What is the Secret of the Weather in Sequim WA?

Talk to an outsider and you are led to believe that the Pacific Northwest in Washington State and Annual Rainfall are synonymous. Despite the reputation, a review of the facts reveals a whole different perspective.
Although, the mountains, water and lowlands all contribute to the most diverse weather in North America, you might be surprised to learn that Seattle ranks 54th in metro cities (100,000+ Population) with an average rainfall of about 38" a year. (Winner is Mobile, AL. with 65 inches). So let us put that rumor to bed.
However, holding the record for the lower 48 states is the small town of Forks, Washington (pop 7000) with an average annual rainfall of a whopping 120 inches. That is 10 feet a year! The locals joke that if you see someone with an umbrella; they are a tourist. Amazingly, the annual rainfall decreases one-half inch for every mile you travel east.
Keep heading east and you will find yourself in the "Blue Hole or Rain Shadow" known as Sequim, WA. One of Sequim's claims to fame is the average annual rainfall of only 16" a year. That is equal to Hollywood, California. If that isn't dry enough for you, head another 7 miles north to the Dungeness Spit and you lose 5 to 7 inches more per year.
How is it possible to go from the wettest area in the nation to an area that matches Southern California by driving only 70 miles?
The secret is Sequim's proximity to the Olympic Mountain range. As most of our rainy weather blows in from the southwest, the wet air starts rising up the southwest corner of the Olympics becoming heavy as it rises dumping a good portion of it's goods on the lucky folks living in Forks. By the time it reaches the summit, most of the moisture is gone. The air sinks down the Northeast side of the Olympics right over Sunny Sequim.
What does this mean to the residents and why is everyone interested in Sequim Real Estate?
The weather allows for year round produce growing seasons you won't find anywhere else. Imagine fresh produce in the dead of winter. The home prices are lower than southern California and make it an excellent place to retire. Most transplants find that a luxury water view property can be purchased for half the price of a similar property in California.
Don't worry; we have property in every price range with most either with Water or Mountain View or both. If that isn't enough, Sequim is accommodating to retirees with state of the art medical facilities and the whole gambit of outdoor activities.
Sequim is often listed on 100 best places to retire and I invite you to visit and find out what all the fuss is about.
Don Fourtner
Coldwell Banker Town & Country
http://www.sequimrealestateonline.com/