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Retirement Living In Columbia Basin - Washington


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Area Description

Soap Lake is a small community built along the shores of a mineral lake (also named Soap Lake) in the high desert area of central Washington. According to the 2010 census, we have 1514 residents, give or take a few. Incorporated in 1919, the town has a long history as a healing community.

Beginning hundreds of years ago, Native Americans from various tribes would gather here to trade, dig roots, race horses, and soak in the mineral waters. Noting its healing properties, they called the lake "Smokiam," meaning healing waters.

It’s a quiet community, with an eclectic population. There is much to love about Soap Lake. With 300 days of sunshine each year, you will find a ton of outdoor activities. Fishing, hiking, camping. And, of course, the lake with its healing waters. The silty, silky mud isn’t just therapeutic, it’s fun too! Some of the Arts venues are the Masquers Theater where you can see live plays. We have a growing Art scene including a local museum, art gallery, and festivals. We have two beautiful RV parks near the lake with golfing and swimming.

Includes Cities/Towns: Ephrata, Moses Lake, Soap Lake.

Region Characteristics



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


    Our area is know for its outdoor activities, water sports, fishing, hunting, hiking. There are many lakes with RV parks and resorts. Soap Lake is a mineral lake, similar to Baden Baden and known for its healing waters. People come for the mud and mineral water spas.

Cultural Activities



Public transportation


We have a County bus system that can take you to most towns in the county. Train service is located about 5 miles away, in neighboring Ephrata.

Medical Facilities


The closest hospital is only 5 miles away. There are additional hospitals within 20 miles. Medical centers are close also.


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Columbia Basin, Washington?

For those of you that retire in Columbia Basin, you will enjoy warm summers, a cool fall, a cold winter and a temperate spring!

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the low 30's and highs in the upper 30's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 20's. Expect some rainy days in the winter. Assume a few days of snow with a lot of days with snow remaining on the ground.

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Columbia Basin such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 30's. Expect a few days of rain.

Summertime in Columbia Basin is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the low 70's and highs in the mid 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the mid 50's. Expect some days above 90°. Expect a few days of rain.

Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 30's. Expect a few days of rain.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  23 F°  30 F°  36 F°
 Feb  27 F°  35 F°  43 F°
 Mar  32 F°  43 F°  55 F°
 Apr  38 F°  50 F°  63 F°
 May  46 F°  59 F°  72 F°
 Jun  53 F°  66 F°  79 F°
 Jul  58 F°  73 F°  88 F°
 Aug  57 F°  72 F°  87 F°
 Sep  48 F°  63 F°  78 F°
 Oct  38 F°  50 F°  63 F°
 Nov  29 F°  37 F°  46 F°
 Dec  22 F°  28 F°  34 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  26  1
 Feb  0  22  0
 Mar  0  16  0
 Apr  0  6  0
 May  1  1  0
 Jun  3  0  0
 Jul  13  0  0
 Aug  11  0  0
 Sep  2  0  0
 Oct  0  7  0
 Nov  0  19  0
 Dec  0  28  1

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  1 "  8  25 %
 Feb  1 "  6  27 %
 Mar  1 "  6  30 %
 Apr  1 "  5  33 %
 May  1 "  5  38 %
 Jun  1 "  4  43 %
 Jul  0 "  2  46 %
 Aug  0 "  2  46 %
 Sep  0 "  3  41 %
 Oct  1 "  5  36 %
 Nov  1 "  8  31 %
 Dec  1 "  9  24 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  6 "  17  4
 Feb  3 "  8  2
 Mar  1 "  1  1
 Apr  0 "  0  0
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  0 "  0  0
 Nov  3 "  3  2
 Dec  9 "  14  5


Natural Disaster Areas


Cost of Living for Columbia Basin, WA

Columbia Basin, Washington cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

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Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options


Senior Assistance in Columbia Basin, WA

Columbia Basin, Washington offers the following assistance for seniors:

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


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