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
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
![]()
Chase won't pay for Seattle's Lake Union fireworks next year
Group hopes to build 75-megawatt solar park near Cle Elum
Stalled Bellevue tower site won't be eyesore
The end of the light-line line, for now: Tukwila's "Taj Mahal" station
Regional vendors vying for veterinarians' attention at convention

Gen. David Petraeus: Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
Watch highlights of General David Petraeus discussing the Iraq and Afghanistan War at the Global Leadership Series sponsored by the World Affairs Council.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs


Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
What not to wear to work this summer
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new SUV? Weigh the impact your choice will have on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Seattle-area homebuilder losing projects to foreclosure
- Worker dies in chocolate vat; plant didn't have license
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
- Chase won't pay for Seattle's Lake Union fireworks next year
- Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
- The end of the light-line line, for now: Tukwila's "Taj Mahal" station
- World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
- Mariners Blog | Deals involving Mariners shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez not automatically related
- Lawmaker says CIA director ended secret program
- Mariners Blog | Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik again declines to quell Yuniesky Betancourt trade rumors
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
582 - Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners: 07/09 game thread
243 - Chase won't pay for next year's Lake Union fireworks
223 - Yuniesky Betancourt traded to Royals for two minor league pitchers
185 - Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik again declines to quell Yuniesky Betancourt trade rumors
183 - World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
130 - The end of the line, for now: Tukwila is the jewel in the crown of Link
109 - Deals involving Mariners shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez not automatically related
105 - Franklin Gutierrez bails Mariners out in a 3-1 win
77 - Group hopes to build 75-megawatt solar park near Cle Elum
67
- Seattle-area homebuilder losing projects to foreclosure
- World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
- Health-plan costs soar for individuals
- Group hopes to build 75-megawatt solar park near Cle Elum
- Worker dies in chocolate vat; plant didn't have license
- Grab the kids and hop on Amtrak for a stress-free getaway to Portland
- Trees vs. houses: Narrow, leafy street is last chance for two Madrona homes waiting to be moved
- Local Smith & Hawken garden stores to close
- During financial crisis, the business of college sports is complicated by Title IX
- Lavender tour on Vashon Island leads round of festivals





