Retirement Living Seattle

My husband and I in our early 60s, live in New Jersey, near New York. We want to spend our retirement, and are thinking of Seattle, WA or Portland, OR. We note that even 15 minutes from town, we rarely enjoy the activities in New York. We love our region because it is safe, and we can walk to the supermarket and local libraray. However, things we enjoy most is learning in our college classes Retirement Community, covering science, history, literature, etc. We have monthly discussions of our local 'friends group of Socrates. We enjoy life more if there was more art and spirituality, perhaps Buddhism.
I wonder if there are activities for mental stimulation and the artistic nature in these cities, and where we are our "best fit" to be? Some cities offer advanced courses, but they end up being harmless patter rather than contest Learing experiences. Any suggestions?

Seattle and Portland are good choices for retirement.
While Seattle has some great neighborhoods, not all of these areas would be ideal for you.
If you think Seattle, we excel in the arts and culture, literature and music.

When I think of what you said a particular place comes to mind and that is West Seattle. Click on this link:
http://www.wschamber.com/index.php?custo ...

They also have a beautiful Buddhist center again:
http://www.vajralama.org/index.php?id=93

Also the University of Washington has a large courses, lectures, classes and group meetings of interest:
http://www.outreach.washington.edu/olli/

West Seattle is a player 5 to 10 minutes from downtown.

Another place that comes to mind is Vashon Island:
http://www.vashonchamber.com/

It is a bit more expensive than West Seattle, but beautiful, quiet, and a short ferry ride from downtown.

Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle is another good neighborhood, isolated and populated by young professional families and retirees. It is located near the University of Washington, and a 10-minute ride from downtown:
http://www.phinneycenter.org/

You will notice that we do not lack any of your passions, and is very charming and active community here.
All these places are safe and have no higher incidence of crime than any other city comparable in size and population.
I say this, we have less incidence of crime than Jersey.

Also, have you thought Olympia, Wa?
So beautiful, winter, spring, summer and fall.
http://www.gonorthwest.com/washington/pu ...

Olympia offers too good community safety and cultural activities that inspire you.
Olympia is often neglected both as a good place to settle.

I hope you can sort to find the best place for you, Seattle is really a good place to live and so is Olympia.

Portland is also growing in the arts and culture, I do not exclude any of Portland:
http://www.portlandonline.com/index.cfm? ...

I lived in downtown Seattle for decades. The culture is great. Could you love. Only setback is the price of realestate in this area has tripled over the past 5 years. He got crazy, but everywhere like that. Seattle is truly one of ignoring America.