For many buyers, finding the right home is about more than square footage—it’s about lifestyle. Washington offers a diverse selection of 55+ communities designed for active adults who value low-maintenance living and easy access to recreation and amenities. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant cities, peaceful suburbs, or coastal retreats, there’s a community to match your pace and priorities.
We’ve taken a look at the NWMLS database (which contains hundreds of thousands of listings, dating back to the 1990s) to check out different kinds of 55+ homes and where to find them.
Why Choose a Home in a 55+ Community?
- Accessibility and Comfort: Homes often feature single-level layouts and modern designs tailored to active adults.
- Low-maintenance Living: Many communities manage landscaping and exterior upkeep, freeing residents to focus on leisure and wellness.
- Community and Convenience: Clubhouses, fitness centers, organized activities, and proximity to shopping, healthcare, and parks.
- Built-in Social Networks: Shared amenities and activities create opportunities for connection and engagement.
55+ Manufactured Home Communities: Affordable & Active Living
Manufactured home communities tailored to those aged 55 and older offer vibrant, affordable, and low-maintenance living, where nature, lifestyle, and community converge.
In 2024, NWMLS brokers sold 1,207 manufactured homes in 55+ communities. The cities below saw the most activity:
| City | Homes Sold | Median Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Puyallup | 119 | $116,500 |
| Auburn | 105 | $126,000 |
| Everett | 97 | $135,000 |
| Olympia | 79 | $117,500 |
| Sequim | 74 | $225,750 |
| Marysville | 72 | $124,500 |
| Bellingham | 66 | $145,500 |
| Bremerton | 64 | $130,000 |
| Federal Way | 61 | $115,000 |
| Bothell | 59 | $212,000 |
- Puyallup, Auburn, and Everett lead in volume, showing strong demand for affordable homes that are close to amenities.
- Sequim and Bothell stand out with higher median prices, reflecting premium settings in popular retirement destinations.
Residential 55+ Communities: Comfort, Style & Convenience
For those seeking the feeling of a traditional neighborhood or resort-style amenities, Washington’s 55+ communities deliver a blend of comfort, convenience, and connection.
In 2024, NWMLS brokers sold 531 homes in site-built 55+ neighborhoods.
| City | Homes Sold | Median Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Redmond | 88 | $1,291,193 |
| Lacey | 87 | $631,990 |
| Black Diamond | 55 | $786,331 |
| Bonney Lake | 47 | $737,000 |
| Bothell | 27 | $549,950 |
| Des Moines | 24 | $519,500 |
| Sedro-Woolley | 22 | $589,250 |
| Mount Vernon | 20 | $652,500 |
| Maple Valley | 18 | $525,000 |
| Oak Harbor | 15 | $585,000 |
- Redmond saw the most sales and the highest prices, indicating strong interest in luxury options with easy access to trails, shopping, and dining.
- Bothell & Maple Valley offer a balance of affordability and access to the Seattle metro area, while Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon, & Oak Harbor provide smaller communities that offer tranquility and a natural setting.
55+ Condominium Communities: Turnkey & Worry-Free
For those seeking turnkey living with maximum convenience, 55+ condos offer maintenance-free ownership, walkable locations, and a sense of community—all without the upkeep of a traditional home.
In 2024, NWMLS brokers sold 267 condos in 55+ communities across Washington.
| City | Homes Sold | Median Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Issaquah | 92 | $537,500 |
| Bellingham | 43 | $475,000 |
| Lynden | 23 | $629,000 |
| Maple Valley | 23 | $525,000 |
| Seattle | 18 | $325,200 |
| Burlington | 13 | $420,000 |
| Puyallup | 13 | $173,500 |
| Federal Way | 11 | $380,000 |
| Tacoma | 11 | $375,000 |
| Redmond | 10 | $724,112 |
- The most expensive 55+ condo market, with a median sale price of $724,112, Redmond appeals to buyers seeking luxury finishes, prime locations, and vibrant urban amenities.
- Among the most affordable, with a median sale price of $173,500, Puyallup offers budget-friendly living and community-focused convenience—ideal for retirees prioritizing value and low-maintenance living.
Taking the Next Step
Interested in buying or selling a home in a 55+ community? Northwest MLS is the central system where thousands of brokers in the Pacific Northwest share and update listings. As a buyer, that means you never miss a listing that fits your criteria. As a seller, this means your home gets more exposure from qualified buyers. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or starting a new chapter, a Northwest MLS broker can help you explore 55+ communities across Washington—both manufactured and site-built.
Data for all reported MLS residential, condominium, and manufactured home sales during 2024 in Washington state.
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