Firstly why Newcastle, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Newcastle
• State: Washington
• Population: 13,011 people
• Newcastle’s quick summary would be Newcastle residents enjoy Coal Creek trails, easy Bellevue access, and a nod to our coal mining history.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 2,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 3,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a suburban lifestyle and access to amenities attracting families

Perk #1: Newcastle Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $68,700
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Newcastle is $70,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1300 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Newcastle’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,432
• Property Tax %: 0.85%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Newcastle
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Newcastle, Renton, Issaquah, Kent, and probably could include Bellevue
• Avg. Age of Homes in Newcastle: 33 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Newcastle’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Newcastle are  Health Services, Retail, and Manufacturing
• Newcastle Job Scene: limited job market mostly in retail and local services
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence primarily focused on local services and community projects , ,
• Newcastle Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Newcastle: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 40 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 7

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Newcastle

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-405 provides access through Newcastle connecting it to Seattle
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Coal Creek Parkway
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Newcastle: 35,000
• Cars registered per Person: 2.7
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Newcastle: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Newcastle’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Newcastle is best described as mild winters cool summers with significant precipitation
• Winter Weather in Newcastle i’d describe as cool and rainy
• Spring Weather in Newcastle can be described as cool and rainy
• Summer’s in Newcastle are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Newcastle is usually cool with dry intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in Newcastle below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 42 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by regional growth
• Newcastle Winter Air average air quality influenced by urbanization

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Newcastle Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Newcastle 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Newcastles’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Newcastle Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Newcastle Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Newcastle only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Newcastle only Police Officers is about 60
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Newcastle’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Newcastle’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Newcastle’s Water Quality Score: 78

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Newcastle

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small suburban community with a focus on family amenities
• You might enjoy concerts at local venues
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Newcastle  offers cozy local pubs and dining options suitable for relaxed social gatherings with friends and families

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Newcastle

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local eateries and casual dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 15 scattered around Newcastle
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Newcastle can be described as suburban area with a focus on family and local governance
• Newcastle’s Longer standing religious establishment is Newcastle United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Newcastle Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Newcastle has 15 Parks?
• Newcastle Golf Club Park is Newcastle’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Newcastle Farmers Market normally open Saturday 10am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Newcastle Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Newcastle can be described as quiet suburban community with a focus on family and local amenities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Newcastle hiking trails exploring parks community picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Newcastle are Tacoma 35 miles away Bellevue 10 miles away Renton 10 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Newcastle or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on Coal Creek Parkway. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Newcastle’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Newcastle is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Newcastle are Tacoma 35 miles away Bellevue 10 miles away Renton 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Newcastle has 4 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Newcastle people have an average (positive or negative) $1300 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Newcastle. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general suburban area with a focus on family and local governance could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Newcastle.

Retiree & Senior Life in Newcastle

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive assistance through property tax exemption programs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Seasons
• Newcastle Senior Center provides meal programs diverse activities and health resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Newcastle, Washington?

If Newcastle, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Newcastle, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!