Online Relocation Packet
Welcome to our Online Relocation packet. We hope this will answer basic questions regarding moving to Sequim. But if you can't find an answer to your question, or if you just want to talk, please call us at our toll free number (800-814-4122). We don't just sell houses. We help you by providing the information you need about Sequim and the surrounding area. This is what we do.
RELOCATION PACKET
Located on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, the Sequim-Dungeness Valley is famous for its mild, dry climate and as a haven for those seeking to live in an unparalleled natural environment. Its proximity to Olympic National Park and Canada, its fields of lavender and its small-town ambience make it a favorite destination for relocation because it offers a style of life that is becoming all too rare.
The snowcapped peaks of the Olympic Mountains and the pristine Strait of Juan de Fuca surround Sequim, a city of just over 6,000. Located along the scenic north coast of the Olympic Peninsula, Clallam County’s forests and waters provide this quaint, comfortable town with a setting that is both beautiful and full of opportunity. The downtown area stretches along a two-mile section of Highway 101, which runs from California to Washington, and is one of the nation’s most beautiful routes. Art galleries, shops, and a variety of restaurants provide a bustling social ambience.
Although it frequently rains through most of Washington’s coastal cities (Washington is home to the world’s only temperate zone rain forests) Sequim receives only 16 inches of rain a year. This pleasant climate draws a plethora of retirees and vacationers to the area each year. A significant number of the town’s residents are, in fact, retirees. They come for the scenic, 8,000-foot peaks, the proximity to the coast, and the excellent quality of life.
Another pleasant aspect of life in Sequim is the friendly people. Small-town values still apply here – it’s common for folks to wave to each other on the trails, streets and sidewalks as they shop, walk to work or take their daily constitutionals. Lending a hand to those in need is a core value as well.
The surrounding area is rich in culture and history, having been home of the S’Klallam tribe long before the arrival of Europeans. The descendants of these Native Americans still make their homes on Sequim Bay and contribute to the arts and culture. The Native Art Gallery showcases some of these indigenous works, while the Museum and Arts Center exhibits the history of the area and its inhabitants.
The arts and culture scene is accentuated by the recreational opportunities. The nearby bay has a natural port and provides abundant seafood and recreation for residents. The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, the world’s longest natural sand spit, sports miles of sand and gravel beaches and is the home of the famous Dungeness crabs. Visitors can wade in these calm waters or watch for the rich marine life found in the tideflats. Saltwater fishing is allowed year round on the Strait side of the spit, and horseback riding is allowed October through May.
McHugh Realtors has been a part of this close-knit culture for generations. We can get you situated and feeling at home in no time. McHugh Realtors stands ready to be your ambassador to this incredible place – we know you’ll end up loving Sequim as much as we do!
With all it has going for it, it’s not surprising that Where to Retire magazine featured Sequim as one of America’s best places to retire.
Sequim
Recreation
Sequim citizens take pride in their hometown and celebrate each spring with the Irrigation Festival and each July with the Lavender festival.
Sequim has recreational opportunities for everyone, from the active to the relaxed. The Olympic Mountains offer plenty for square miles of amazing wilderness area for exploration. Residents have access to this and other pristine reserves anytime of the year, and can take advantage of the endless biking, horseback riding, and fishing in the area. For those who prefer a more leisurely approach yet still enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, there’s bird watching, relaxing at the beach, and the chance to simply enjoy the views.
The Juan de Fuca Strait just to the north is a treasure in itself. Locals can enjoy the marine life that populates the area, and the sand, sun, and surf form the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located on the strait-side of the Dungeness spit and offers the unique opportunity to see wildlife and harvest tantalizing sea creatures such as clams, oysters, scallops, and crabs. The Dungeness Spit and Sequim area have been made world famous by Dungeness crabs.
The crown jewel of Sequim’s recreational opportunities is Olympic National Park. The park is an amazing natural and recreational resource. The park hosts the world’s only temperate zone rain forests, the Hoh Rainforest. Towering fir and cedar stand carpeted with two feet of mosses and ferns. Some of the most beautiful mountains in Washington are found here, as well as other attractions like hot springs and waterfalls.
Education
The Sequim School District provides for nearly 3,000 students. There are a total of five public school buildings in Sequim, each one providing computer laboratories and all the modern tools for children’s success. Students of the Sequim School District regularly score well on their SAT’s and three-quarters go on to college.
For post secondary education, Peninsula College has an extension campus in Sequim and offers several courses for adults. The main campus is located 15 miles away in Port Angeles and provides a wider spectrum of classes and programs. The Peninsula College Pirates make their home in Port Angeles. Peninsula College is a community college with many Associate of Arts degrees available. They’ve also just added a Bachelor of Applied Science, Applied Management degree.
There are 3 private schools in the county.
Queen of Angels is located in Port Angeles.
Olympic Christian School is located between Sequim and Port Angeles.
Mountain View Christian School is located in Sequim.
Weather
Summer in Sequim brings average temperatures of 60 degrees and July highs of 68 degrees – perfect weather for a day at the beach or a hike into the Olympic National Park. In the fall the rain picks up and residents often carry umbrellas. Sequim receives only 16 inches of rain a year, a remarkable fact as it’s located on the west coast. Sequim is a truly unique spot on the Peninsula. Rainfall increases 1 inch per mile going west from Sequim, and almost as much going east.
Winter brings most of the rain keeping the countryside lush and green. Residents can continue to enjoy their favorite activities even in the winter months. Area temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees. We average 306 days a year with at least some sunshine!
Clallam County
Sequim and Port Angeles are situated in Clallam County, between the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Clallam County provides many services and opportunities for its citizens.
Clallam County and Sequim are situated perfectly for a variety of industries. The area’s proximity to the Port of Port Angeles, the northern most, deep-water port in the US, means that it’s an excellent base for international trade, especially with Asia. This port joins America with Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and Brisbane, Australia. All major West Coast markets can be accessed via an extensive system of highways and even ferries.
The excellent transportation opportunities appeal to both large and small businesses. Some of the larger businesses in the county include Safeway, Nippon Paper Industries, and 7 Cedars Casino. First Federal Savings and Loan, Westport Shipyards, and Costco are other companies that contribute to the economy.
The tourism sector is thriving in Sequim and all of Clallam County. World-class resorts, restaurants, and the magnificent Olympic National Park attract visitors. The services and sales sectors in the area employ nearly one-half of all residents. The large number of retirees also contributes to the excellent services and sales industries. Overall, the county enjoys a solid economy, low unemployment rates, and continued job growth.
Clallam County is serviced by Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles. They provide “Big City Medicine and Home Town Care”.
Property tax information can be found here. In general, a homeowner can expect to pay approximately 1.2% of what they think the home is worth.
Keep current with the news in Sequim and Clallam County with the Sequim Gazette and the Peninsula Daily News.
Other demographic information can be found on the Clallam County Economic Development Council site
Sequim is home to many churches. You can find the church of your choice at this site.
Calendar of Events
The following are events that occur in Sequim or Port Angeles during the year. We’d love to see you here to help celebrate.
| February | Chocolate Festival |
July |
Arts in Action |
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April |
Jazz in the Olympics |
Lavender Festival |
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May |
Juan de Fuca Festival |
August |
Port Angeles Heritage Days |
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Irrigation Festival |
Clallam County Fair |
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Halibut Fishing Derby |
September |
Dungeness River Festival |
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Olympic Cycle Classic |
October |
Strait Thunder Hydroplane Races |
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June |
North Olympic Discovery Marathon |
Crab & Seafood Festival |
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Dairy Month activities in Sequim |










