The Seattle Times

September 23, 2008

A U.S. News & World Report article that hit stands Monday spotlights Issaquah as one of the country's 10 healthiest retirement spots.

The national news magazine called Issaquah a "gem of a city" that promotes healthy living through its hiking trails, water recreation, senior community center and pedestrian-friendly development in the "urban village" Issaquah Highlands.

"I'm really pleased, and I'm not surprised," said Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger, noting trailheads to Cougar, Squak and Tiger mountains and an active community swimming pool program. "We have a really great and easy-to-get-around community. You see lots of people out and about, folks out biking. We just have a lot of things, so people can be as active as they wish."

She said the city's "small-town connectedness" makes it easy for people to find "a sense of place and a sense of belonging."

About 10 percent of the city's 26,000 people are over the age of 65, Frisinger said. The bulk of the population is between 20 and 64, and families are attracted to good schools in the area, she said.

"A number of people who have retired here have done so to be near family, near grandkids," she said.

Frisinger pointed to the city's retirement communities and "robust volunteer system" (residents can serve on city boards and commissions and at the historical society and the fish hatchery) as opportunities for active social engagement — something experts associate with better health and lower death rates.

"People are still here who are fourth- and fifth-generation residents, and they're always very eager to share the history and to welcome newcomers," Frisinger said.

Other cities featured in the report include Bella Vista, Ark.; Boulder, Colo.; Eden Prairie, Minn.; Green Valley, Ariz.; Longmeadow, Mass.; Portland, Maine; Punta Gorda, Fla.; Reston, Va.; and Walnut Creek, Calif.

The U.S. News & World Report article can be read at: www.usnews.com/features/business/best-places-to-retire/best-places-to-retire.html.