Black Diamond 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Black Diamond is a hidden gem less than 30 miles from Seattle. With its stunning natural beauty and friendly community, it's no wonder why this location is gaining popularity among 55+ homebuyers seeking a laid-back lifestyle. Black Diamond has a rich history as a coal mining community, and you can still see remnants of the mining days in the local museums and attractions. The town's charm is complemented by the beautiful views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains, which are visible from various points in the town. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Black Diamond offers hiking trails, fishing, and skiing opportunities, all within a short drive. To learn more about visiting or moving to the area check out the city's website which provides information about local events, businesses, and community news in Black Diamond.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Black Diamond is 45.1 percent higher than the national average but is still lower than other urban areas in Washington State. Housing costs are the largest expense, with the median home value being around $747,200, which is higher than both the state and national average. However, compared to other nearby cities like Seattle or Bellevue, Black Diamond offers more affordable housing options. Other costs in the city vary when compared to the national average. Healthcare and utilities are 12 to 20 percent lower, groceries are 3 percent higher and transportation costs are almost 50 percent higher than the national average. 

Sales tax in Black Diamond is 8.7 percent, 6.5 percent is state tax and the remaining 2.2 percent is city tax. Black Diamond is in King County, one of the most expensive counties in the state for property taxes. King County residents will pay an average of 0.88 percent of assessed home value in property taxes.

Washington has no personal income tax which is great for retirees on a budget. Property taxes can be high but there are programs to assist seniors with their taxes. Washington does not have estate or inheritance taxes. Washington does have very high sales taxes, the combined state and local sales tax rate is almost ten percent in some locations.

Climate and Geography 

Black Diamond is in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and the mountains have a noticeable effect on the weather, especially in the winter when cold air from the mountains leads to very cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. The average winter temperature in Black Diamond ranges from 33 to 46 degrees, and the area receives an average of 29 inches of snowfall annually. Summer temperatures range from 50 to 75 degrees, with relatively low humidity levels of around 60 percent. Like much of the Pacific Northwest Black Diamond is rainy a good part of the year,  average annual rainfall is around 40 inches. 

Being a mountain town Black Diamond is surrounded by beautiful scenery and natural landmarks. The town is known for its proximity to Lake Sawyer, a 280-acre lake located about 2 miles east of town, which provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, and other recreational activities. Black Diamond is located close to Mount Rainier National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the Pacific Northwest. The park boasts stunning mountain views, waterfalls, glaciers, popular ski areas, hiking, and wildlife viewing. With its beautiful scenery and proximity to outdoor recreational activities, Black Diamond is an ideal location for retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Black Diamond offers a variety of activities and events for residents and visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options in the area:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Lake Wilderness Golf Course
• Washington National Golf Club
• Maplewood Golf Course

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Mount Rainier National Park
• Lake Sawyer Regional Park
• Black Diamond Trail System
• Green River Gorge Conservation Area

Museums and Historical Sites

• Black Diamond Historical Museum
• Maple Valley Historical Society Museum
• Mary Olson Farm

Performing Arts

• Black Diamond Community Theater
• Green River College Performing Arts
• Auburn Symphony Orchestra

Parks and Gardens

• Lake Wilderness Park
• Flaming Geyser State Park
• Soos Creek Botanical Garden

Festivals and Fairs

• Black Diamond Labor Days Celebration
• Maple Valley Farmers Market
• Enumclaw Street Fair

Health and Wellness 

Black Diamond offers a variety of health and wellness opportunities for 55+ active adults. Nearby medical centers include MultiCare Covington Medical Center and Valley Medical Center, both of which provide comprehensive medical services.  The area also has numerous options for keeping fit including many parks which offer space for walking, hiking, and biking. There are also a variety of fitness centers and yoga studios in the area, such as Snap Fitness and Yoga to the People, providing a range of exercise and wellness classes.

For those interested in maintaining a healthy diet the Maple Valley Farmers Market and the Enumclaw Plateau Farmers' Market are nearby. These markets offer fresh, locally grown produce, as well as artisanal foods and handmade crafts.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you're considering buying a home in a 55+ community in Black Diamond, taking a trip to visit can help you get a sense of whether it's the right fit for you. Here's a two-day itinerary to help you familiarize yourself with the area:

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Black Diamond Bakery & Cafe. This local favorite is known for its baked goods and hearty breakfast options.
• Take a stroll through the historic downtown area of Black Diamond, which is home to several charming shops and cafes.
• Visit the Black Diamond Historical Museum to learn more about the town's fascinating history.

Afternoon:

• Head to Lake Sawyer Regional Park for a leisurely afternoon of hiking, fishing, or kayaking on the lake.
• Grab lunch at the Lake Sawyer Grocery & Deli, where you can enjoy a delicious sandwich or burger and take in the beautiful views of the lake.

Evening:

• End your day with a relaxing dinner and beer at the Lumber House Brewery. This family-friendly restaurant serves up delicious burgers, soups, and sandwiches in a cozy atmosphere.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at Creative Coffee Brewing or Gravity Coffee.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss your retirement community options and get more information about the area.

Afternoon:

• After your meeting, head to the Green River Gorge for a scenic drive through the stunning canyon. This is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area.
• Grab lunch at one of the many food trucks in the area, Parian Taqueria is a local favorite.

Evening:

• End your trip with a delicious dinner at the Black Diamond Grill, which serves up fresh, locally-sourced food in a cozy atmosphere.

Getting to Black Diamond, WA

Black Diamond is easily accessible by car, as well as by air or train. Here's how you can get to the area:

By Car:

• If you're driving from Seattle, take Interstate 5 south to Interstate 405 south, then take exit 4 to merge onto WA-169 S/Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd SE toward Maple Valley/Enumclaw.
• If you're coming from the east, take Interstate 90 west to exit 25 and merge onto WA-18 W toward Auburn. Take the WA-164 E exit toward Enumclaw and follow WA-164 E to WA-169 S in Enumclaw.

By Air:

The closest major airport to Black Diamond is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is approximately 25 miles north of the town. Many major airlines fly into SEA, including Delta, United, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest. SEA is a major hub for both Delta and Alaska Airlines.Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service from the airport to Black Diamond.

By Train:

Amtrak's Cascades and Coast Starlight lines both stop in Seattle, which is approximately 35 miles north of Black Diamond. Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service from the train station to Black Diamond.