Welcome to Sunny Sequim
Where Seattle's rain clouds fear to tread
Tucked in the Olympic rain shadow, Sequim (pronounced "Skwim" - we'll forgive your first attempt) gets less rain than Los Angeles. Seriously. While Seattle drowns, we're out here growing lavender and wondering what all the fuss is about.
"It's like Provence, but with better coffee"
Understanding the "Blue Hole"
It's not marketing. It's meteorology. The Olympic Mountains literally block rain clouds, creating a Mediterranean-like microclimate in the middle of the Pacific Northwest.
Annual Rainfall Comparison
Honest confession: When I told friends in Seattle I was moving to Sequim, they looked at me like I'd said I was moving to the moon. "Isn't that like... really far?" Yes. And really sunny. Best decision I made.
— Local convertYear-Round Sunshine
While Seattle averages 152 cloudy days, Sequim sees blue skies most of the year. Perfect for gardening, outdoor activities, and your mood.
Olympic Backdrop
Those same mountains blocking the rain? They create a stunning backdrop for your daily life. Hurricane Ridge is 45 minutes away.
Dungeness Spit
The longest natural sand spit in the US. 5.5 miles of beach, a historic lighthouse, and more seals than you can count.
Lavender Capital of North America
The Lavender Festival
Every July, Sequim transforms into the most fragrant place on Earth. The Lavender Festival brings 30,000+ visitors to tour farms, attend workshops, and buy more lavender products than any human reasonably needs.
- Third weekend in July
- Self-guided farm tours
- Street fair downtown
Fair warning: You WILL become the friend who gifts lavender everything. Lavender soap. Lavender honey. Lavender sachets. Your closet will smell amazing, but your gift budget will be 90% lavender-based.
Neighborhoods & Living Costs
Where to Live
Downtown Sequim
$1,500-1,900/moWalk to restaurants, the farmers market, and library. Mix of older homes and newer apartments. Most "urban" option (and I use that term very loosely).
Dungeness / Cline Spit
$1,800-2,400/moCoastal living near the famous spit. Larger lots, water views, and beach access. Premium prices but you're paying for the views.
Sunland
$1,400-1,800/moActive 55+ golf community with amenities. Popular with retirees who want social activities built-in. Golf course, pools, clubhouse.
Happy Valley / Bell Hill
$1,600-2,200/moRural acreage with mountain views. Space for horses, hobby farms, and privacy. You'll need a vehicle for everything, but the sunrises are worth it.
Monthly Budget Reality
Typical Monthly Costs
Single person / Couple estimates
The Real Talk About Sequim
Because you deserve to know what you're getting into before loading up the moving truck.
What We Love
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The weather is genuinely different
It's not marketing spin. You'll video call Seattle friends while you're in a t-shirt and they're under an umbrella.
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Tight-knit community
People wave. They actually stop to chat. The Saturday farmers market is basically the town meeting.
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Nature at your doorstep
Olympic National Park, Dungeness Spit, endless trails. If you're outdoorsy, you hit the jackpot.
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Cheaper than Seattle (way cheaper)
Your housing budget goes much further. Same state, fraction of the price, more space.
What to Consider
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You need a car. Period.
Public transit is basically non-existent. If you don't drive, this will be challenging.
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Limited shopping
One grocery store. No Target. No Costco (Port Angeles has one). Amazon becomes your friend.
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Older demographic
Median age is 55+. Great if you're retiring. Tougher if you're 30 and looking for nightlife.
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Medical considerations
Olympic Medical Center handles basics. Specialists often mean a trip to Seattle or Silverdale.
Look, if you're coming from a big city expecting Sequim to have "everything," you'll be disappointed. But if you're coming here because you want sunshine, peace, lavender-scented air, and elk occasionally blocking your driveway... welcome home.
— The honest truth from someone who made the move
Planning Your Move to Sequim
3-6 Months Before: Scout Trip
Visit in both summer AND winter. Summer shows you the lavender magic. Winter proves the Blue Hole is real. Drive around neighborhoods. Eat at local spots. Make sure the pace of life fits you.
2-3 Months Before: Housing Hunt
Rental market is competitive, especially in summer. Consider short-term rental first if buying. Connect with local realtors early - many listings go fast.
1 Month Before: Book Movers
Moving to the Peninsula takes planning. Book professional movers who know the Highway 101 route and ferry schedules (if coming via Kingston).
First Week: Essentials
Get your bearings at Safeway. Find the good coffee (hint: Hurricane Coffee). Introduce yourself to neighbors. Drive out to Dungeness Spit for your first "I live here now" moment.
First Month: Connect
Hit the Saturday farmers market. Join a local group or club. Visit the library. Wave at the elk (from a safe distance). Start collecting lavender products against your will.
Ready to Chase the Sun?
Let's Get You to Sequim
Whether you're coming from Seattle, California, or anywhere else, we'll handle the logistics so you can focus on picking out your new lavender welcome mat.