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For many Pacific Northwest residents, retirement isn't about slowing down—it's about finding the *right* place to thrive. Increasingly, retirees from Seattle, Spokane, Bellingham, and beyond are looking east of the Cascades to discover a lifestyle that blends natural beauty, resort-level amenities, and vibrant community connection. Enter **Suncadia**, a mountain resort in Cle Elum that’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after retirement destinations in the region.
Here are the top five reasons retirees are choosing to make Suncadia home:
1. Four Seasons of Outdoor Enjoyment
The natural landscape of Suncadia is a year-round playground. Whether it’s flyfishing on the Cle Elum River, hiking the miles of wooded trails, snowshoeing through fresh powder, or playing a round of golf with stunning mountain views, active adults are drawn to the sheer variety of outdoor experiences here. It’s the kind of place where nature is always just outside your door—and the weather invites you to enjoy it in every season.
2. Proximity Without the Pressure
While many retirees want to be closer to family, few want to give up the space, serenity, and lifestyle they love. Suncadia offers the perfect balance. Located just 80 minutes from downtown Seattle, it allows for easy visits from kids and grandkids—without the congestion or fast pace of city life. It’s also an appealing midpoint for families with roots on both sides of the mountains, making it a true “home base” destination.
3. Resort Amenities That Feel Like a Permanent Vacation
Retirement in Suncadia doesn’t feel like retirement—it feels like a permanent getaway. Residents enjoy access to a world-class lineup of amenities:
-Two championship golf courses
- A spa and wellness center
-Heated pools and hot tubs
-Fitness and sports centers
-Multiple restaurants and a coffee shop at The Lodge
-Seasonal events, concerts, and the upcoming Social Village hub
For those looking to stay active, engaged, and pampered—this is the kind of place that checks every box.
4. A True Sense of Community
One of the most commonly cited reasons retirees choose Suncadia is the people. Whether it’s spontaneous happy hours, organized social clubs, or casual chats on the trail, it’s easy to make new connections here. In neighborhoods like the newly opened Uplands 55+, community is designed into the fabric of daily life, from clubhouse gatherings to pickleball matches and woodland meadow walks. For many, it’s the friendships that make this place feel like home.
5. Thoughtful Homes That Support Aging in Place
Not all homes are created with retirees in mind—but the newest generation of homes in Suncadia is changing that. Builders like Landed Gentry Homes &Communities are offering single-level living with wide hallways, minimal steps, and flexible layouts. These aren’t downsized homes—they’re right-sized, crafted with quality materials, mountain-inspired architecture, and smart design choices that prioritize comfort, accessibility, and livability.
Oh, and by the way...
If you're thinking Suncadia might be your next move, there’s a brand-new 55+community now open within the resort. The Uplands by Landed Gentry is an intimate, gated neighborhood designed specifically for active adults—complete with its own private clubhouse, pickleball court, and a three-acre meadow for stargazing, picnics, and the occasional elk sighting. Model homes are open daily, and homes start from the low $1 millions. Contact their helpful sales team and schedule a tour 360-941-8130. Find out more at www.LandedGentry.com.
Come see what makes this community—and this next chapter—something truly special.
