Moving to Arizona from Washington & the Pacific Northwest
Washington is the #2 source of new Arizonans — and most people tell us the same thing: they’re ready to trade gray, wet winters for sunshine. Here’s the honest picture for anyone coming from Washington or Oregon.
After California, no state sends more people to Arizona than Washington — roughly 17,600 in a recent year, according to U.S. Census-based data. Add in neighboring Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest is one of Arizona’s biggest sources of new residents. For 55+ movers, the story is usually about two things: the weather and the money.
Straight talk: the Northwest is gorgeous — nobody argues that. But the long gray season wears on a lot of people over time, and Seattle-area home prices have climbed to a point where selling and moving south unlocks real freedom in retirement. That’s the move we help people make.
Why Northwest buyers choose Arizona
- Sunshine, finally. Roughly 300 sunny days a year and dry, mild winters — the single most common reason Northwest buyers give us. No more months of gray drizzle.
- Powerful home equity. Seattle-area and Puget Sound homes have appreciated dramatically; selling and buying in Arizona often means a comparable or nicer home for far less — with money left over.
- A big income-tax drop for Oregonians. Oregon has one of the highest state income-tax rates in the country; Arizona’s is a flat 2.5%. (Washington has no income tax, so for Washingtonians the draw is weather and home costs rather than income tax.)
- No tax on Social Security and no state estate or inheritance tax in Arizona.
- The active-adult lifestyle. Arizona has the country’s deepest concentration of 55+ communities — golf, pools, pickleball, and neighbors in the same season of life.
The honest trade-offs
You’re swapping mild Northwest summers for hot Arizona ones — June through September are genuinely hot, though it’s a dry heat and homes are built for it (our honest take: can you handle the heat?). You’ll also want a straight answer on water; we give one on Is there enough water in Arizona? And you’ll trade evergreen forests for desert scenery — which most people grow to love, but it’s a real change.
What your money does differently here
The two levers that move most for Northwest buyers are home equity and everyday costs. Selling a high-value Puget Sound home and buying in the Phoenix area frequently frees up substantial cash. Here’s the general picture (figures move over time — verify before relying on them):
| Washington / Oregon | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Winters | Gray, wet, short days | Mild, sunny (~300 sunny days) |
| State income tax | WA: none · OR: among highest in U.S. | 2.5% flat |
| Tax on Social Security | Not taxed | Not taxed |
| Seattle-area home prices | Among the highest in the West | Well below Seattle |
Ready for more sun? Let’s talk before you fly down.
Reach out early and we’ll have a shortlist ready and honest answers waiting — long before your first trip. Starting early costs you nothing.
Start the conversation Call or Text (480) 710-6326How the move works from out of state
Most of our buyers relocate from somewhere else, so this is routine for us: we start by phone or video while you’re still up north, narrow down communities that fit your budget and lifestyle, then tour efficiently when you visit (you ride with us, our gas). We handle the HOA and community homework and represent you through closing, coordinating remotely while you wrap up the Northwest sale. See also Why retire in Arizona? and the communities we serve.
Frequently asked questions
How many people move to Arizona from Washington?
Washington is Arizona’s #2 source of new residents — roughly 17,600 in a recent year per U.S. Census-based data (see sources). Add Oregon and the Pacific Northwest is one of Arizona’s largest feeders. Figures update annually.
Is it really that much sunnier?
Yes — metro Phoenix averages around 300 sunny days a year with dry, mild winters, compared with the Northwest’s long gray, wet season. It’s the reason most Northwest buyers give us for the move.
I’m from Oregon — what changes on taxes?
Oregon has one of the highest state income-tax rates in the country; Arizona’s is a flat 2.5%, and neither taxes Social Security. That can be a meaningful change — confirm your specifics with a tax professional and the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Can you help me buy from out of state?
Absolutely — it’s most of what we do. We start remotely, tour efficiently when you visit, and represent you through closing.
Check it yourself — sources
- Migration data: USAFacts (U.S. Census-based)
- Arizona taxes: Arizona Department of Revenue; Oregon: Oregon Department of Revenue
Figures are approximate and change over time — confirm current numbers before making decisions.
Coming from the Northwest? Let’s talk.
I’m Jarl Kubat, a licensed Arizona agent with 22+ years in the state’s 55+ communities. I help Northwest buyers make this move all the time — reach out early and I’ll have answers and a shortlist ready.
Call or Text: (480) 710-6326 ContactPlease verify before you rely on this. This page is general educational information believed accurate as of August 2026. Home prices, tax rates, and migration figures change over time and vary by location, and everyone’s situation is different. Nothing here is legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm current figures with the official sources linked above or a qualified professional before making decisions. Jarl Kubat is a licensed Arizona real estate agent.