.

Where to Retire in Port Angeles and Home Prices

Port Angeles's median home price was $460,461 in mid-2022, according to Zillow.com. Average taxes were about $2000.
There are come active adult communities in the area (see link at top left).

What Is Special about Port Angeles

Port Angeles is a mecca for year-round sea-to-ski outdoor activity. A thriving arts community, artisan wine industry, and signature annual festivals give the town a flavor all its own, and offer plenty of opportunities for seniors to stay active through volunteerism. There is a state-of-the-art medical center and a beautiful community college. Kiplinger rates Washington as one of the 18 most pension-friendly states. The absence of a state income tax means that retirees pay no tax on pensions, social security benefits or other forms of retirement income. Washington offers a property tax exemption program for senior citizens who are at least 61 years old. There are nearby wineries. Continuing Education available at Peninsula College.

What Is Not Special about Port Angeles

This is a working port and it has some hard edges to it.

Climate and Physical Environment

Port Angeles is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and therefore gets less rain than much of western Washington. Located on the Olympic Peninsula on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is situated within the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Mountain Range with a resulting temperate climate and low rainfall (average precipitation is a mere 25 inches per year). Winter temps are moderate.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Port Angeles is home to a talented and enterprising artist population that integrates art into everyday life for everyone to enjoy. Art on the Town is an outdoor gallery showcasing the work of a variety of artists in the pedestrian friendly downtown core. The work of one local artist transformed a single street into the Avenue of the People aligned with 16 abstract steel sculptures depicting ordinary folks.  On the second weekend of each month, 16 local galleries open their doors and offer hors d’oeuvres and music for visitors to enjoy while viewing special exhibits and permanent collections.

Crime

The crime rate is a bit above average in Port Angeles.

Medical Facilities

Award-winning Olympic Medical Center is located in PA. Its 80-bed acute-care facility includes a level-three trauma designated emergency department and surgical services. Outpatient services include cardiac, imaging, physical therapy and rehabilitation, laboratory, sleep medicine, surgical services, home health, and comprehensive regional cancer care at locations in Port Angeles and Sequim.

Transportation

Port Angeles is located approximately 130 miles from SeaTac International Airport in SeaTac, Wash. Driving time is about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Kenmore Air Express offers a shuttle service from Port Angeles’ Fairchild International Airport to Seattle's Boeing Field (with shuttle service to SeaTac.
There is a ferry across the Strait to Victoria, B.C.

Valuable Links

Wikipedia link to Port Angeles
Washington state retirement guide
We are grateful to Deborah Black for much of the commentary and facts in this section, not to mention the excellent photos!

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