Whenever retirement plans are discussed, the question of where to live always comes up.

Will you move to a warm place like Southern California, or stay in the Seattle area where you've always lived?

Having lived in Federal Way, south of Seattle, for a long time, I've observed the pros and cons of this area for retirees and seniors.

Today, I want to share my honest thoughts on this. If you're considering a place for your parents, this might be helpful.

Deciding where to spend your retirement is a significant decision, and I believe it's important to consider various factors, not just the weather or cost.

The biggest advantage of considering retirement in Federal Way is undoubtedly the natural environment.

Dash Point State Park is a coastal forest along Puget Sound, making it an ideal space for seniors who enjoy walking and nature observation. It has over 8 miles of hiking trails and opportunities for crabbing on the beach.

Well-maintained parks like Steel Lake Park and Celebration Park are also nearby, providing a pleasant environment for walking on nice days.

There are viewpoints where you can see Mount Rainier on clear days. This natural environment offers comfort to those weary of city life.

Summer is not too hot, with an average high temperature of 77.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and winters are not extremely cold, making it suitable for those who want to avoid harsh climates.

While there is a common perception that it rains a lot, the actual annual rainfall is around 41 inches, similar to Seattle, and not extreme.

Access to healthcare is also a crucial factor for seniors, and this aspect is quite good here. St. Francis Hospital is located in the city and is a certified heart failure center and a center of excellence for bariatric surgery within the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system.

It is a mid-sized hospital with 110 licensed beds, providing specialized services comparable to those of larger city hospitals. There are also emergency facilities (operating 24 hours) and urgent care clinics (open from 8 AM to 8 PM) under the MultiCare system, offering options. The fact that 85% of patients would recommend this hospital is impressive.

There are many options for senior living facilities as well. Places like GenCare Lifestyle Federal Way and Village Green Retirement offer independent living and assisted living options. The Federal Way Performing Arts Center is nearby for cultural activities, and Tacoma Dome or Seattle's cultural spaces are about a 30-minute drive away.

Washington State has no income tax, which is advantageous for those living on a fixed income after retirement. On December 6, 2025, the Sound Transit Link will extend to Federal Way Downtown, making it possible to reach Sea-Tac Airport in 16 minutes and Seattle in 46 minutes by public transportation. This change significantly improves the quality of life for seniors who find driving difficult.

While it's hard to definitively say that Federal Way is the perfect retirement destination, considering the natural environment, healthcare access, Korean community, relatively reasonable cost of living, and the lack of state income tax, it is certainly a viable option for those looking to spend their later years in the Seattle metropolitan area.

The presence of community facilities like Korean markets, restaurants, and churches around 320th Street also makes settling in less lonely.

Imagining an afternoon walking along the Dash Point shoreline with a cup of coffee makes me think that retirement life in this area wouldn't be so bad.

Here, the winter weather is familiar, and if managed well, it seems like a peaceful place to spend one's later years.