Oregon vs. Washington for Retirees

Many Californians are looking for a place not called California to retire. I can understand that, believe me, I get it. The border states and even bordering Mexico are often considered prime for Californians since they are relatively close by. Mexico offers one thing to Californians on the plus side, economics. US Dollars are strong in Mexico. The rest of that Mexican-connection equation is pretty sketchy. Arizona and Nevada are for the most part desert regions and one must feel comfortable in that environment. Coastal and Northern Californians may not want the desert lifestyle.

So many turn to Oregon as the only California border state that is not like living on a sizzling griddle. Oregon has a wide variety of terrain and climate so it is a good look for the weary Californian. Washington and Oregon in many ways are quite similar especially when comparing Northern Oregon to Southern Washington.

Washington has a few distinct advantages over her sibling to the south. Most of these come in the form of taxes and general cost of living. For middle and upper income retirees this can be a critical difference. The chart below shows common fixed expenses. For Washington State the Seattle Metro Area was excluded. I do not consider Seattle to be an affordable retirement spot by any measure so it was deliberately excluded. Gasoline and Natural Gas are nearly identical in cost between Oregon and Washington with Oregon being 1% cheaper for natural gas but 5% more for gasoline. Close enough to call those a tie. Oregon actually has a lower base property tax rate but when you get to the Portland-Vancouver Metro area the property tax rates on the Oregon side have heavy local levies that cause a severe increase in that expense. The chart operates under the following assumptions. Household taxable income of $60,000 per year, $200,000 dollar home, average energy consumption of 20,000 KW/H and $20,000 in annual taxable purchases. This chart furthermore makes the assumption that Washingtonians are not making sales tax free purchases across the Oregon border. You will see that the Washington side saves more than $5,000 annually over their Oregon counterparts in the Portland Metro Area. Outside the Portland Metro Area the savings is still more than $4000 annually.

Since natural gas is nearly identical in both states we could compare homes equipped with natural gas furnaces. Of the 20,000 KW/H of annual usage 60% was home heating. This means the difference between the two states if both houses have natural gas furnaces would be $4700 in favor of Washington. It is the income tax in Oregon that makes the difference. For those living at or near the poverty line income tax is a non-issue. For those with a retirement income such as a pension or well funded private accounts, that aggressive Oregon State income tax will bleed you dry. Honestly, I did not run the numbers for the Seattle Metro Area, but it would still probably be cheaper than Oregon just from the standpoint of this: If you can afford a house in Seattle you probably have a six-figure income and in Oregon you would be giving 10% of that away to the state.

For Californians looking for the California "feel" Southern Oregon is hard to beat, especially in and around Medford. The Rogue River Valley has a very Central California feel to it. It is a little chillier in the winter however than most Californians are used to. Medford is also a bit isolated. The metro area is very small and it is a long drive to Portland or Sacramento (roughly 300 miles either way). Northwestern Oregon and Southwestern Washington are either inside or very close to, the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area and all of the related urban amenities provided by a major city.  

Any retiree considering Oregon as a destination would be remiss not to consider Washington state as well.

Sources of data used in this article:

• United States Department of Energy
• Regional Multiple Listing Service
• Washington State Department of Revenue
• Oregon  State department of Revenue

  

Happy Holidays!

Washington State is still a great place to retire. But this week I am going to sit back and enjoy this warmer than average Christmas. Boys are home for the holidays and things are good. Hey, it's Washington, of course it's good :)

Warmest wishes to you and yours this holiday season.

Goldendale is Golden for Retirees

Goldendale, WA lies at the east end of the Columbia River Gorge. This city of 3,500 people is the seat of government for Klickitat County. It lies roughly 100 miles east of Vancouver and the Portland Metro Area.

It is popular among retirees because unlike the areas of Washington that lie west of the Cascades, this area gets 300 days of sunshine each year. Goldendale is situated at a little more than 1,600 feet above sea level. Summers are very warm and very dry. Winters are chilly and about 21 inches of snow falls from November to March. Less than 20 inches of rain falls over the whole year and that makes it as dry as Sacramento, CA.

For retirees that want a beautiful scenic area in which to live, with relatively dry weather but with four seasons; Goldendale should be high on the list. Although snow falls routinely in the winter, the roads stay mostly clear and the snow tends to be of the preferred light and fluffy variety that is easy to clear. Unlike the very nearby Gorge, Golden is less windy. Many wind farms have been built just a few miles south near the gorge, but the town itself doesn't get near as much wind as the Gorge communities. Personally I am not a big fan of wind that hits harder than a stiff breeze, so Goldendale has another advantage in that regard.

Goldendale is a place for people that want to be away from the "city". It is definitively rural. For people that need to have urban amenities, Tri-Cities, Spokane, Vancouver, or Seattle may be a wiser choice among Washington cities.

Overall Goldendale is a great place to retire. Retires interested in this area may also consider White Salmon which lies on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. I wrote about this a little in another blog, here. 

Warm Getaways that are Close!

As we transition into the dark and gloomy fall and it's colder big brother, Winter, some of our residents begin to think about getaways to warmer climates. Sometimes a trip to Hawaii or the Caribbean are just a little too much dough or maybe just too long a trip. Sometimes a weekend getaway is just what the doctor ordered.

Here in Southwest Washington we have great access to one of America's favorite airports. From PDX there are many destinations that are less than three hours air time away.


Las Vegas, NV

753 miles flight @ 2:05 or drive 1054 miles from the 'Couv'

January average temps run 39 low and 58 high. January averages just about a half inch of rain; so dry is almost guaranteed. Vegas can be chilly as it sits at an elevation around 2500 feet. It is high and dry and still much warmer on average than most of Washington State in January

Vegas is a great getaway destination. Flight times out of PDX run about two hours flat. Vegas isn't just about gambling. This town draws people from around the world for food, spirits, conventions, shows and yes even some gambling from time to time.

Los Angeles, CA

824 miles flight @ 2:20 or drive 970 miles from the 'Couv'

January average temps run 48 low and 68 high. January averages just a hair over 3 inches of rain. Generally it all comes in one storm. So again dry is likely. And daytime temps in the upper 60s, Yeah, that doesn't happen here in January. LA is basically at sea level.

LA is huge, They have more people than Northern California, Oregon, and Washington COMBINED! I am pretty sure you can find something to do there. The area is served by multiple airports. It will be crowded however so keep that in mind.

Palm Springs, CA

868 miles flight @ 2:15 or drive 1075 miles from the 'Couv'

January average temps run 45 low and 71 high. January averages just about an inch of rain. This is not high desert as many people think. Palm Springs sits at just 440 feet above sea level. It can get chilly at night but not as bad as Vegas and daytime highs averaging in the 70s in the dead of winter is tough to complain about. Palm Springs is not afraid of tossing around some 90s in January either.

If you like golf, then this is your ticket. This area has over 100 golf courses.

San Diego, CA

930 miles flight @ 2:25 or drive 1090 miles from the 'Couv'

January average temps run 49 low and 65 high. January averages just shy of 2 inches of rain. San Diego has what could easily be considered the best all round weather in North America. Of course I like four seasons and San Diego has only one; pleasant. It sits at sea level.

San Diego is a big city with much to do. It is less crowded than LA but more so than Portland/Vancouver.

Phoenix, AZ 

1000 miles flight @ 2:35 or drive 1341 miles from the 'Couv'

January average temps run 46 low and 67 high. January averages just shy of an inch of rain. Phoenix is not technically high desert as it is situated just above 1000 feet. It can be a bit nippy overnight but temps will average in the upper 60s by day.

This is another great golf getaway but Phoenix is one of America's largest cities and if golf isn't your thing there are plenty of other opportunities for getaway relaxation.

There it is in a nutshell; five great getaways to consider when the cold, gloomy winter gets you down!

Washington Snowbirds Should Winterize!

Some retirees just don't like cold weather. Some of these warm weather only people are in a position to have a winter home in a warmer climate. If these snowbirds claim Washington as their home, they can have a winter residence in any state they want and they still enjoy the tax advantages the Evergreen State offers its retired residents.

Arizona from November through April and Washington from May through October! What a life! If you are new to Washington State and plan on leaving your home for the winter grounds in the south you need to be sure to follow important tips on winterizing your home.

These tips are posted on the Travelers Insurance Website.

If you are a snowbird heading south to avoid the winter cold, there are steps that you can take to help keep your home safe and sound while you are away. A little preparation can go a long way towards protecting your home against theft, damage from water, heating or electrical system malfunctions and other possible threats to your property. Here are some guidelines to consider before you take off.

Make it look like you are home
Your home should look like someone is still living in it. Forward your mail and stop newspaper delivery. Ask a neighbor, friend or relative to collect flyers or other items that may be left at your door. Arrange to have someone mow the lawn if the grass gets too high or remove snow that may accumulate on the driveway and walkways. Also, make sure your alarm systems are in good working order and have been activated. Motion-sensitive exterior lights are good for helping to discourage prowlers, as are lights inside the home. Put lights on timers and set them to come on at varying times.

Protect your pipes to avoid water damage
Take extra care with your plumbing and water before you leave. If a pipe bursts or leaks while you are away, it could cause significant damage. If no one will be home for a long period of time, consider turning off the water supply completely. Drain your pipes of all water by opening the faucets and do not forget to flush your toilet to clear the water from the bowl. To help ensure that the pipes have been drained, consider having a plumber blow compressed air through the pipes.

Washing machines and dishwashers can also cause expensive water damage even when not in use. Shut off the water to these appliances, where possible, to avoid any leaks or broken hoses while you are gone. Consider draining and shutting off outdoor water faucets to prevent vandalism and freezing damage.

Keep your home and plumbing warm
If you decide to keep your water on, the best defense against freezing pipes is to keep the furnace running and the home warm. Leave the heat at 55 degrees or higher to ensure that the interior of the wall cavities, where the water piping is located, does not drop below freezing. Keeping room and cabinet doors open also helps heat to circulate and warm the outside walls where pipes are located.

Every year, have your heating system inspected and serviced before winter. Have your fuel tanks filled before you leave, and ask someone to check on heat and fuel levels regularly while you are gone to ensure you do not run out.

Make your home unattractive to pests
Cleaning your home thoroughly helps discourages new “residents” from moving in. Clean, defrost and unplug refrigerators and freezers, wiping them dry and leaving doors propped open to prevent mildew. Also clean the oven and give away or throw out any uneaten food.

The kitchen is not the only place where you can find unwanted visitors. Inspect your home for any openings where animals can enter. For example, make sure your fireplace flue is closed; bats, birds and squirrels are known to get inside this way. If there is any chance that someone will be using the fireplace in your absence, have chimneys inspected and cleaned to eliminate creosote buildup and make sure there are no obstructions such as bird nests. To help prevent against this, consider installing chimney guard screen caps.

Also, regularly check the insulation, exterior doors and windows, and any weather stripping to help ensure there are no openings where water or insects may enter.

Be ready for emergencies
Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or relative to keep an eye on your home and be available in emergency situations. Give them access to your home so they can regularly check for heating, electrical or water issues. If the weather turns frigid, have them also check the roof for ice dams, and inspect for leaks inside. Make sure they have your contact information and a list with numbers of local people they can reach if repairs or service are needed.

A few more ways to prepare...
Secure external doors and windows with deadbolt locks, security-type hinges and sturdy door frames that cannot be spread apart. Install slide locks or other equivalent security locks on sliding glass doors or French doors.
Do not post your vacation or travel plans on social media sites as potential thieves can then learn your house is vacant.
Have a licensed electrical contractor inspect your main electrical panel, wiring and outlets, and have anything defective repaired or replaced.
Store valuables, which you aren’t taking with you, in a safe deposit box or other safe offsite location.
Unplug all appliances and telephones before you leave.
Remove dead trees or large overhanging limbs that could cause damage.

Fall Color in Washington

Washington state has some fantastic fall color. It is generally found along the western slopes of the Cascade Foothills and it is brilliant. I though I might share this article with you all about five great fall color drives in Washington. To read the fine article by Bill Holland, Click here.

I also though I might re-post the article that reminds you all why Washington is such a great place to retire.

Originally published by Real Estate with Realtor Rod; November 1st, 2013.

Washington State is not the first state you think of when pondering the exodus of retirees to "fairer" locales. You might think of the warmer sun belt states like Arizona and Florida. But Washington offers a unique combination of favorable taxes for seniors, a variety of climates from dry to wet and mild to wild. Washington offers its qualifying seniors a significant reduction in property taxes. There is no state income tax. Southwest Washington really hits the spot, because for those who like to shop and spend money the very nearby Oregon has no sales tax. A trip to the Oregon coast is easy and inexpensive.

Many retirees in the area keep two inexpensive (or expensive depending on their finances) homes. One in Washington State and another in California or Arizona. They fly south for the winter in November and return to our more tolerable climate in the late spring. usually it is better to claim Washington as the "home" state since we have favorable tax conditions for seniors. Although Washington is not the TOP rated state for tax friendly status, it would be when considering the live in Washington, play in Oregon angle offered by Southwest Washington.

Vancouver offers the glorious beauty of the west side of the Cascades with a moderate amount of rain and very modest snow. East of the Cascades delivers much more sunshine but also has more drastic swings in temperature and much more snow in the winter. Southwest Washington also offers close proximity to the aforementioned Oregon Coast and the metropolitan Portland area.

Speaking of the coast, Southwest Washington has the lock on reasonably priced beach property. The Oregon coast is world famous, largely because the state of Oregon spends millions of dollars promoting it. The southern Washington coast is equally spectacular but offers amazing values in property and taxation. This is especially true when compared to Oregon which is very tax unfriendly according to several prominent sources such as Money Magazine and Kiplinger.

Sourced from Kiplinger.com

Our southern neighbor, Oregon is rated as "least tax-friendly" for seniors while we enjoy the "tax friendly" status. Our base property taxes are much lower than Oregon and many seniors qualify for one of four property tax reduction programs. Sales tax is a much less intrusive tax than income tax for middle and upper income seniors. Arizona rated higher than Washington for tax friendly status but actually depending on income and spending habits we might be better than them as well.


Now that all this taxation benefits are out of the way, we can consider other factors. The well known fact that Washington state is absolutely gorgeous is a strong draw. We have four distinct seasons here in Clark County but none are severe. That is tough to find anywhere on Earth. It seems like the proverbial slam dunk for a retirees to move here. And many of them are moving here. So there you have it, Washington State is the best northern state to retire to. Start packing.

Southwest Washington's Coast can be a Value for Retirees!

I posted this on my Coastal Living blog a few days ago, check it out! All the advantages of Washington State and the proximity to Oregon, but at the seashore!

Ocean Front under 200k? Believe it!

I was wandering about on the multiple listing service and stumbled upon this interesting and fantastic property. It is a lovely 1930s cottage with a two bedrooms and a bath. The living area totals 728 square feet. It is an absolutely charming little house that appears to have been very well kept.

The strange thing about this house however is the property on which it sits. The home sits on a 1.5 acre lot that is only 40 feet wide. Barely wide enough for the house. The lot extends more than 1600 feet to the beach. This is true beach front property.



The pink colored lot is the lot and house for sale, from Pacific, County Mapsifter

Like the headline says, this home is under $200k; in fact it is listed for just $189,900. Sure it is just a cottage but it is a tidy little house and it has beach front access! Sure it's only 40 feet of beach front but it's still beachfront! This house is in the city of Long Beach, Washington. It is very close to the Columbia River, Ilwaco, WA Astoria, OR. This is not way up on the peninsula. Long Beach hosts a variety of events every year and has a charming, classic American beach town setting.

I never cease to be amazed at the beach-side opportunities here in the Evergreen State. This property offers up retirees or families seeking a vacation home something they can afford from the middle class rather than the wealthy class. We have some of the best coastal living in America, and sometimes it's even a bargain!