Seattle’s first historic district is Pioneer Square known for its Renaissance Revival architecture, art galleries, boutiques and eateries. Other neighborhoods to explore are the University District, Capitol Hill, Seattle Center and Queen Anne Hill.

Unless you’re coming to Seattle from the East Coast, you may experience some initial sticker shock. The city’s overall cost of living is 20% higher than the national average. On average, you’ll spend $4,250 a month for assisted living in Seattle, according to a recent Genworth financial survey. This is $1,000 higher per month than the national average. A private room in a nursing home costs on average $265 a day, while a semi-private averages $240. There is, however, light in this financial tunnel: there are no taxes on retirement income, and if you’re working there is no state personal income tax.

A little about the infamous Seattle weather: It does rain often but not in buckets, usually just drizzles. For example, Seattle is not even in the list of Top 10 rainiest cities. Between October and May, expect six out seven days to be cloudy. The days between May and September are mostly sunny and dry.

For help with sorting through all the Seattle senior living options, check out “Senior Retirement Lifestyles.”