Centralia : Washington

What Centralia is like for active adults

Retirement communities like Centralia in western Washington State offer the opportunity to live in the fast-growing northwest without the high price tag of Portland or Seattle. Centralia has about 15,000 people, a decided small town feel, and an interesting historic district. The Olympic Club Hotel is located within the city's Historic District. Centralia College has over 1,000 students. Baby boomers looking to make Centralia their retirement community will find the average home costs just under $200,000. Centralia is located between Seattle and Portand (OR).

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What is special about this retirement community

The Olympic Club Hotel is the centerpiece of the city's Historic District. Tower Street has a number of interesting antique shops. It has a fully restored train depot, a Carnegie Library (located in Washington Park), Many historically representative murals attract visitors.

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What is not special about this retirement community

The largest employer in the area, a coal mine operator, recently laid off several hundred workers. Fortunately the town's economy has been able to absorb this loss. Several storms in 2007 caused flooding of I 5 and areas near downtown Centralia.

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Centralia attracts people who like living in the Northwest, particularly those who enjoy the outdoors and small town living.

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Local economy is driven by

Previously coal mining had been the biggest employer. But now construction, education, agriculture, and healthcare are taking up the slack.

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Climate and Physical Environment

Centralia is in southwestern Washington, approximately 76 miles south of Seattle

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Cultural environment

Centralia's downtown is lively with much going on. The restored Carnegie Library offers programs

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Medical facilities

Centralia Providence Hospital serves Centralia

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Transportation

Amtrak offers service to Seattle and San Francisco. Olympia Airport is 18 miles away with some carrier operations. Seattle and Portland airports are within a reasonable drive

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Valuable Links

Wikipedia entry on Centralia
Washington state guide to retirement communities

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Facts about CENTRALIA

State: WA
Environment: College Town,Small Town,
City Population: 10,000-25,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: boomer

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