You’ve made the decision to move from your house to senior housing in Everett. Not an easy decision, but not one you’ll regret either. Chances are, if you’ve made the move voluntarily, it’s because you’re familiar with the area and want to be close to the city you know and love. For others however, they’ll find that Everett had the best price point and are going into the city blind to what it has to offer outside of affordable housing. For the latter, you’re in luck as below you’ll find a list of 5 locations, communities and recreational activities to get involved in.
1. Historic Planes
Everett is one of the best places to live to grow a passion for aircraft. Whether you’ve been fascinated by the construction and mechanical engineering or want to gain a new appreciation, Everett has two facilities that are worth a look (and even offer volunteer opportunities).
For starters, there’s the Flying Heritage Collection (FHC) which is not a museum in the traditional sense, but a genuine collector’s gallery. In other words, you’re not looking at replicas, but genuine models. Some date back to the 1930s, but many are from World War II. It was common for Americans to salvage the planes during the war and research them. Here, you’ll actually see them. These are expertly maintained and really give you a look into the history of aircrafts. They even feature the old hand-sewn planes from decades past!
If you’re interested in learning more about planes and donating your time, the FHC is always looking for volunteers. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in seeing how planes are maintained and working with your hands, Everett is also home to the Museum of Flight Restoration Center. This center is open to the public to see the process and talk with volunteers but it’s also a great way to get involved. The center houses over 30 planes and all of them are at different stages of restoration, it’s as fascinating as a behind-the-scenes film reel or watching a time lapse of an expert painting.
The volunteers are always eager to show off their work and explain the process.
2. Imagine Children’s Museum
Some people make the move into senior housing to be closer to family, and if that’s the case then a huge selling point is having activities nearby for the young ones to play. In Everett, Washington, you’re in luck since the Imagine Children’s Museum enables children to have fun, learn a little, explore, and play.
This interactive museum has tons of displays that are fun for kids, but also offer higher levels of learning. Take the “Air-Mazing Laboratory” that vacuums scarves through a series of tubes and shoots them out for the grandkids to catch! To help explain the system though, there are exhibit signs to help explain the scientific properties of air and how the machine works. This way, kids can enjoy the exhibit, but older grandchildren can also connect with their grandparents.
Of course, there’s few exhibits more fun than the Piccolo Café where kids can dress as waiters and waitresses and attend to their parents and grandparents orders. This interactive role-playing can help build communication and organizational skills while still being fun for the whole family.
3. Schack Art Center
If you’re interested in seeing some modern art, the Schack Art Center is one of the best places to go. This center features displays from local artists: printmaking, acrylic, water colors, and of course, glass blown pieces.
What’s great about this art center though is it provides more than a gallery, it’s also a classroom. Seniors and students alike can sign up for classes and learn how to create art just like the local artists. If you’re a grandparent looking to connect with a teenage grandchild, this may be one of the best activities to engage in with each other—night classes are even offered to better suit the schedules of today’s youth!
4. Parks
What would retirement be without some peace, tranquility, and serene vistas? Fortunately for those who choose senior housing in Everett, Washington, there are several beauteous parks that offer long walks, hikes, and picturesque views of the lakes.
There’s Legion Park which offers a beautiful view of the bay and also provides picnic areas, golf courses, and various sporting fields. Howarth Park which is 28-acres of hikes, trails, and glorious beach—not to mention dogs are allowed off-leash here—and there’s a playground for children.
Last, but not least, there’s Spencer Island Park which is a birdwatcher’s dream. It has the fresh water from Snohomish River and the salt water from Possession Sound, so you get a unique ecosystem of wildlife, but especially birds.
5. The Historic Everett Theatre
Not only does this theater serve as an historic landmark of Everett, but it also has the most eclectic assortment of features. They show old classics (like the 1923 rendition of The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and modern independent films (from Sundance film festivals)—they even serve wine.
More than films however, the theater is open to live performances of all varieties. Some types of shows you can expect are one-man shows featuring esteemed saxophonists; comedy shows featuring improvisational or scripted comedy; classic plays but done in a new light (like the Wanderlust Circus’ rendition of A Christmas Carol).
In addition to those performances, they also project live sporting events and have interactive sing-alongs. It’s more than a movie theater. It’s a community and you can buy season passes to enjoy its eclectic variety of shows year round!
In addition to all this, the city of Everett has a lot to offer for senior housing residents. Not simply communities to get involved in, but sights, and touring events. There are plenty of charter fishing trips and boating tours so there’s never a dull moment. Regardless of whether or not you’ve chosen to move to Everett for your retirement, it’s a quality location to build new memories and enjoy the company of your peers.
Contact our senior housing advisors for a complete selection of homes. Whether you’re looking for specific care purposes or simply looking to retire, we’ll help you find the right home.
