Indian River Colony Club
Melbourne, Florida
Port Ludlow, Washington
What It Is Like to Retire in Port ludlow
Located on the shores of Puget Sound on the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, Port Ludlow is a scenic and small coastal community with a population of 3,096 (2022 census), many of whom are affluent and retired. It is an unincorporated community named for the marine inlet on which it is located. Originally a logging and sawmill community, its economy declined during the first half of the 20th century. Now it is a popular stop for visiting boaters.
Where to Retire in Port ludlow and Home Prices
Living in this pretty coastal town comes with a price. Zillow reports the median home value was $664,000 in 2024. Port Ludlow is designated as a "Master Planned Resort" (MPR) Community, and almost all the homes in Port Ludlow which are in the MPR, belong to one of several homeowners associations. Condos and single family homes and homesites are available, with homes on the water selling in the $Millions. Because of its location, Port Ludlow can offer homes with water views, mountain views, and golf course or forest views. Port Ludlow Resort is a popular residential community here.
What Is Special about Port ludlow
The small community is the gateway to the Olympic National Park and home to a 300-slip marina, walking trails, and farm-to-table restaurants.
What Is Not Special about Port ludlow
It is expensive to live here and there are tolls to pay when crossing bridges that connect the peninsula to other points of interest. Although there is no income tax, the sales tax is 9%.
Who Will Like Retirement in Port ludlow
Retirees who are looking for a small, waterfront town with many outdoor activities would enjoy living here; the community is close to both the Olympic National Park and the Olympic National Forest; the agricultural region of Chimacum is just minutes away where you will find many farm stands and organic produce; there is a medical clinic, and the Bookmobile from the Jefferson County library visits Port Ludlow weekly.
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is driven by professional services and tourism.
Climate and Physical Environment
January's average temperature is 40 degrees, and July's average is 63 degrees. Port Ludlows only gets about 2 inches of snow each year, and an average of 24 inches of rain.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are many good restaurants from which to choose, including seafood and farm-to table cuisine. There is an Artist League here and The Port Ludlow Performing Arts is an organization the brings events to the community, but for cultural events you would have to travel around the peninsula or head to Seattle, about 100 miles away. Residents of the Port Ludlow Resort enjoy over 100 clubs that include bird watching, and photography.
Crime
The crime rate here is low.
Medical facilities
The Port Ludlow Clinic offers a variety of services.
Transportation
You do need a car to get around Port Ludlow and biking is not a popular mode of transportation. If you don't own your own boat, the Washington State Ferries offers many routes including those to Seattle. You can also fly in and out of Port Ludlow via a float plane.
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