Sequim

Tucked into the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains on Washington’s North Olympic Peninsula, Sequim (pronounced “Skwim”) enjoys something rare for the Pacific Northwest: sunshine. While nearby cities collect 60 to 80 inches of rain annually, Sequim averages just 16 inches, earning it the nickname “the Banana Belt.” That meteorological quirk, combined with stunning mountain and water views, has quietly turned this small city into one of Washington’s most compelling places to call home.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

With a population of just over 8,100 residents, Sequim has the feel of a close-knit community where neighbors still recognize each other at the farmers market. The median age of 60.3 reflects what many already know — Sequim has long attracted retirees seeking a slower pace without sacrificing beauty or amenities. But don’t mistake it for a retirement community. Young families, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts have steadily discovered the area, drawn by the proximity to Port Angeles, the Hood Canal, and ferry access to Victoria, British Columbia. The Dungeness Valley stretches out between the city and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, offering a landscape that genuinely earns the word “breathtaking.”

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing in Sequim is more accessible than in Seattle or even Port Townsend, though prices have climbed in recent years. The median home price sits around $382,400, which buys you considerably more square footage and land than you’d find in most western Washington markets. Neighborhoods like Bell Hill and the areas near Carlsborg Road offer a mix of established homes and newer construction, while properties closer to Sequim Bay State Park tend to command a premium for their views. Rentals are available but can be tight, so prospective residents planning to lease before buying should start their search early. The median household income of roughly $52,977 reflects a community where many residents are on fixed retirement incomes, so stretching your dollar matters — and Sequim’s lack of a city income tax and Washington’s absence of a state income tax help considerably.

Employment and Economy

The local economy leans heavily on healthcare, retail, and tourism. Olympic Medical Center is one of the largest employers in the region, providing stable jobs across clinical and administrative roles. The tourism sector — fueled by the Lavender Festival each July, one of the largest lavender celebrations in North America — supports a range of small businesses, restaurants, and lodging. Remote work has opened Sequim up to professionals who want peninsula living without career compromise. Those needing more robust employment options will find Port Angeles, about 15 miles west, expanding their choices meaningfully.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Life in Sequim revolves around the outdoors. The Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the United States, offers world-class birdwatching and hiking. Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge is roughly an hour away, delivering alpine scenery and winter skiing. The Olympic Discovery Trail runs through town, giving cyclists and walkers a scenic corridor that stretches toward Port Angeles in one direction and the Hood Canal in the other. Downtown Sequim has grown into a genuine destination, with locally owned restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and the popular Sequim Open Aire Market drawing crowds on weekends. There’s a genuine sense of community here that larger cities often lose.

The Bottom Line

Sequim isn’t for everyone — if you crave urban energy, nightlife, or a large job market, you’ll feel its remoteness. But for those prioritizing natural beauty, clean air, a manageable pace, and a community that genuinely invests in itself, Sequim delivers in ways that surprise even skeptics. Visit during lavender season, drive out to the Spit at sunrise, and see if this sun-kissed corner of the Olympic Peninsula doesn’t start feeling like home.