Where are the best places to ‘micro-retire in Washington? See the list

Four Washington towns appeared in a study determining where Americans would most like to take a “micro-retirement.”

A micro-retirement is a planned months-long career break, or intentional pauses (think seasons, not weekends) to rest, learn, travel, or care for family.

Recognizing this, the development firm Careerminds created a list of the Top 150 U.S. destinations to micro-retire. Respondents were found to favor nature, small towns, and storybook main streets, according to the firm’s 2025 report.

Washington’s serene atmosphere and natural beauty resulted in four towns appearing among the most sought-after micro-retirement spots.

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is 30–40 minute ferry ride from Seattle that delivers you to Winslow, the island’s art-forward downtown area.

Visiting Bainbridge Island is a slow-down that starts the moment you step on deck. For a micro-retiree, that easy ferry ride keeps logistics simple while still feeling worlds away.

Reset ideas: Morning strolls exploring the island, a visit to the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, a morning coffee and journal time at Eagle Harbor, and an afternoon beach walk.

Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor is a classic maritime village on Puget Sound that mixes harbor views with boutique browsing, kayak-calm waters,

The harbor has a “close to everything, yet tucked away” vibe. It’s the kind of place where you measure days by tide charts, not inboxes.

Reset ideas: A sunrise paddle, a walk down the harbor’s path, fresh seafood for lunch, and a golden-hour lookout to Rainier.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is an alpine Bavarian-themed town framed by the Cascades.

The town is all about mountain air, timbered facades, and festival energy when you want it, and miles of trails when you don’t.

Stepping into Leavenworth is like stepping into a real-life storybook town with an easy on/off switch between social and serene.

Reset ideas: Hike down a riverside trail, a quiet visit to the bookstore, a quick pretzel break, and a sunset stroll under the alpine peaks.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend is a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula known for historic architecture, arts, and a dry, sunny micro-climate by PNW standards.

You come for the waterfront and stay for the creative rhythm and slow mornings.

Reset ideas: Watch the Fort Worden sunrise, wander a nearby gallery, visit the lighthouse, relax on the beach, and notebook for an hour at a café.

Curious about the best Oregon towns for a micro-retirement? Check out our article on Careermind’s top choices here.