Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Local News


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Comments (0)     E-mail article     Print view

Issaquah makes list of healthiest U.S. places to retire

Issaquah is spotlighted as one of the country's 10 healthiest retirement spots in a U.S. News & World Report article that hit stands Monday.

Seattle Times staff reporter

A U.S. News & World Report article that hit stands Monday spotlights Issaquah as one of the country's 10 healthiest retirement spots.

The national news magazine called Issaquah a "gem of a city" that promotes healthy living through its hiking trails, water recreation, senior community center and pedestrian-friendly development in the "urban village" Issaquah Highlands.

"I'm really pleased, and I'm not surprised," said Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger, noting trailheads to Cougar, Squak and Tiger mountains and an active community swimming pool program. "We have a really great and easy-to-get-around community. You see lots of people out and about, folks out biking. We just have a lot of things, so people can be as active as they wish."

She said the city's "small-town connectedness" makes it easy for people to find "a sense of place and a sense of belonging."

About 10 percent of the city's 26,000 people are over the age of 65, Frisinger said. The bulk of the population is between 20 and 64, and families are attracted to good schools in the area, she said.

"A number of people who have retired here have done so to be near family, near grandkids," she said.

Frisinger pointed to the city's retirement communities and "robust volunteer system" (residents can serve on city boards and commissions and at the historical society and the fish hatchery) as opportunities for active social engagement — something experts associate with better health and lower death rates.

"People are still here who are fourth- and fifth-generation residents, and they're always very eager to share the history and to welcome newcomers," Frisinger said.

Other cities featured in the report include Bella Vista, Ark.; Boulder, Colo.; Eden Prairie, Minn.; Green Valley, Ariz.; Longmeadow, Mass.; Portland, Maine; Punta Gorda, Fla.; Reston, Va.; and Walnut Creek, Calif.

The U.S. News & World Report article can be read at: www.usnews.com/features/business/best-places-to-retire/best-places-to-retire.html.

Noelene Clark: 206-464-2321 or nclark@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

More Local News headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

Comments
No comments have been posted to this article. Start the conversation.

advertising

Seattle Times Fund For The Needy offers opportunity to give

Tugboat sinks on Seattle's waterfront

Child-support error costs nearly $21,000

Danny Westneat: Bonus for supe with a B minus?

Nicole Brodeur: You have more to spare than you think you do

Advertising

Video

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Real Salt Lake is handed the 2009 MLS Cup trophy at Qwest Field, November 22, 2009.

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Interview with New Moon actors
Full interview with New Moon actors
Artistic Roller Skating
Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising