Sequim is a small, uniquely scenic city on the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula, known for its mild climate and beautiful views of both the Salish Sea and the Olympic Mountains. The town is often referred to as "Sunny Sequim," as it enjoys significantly less rainfall than surrounding areas due to its position in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. The city actually has the lowest average annual precipitation in western Washington at just 16 inches per year, average daily temperatures range from a high of 70 in July and August to a relatively balmy 45 degrees in December. This unique weather pattern has made Sequim a popular choice for retirees, outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle than can be found in (relatively) nearby Seattle. “There are a lot of things that draw people here, so many that it’s actually kind of hard to narrow down,” says Michael McAleer, managing broker at Re/Max Prime and Sequim resident since 2002. “The slow pace, the views in all directions, the hiking, the golf, the water access. And even though it’s a small city, there’s a lot of shopping and some great restaurants. Plus, it’s all centrally located, so it’s relatively easy to get to from just about anywhere in the area.”
Grab a seat and watch the sunset from your mountain homes in Sequim WA.
Rainshadow Cafe offers homemade baked goods and tasty lattes in Sequim WA.
Have a seat with a friend and catch up at Rainshadow Cafe in Sequim WA.
Cedarbrook Lavender & Herb Farm Gift Shopping with friends in Sequim WA.
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From retirement communities to luxury homes
Sequim’s housing stock is extremely varied. First incorporated in 1913, the city features everything from early 20th-century farmhouses and bungalows, to midcentury ranch-style homes, to contemporary two-story builds, along with an increasing number of modern luxury homes. That said, single-family homes built in the mid-to-late 20th century predominate. Properties in the city center often feature modest lot sizes, while homes on the outskirts may sit on several acres, offering more privacy and space. Sequim is also known for its retirement communities, with developments such as Sunland and Parkwood catering to retirees with amenities like golf courses and walking paths. Waterfront properties are highly sought after, providing scenic views and access to private beaches. On the budget-friendly end, manufactured units and condos can go for $120,000 to $400,000. Single-family homes near the center of town typically go for $400,000 to $600,000, while more spacious contemporary properties on the outskirts of town can go for anywhere from $500,000 to $2 million.
In 2023, Sequim averaged a violent crime rate of around 87 instances per 100,000 people. This is slightly lower than state crime rate averages and is much lower than national numbers. It had a property crime rate average of around 162 instances per 100,000, which is well below state and national numbers.
Quaint mid-century bungalows are common in downtown Sequim WA.
Well built luxury cottages are built in the mountains of Sequim WA.
Two story brick homes are common to see in the hills of Sequim WA.
Homes with a view are common in Sequim WA.
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Dungeness Bay, Olympic Mountains and lots of golf
Sequim’s outdoor spaces are probably its strongest draws. “Everyone here shares a love for the outdoors and natural beauty,” says McAleer. Within the city limits, spots like Dungeness River Center and Railroad Bridge Park offer well-maintained walking trails and a nature center. Just outside the city, The Dungeness Spit, part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, is a popular spot for walking, birdwatching and exploring the area’s unique coastal environment. The spit is one of the longest natural sand spits in the world, extending nearly six miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and offering views that stretch all the way to the San Juan Islands and Canada. The city is also just a few miles north of Olympic National Park, and while it can take some time to drive to a trailhead (the only roads into the park near Sequim are gravel), the views within the park are absolutely stunning. The town is also home to some top-notch golf courses. “Cedars at Dungeness is the driest golf course in western Washington,” says McAleer. “That would be a bad thing if this were, say, Arizona, but out here it’s actually perfect.”
The Salish Sea offers a vibrant community to thrive in Sequim WA.
A river runs through the Olympic Discovery Trail in Sequim WA.
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge requires a boat or a long hike to reach in Sequim WA.
Sun sets on the towering Olympic National Forest in Sequim WA.
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The Route 101 retail corridor
Shopping and dining in the area is concentrated in downtown Sequim. Sequim Avenue and Washington Street are the primary commercial corridors, where residents can find big box stores — including Costco and Walmart — multiple supermarkets, and a wide assortment of boutiques and local shops. As for dining, Sequim has a range of options, from casual cafes to more upscale eateries. A number of restaurants fall somewhere in between, including well-loved local lunch spot Oak Table Cafe. The city hosts a seasonal farmers market on Saturdays, where residents can shop for fresh produce, baked goods and handcrafted items.
Downtown Sequim offers many shopping options.
Tedescos offers classic Italian comfort food in downtown Sequim WA.
Cedarbrook Lavender & Herb Farm Gift Shopping with friends in Sequim WA.
Habitat for Humanity Store has what you need in Sequim WA.
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Sequim schools
The Sequim School District oversees five schools in the area, Sequim High School and Middle School, Hellen Haller Elementary and Greywolf Elementary, and the Olympic Peninsula Academy alternative school. Sequim High School offers college credit through its Running Start Program, which partners with Peninsula College Community College in Port Angeles.
Hellen Haller is the elementary school for kids in downtown Sequim WA.
Sequim High School offers a large campus & multiple sports to choose from in Sequim WA.
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The Sequim Sunshine Festival
The city of Sequim hosts a number of popular local events throughout the year, including the Sequim Irrigation Festival in May; the Sequim Lavender Festival in July, which celebrates local farmers; and the Sequim Sunshine Festival in October, which celebrates the city’s climate.
Getting around the Olympic Peninsula
Transportation in Sequim primarily relies on personal vehicles, as the city’s layout and surrounding rural areas make driving the most practical option. U.S. Route 101 runs through Sequim, connecting it to Port Angeles to the west and the Kitsap Peninsula to the east. Clallam Transit provides bus service along 101 as well, though it mostly just connects town centers. It’s a 17-mile drive to Port Angeles and 30 miles to Port Townsend. While Sequim’s branch of Olympic Medical offers a range of medical care, the Port Angeles Branch has the nearest emergency room. For longer trips, the Port Angeles Ferry Terminal provides service to Victoria, British Columbia, and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about two hours away by car. It’s also about two hours by car to downtown Seattle.
Looking for fresh bread or baked goods? Stop by Pane d'Amore Artisan Bakery in Sequim WA.
Bus stop seats have their own vibe in Sequim WA.
Grab a seat enjoy the ambience of Sequim WA.
Check out the tile art while you wait for the bus in Sequim WA.
Ted is a second generation Realtor with 15 years experience. His primary focus is helping people buy and sell residential property, and a secondary focus is educating people about real estate investment opportunities. Ted holds an Associate Broker’s license (which means he has the licensing necessary to run his own real estate company if he chose to), is a Graduate of The Realtor Institute (GRI), and is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).
He has tremendous experience with real estate sales and investing, and his goal is to have that experience benefit the people he interacts with.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
