Top 10 Best Places to Retire in Oregon
I have always said that if I could choose anywhere in the United States to retire, it would be in the beautiful, rugged Oregon. It’s a great place for folks who love the outdoors, scenery, food, wine, arts, history and so much more. It’s also a great place to stay active and healthy! I don’t know about you, but when I reach my golden years I want to indulge in activities such as biking, hiking, exploring and wine tasting. (Yes, wine tasting can be a healthy activity. It’s important to maintain a well-rounded diet with fruits and veggies.)
The biggest challenge in choosing to retire in Oregon is choosing the perfect location for retirement. We understand how exciting yet overwhelming this can be; therefore, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best places to retire in Oregon. In creating our list, we kept some important factors in mind:
1. Cost of living
2. Population
3. Adventure and serenity
The golden years should be the time of your life! Why not spend them in an area where adventure greets you at your front door, serenity is always available and the cost of living is easy peasy? Oregon is the place to be. Allow us to introduce you to the top 10 best Oregonian locations to live out your golden years.
Best Places To Retire
Below, we will walk through the Top 10 Best Places to Retire in Oregon:
1. Roseburg
Many folks refer to this area as the Land of Umpqua. Roseburg, a town with the population of 21,000, is nestled in the heart of the Umpqua River Valley region in southwestern Oregon. It’s a quiet place to settle down in, and it’s surrounded by some of Oregon’s best outdoor adventures. For any outdoor adventurer, you can enjoy mesmerizing waterfalls, green valleys, hiking trails galore, fly fishing and so much more! (I totally did not intend for that to rhyme. Let’s go with the flow, shall we?) Roseburg also provides quick access to Crater Lake, which is really famous by the way, and a large wildlife safari.
The median home value is not too bad either! In fact, it’s one of the most inexpensive places to live in the Beaver State. The median home value is $215,000 in Roseburg. To give you an idea of how great this number is, the median home value for the entire state is $334,000. Now, that’s a real deal! However, don’t wait too long before making your decision to re-locate to Roseburg. The median home value prices are expected to climb. It’s time to seize the day and take advantage of the market while you can.
2. Brookings
Brookings is located in the extreme southwestern portion of Oregon near the California border. Perhaps you’re seeking retirement in the beautiful Beaver State but desire to be near the California border for potential adventures there as well. If that’s the case, then the small town of Brookings is the place for you!
Founded in 1908, Brookings was originally established as an old logging town. Today, the population is 6,300 people. For anyone searching for peace, privacy and serenity, Brookings is the place. In addition to this, Brookings is bordered by miles of clean beaches, beautiful forests and consistently warm temperatures.
This Oregonian paradise has plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. The locals also enjoy downtown festivals, garage sales and art events.
Now for the nitty gritty stuff. . .the median home value in Brookings is $335,000. This matches the state’s overall median home value price.
3. Hood River
In the northern part of the state sits the small town of Hood River. With a population of only 7,100 people, it’s the county seat of Hood River County. (That lets you know just how small and remote this area of Oregon is! The perfect location for retirement and privacy.)
Because Hood River is located in the far northern part of the state, it’s nestled in the Columbia River Gorge region. If you’re seeking some real adventure during your golden years, Hood River is known as the best place in the world for windsurfing! You can also explore incredible hiking trails on the majestic Mount Hood. The town also enjoys hosting traditional festivals such as the Blossom Festival and Harvest Fest. These festivals are so popular that folks from all over the country travel to experience them!
One of the greatest facts about this small town is the easy access to healthcare for folks who choose to live out their retirement years here. When choosing a place to retire, not only do you want somewhere to experience life, but you want to have access to a healthy life. Hood River takes great pride in their incredible healthcare!
4. Ontario
Don’t be misled by this town’s name; it is NOT in Canada. Ontario, Oregon is known as the town, “Where Oregon Begins”. With a population of 11,300 people, it’s the largest town in the giant county of Malheur. It’s located in the far eastern side of the state and in a region known as the Western Treasure Valley.
Ontario is the halfway point between Portland, Oregon and Salt Lake City, Utah. Since the town sits on the border of Oregon and Idaho, it shares the beautiful Snake River with Idaho. The most exciting outdoor adventure in Ontario lurks nearby at Hells Canyon. This place has the deepest river trench in North American! And since Ontario is near the high desert region of Oregon, it can have some of the hottest summer temperatures in all of Oregon.
Clearly, Ontario is an increasingly popular place for folks to spend their golden years. In terms of healthcare support, Ontario has around 3 medical facilities per every 1,000 persons. Therefore, you can have the luxury of a small town, country environment without your healthcare being compromised.
5. Florence
Perhaps you have envisioned spending your golden years in a serene coastal town. Florence, Oregon is just that! Coastal Oregon is known for providing the world with fantastic imagery of calm beaches, smooth waters and singing seagulls. Most of Oregon’s coastal towns are NOT party towns like those in other states such as Florida or California. Florence is the perfect place for maritime life, morning coffee on the front porch and peaceful, evening beach strolls.
The town has a population of only 8,400 people, and most of those people are around age 50. It does have a lively downtown atmosphere, but it’s not the scene for those twenty or thirty somethings. This is YOUR scene. Located at the edge of the Siuslaw River in Lane County, Florence can be your dream retirement town. Who wouldn’t enjoy waking up to the Pacific Ocean everyday?
6. Grants Pass
Grants Pass is an Oregonian city located in the southwestern portion of the state. With a population of 34,500 people, it’s situated along the famous Rogue River where the locals enjoy water sports such as fishing, kayaking, white water rafting and boating.
Many retirees choose Grants Pass because of its appreciation of the arts. You may enjoy events such as the Back to the Fifties car festival for antique automobiles or the Art Along the Rogue festival. Once you make your way to downtown, the Rogue Theater is a must see! It houses some of the best performances while preserving treasured Oregonian history.
In addition to all of this greatness, Grants Pass has a fantastic healthcare program that’s guaranteed to reassure you during your retirement years. There are approximately 2 medical centers per 1,000 persons. Let’s not forget that Grants Pass is next door to some of Oregon’s biggest outdoor adventures and sights!
With that being said, if you’re wanting a touch of city life while not straying too far from the countryside, Grants Pass may just be your pass to an incredible journey through the golden years.
7. Astoria
Located in the far northwestern corner of the state AND the county of Clatsop is the small port town of Astoria. It is here where you can relish in the maritime life rich in adventure, history and serenity. Interestingly, Astoria is the oldest city in the Beaver State as it was the first American settlement in the western side of the United States. And even further, the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition had set up camp nearby at Fort Clatsop! If you’re a history fanatic, Astoria may be the perfect city for you.
Astoria is bordered by the Columbia River which attracts many adventurers and fishermen from all over the country. The Pacific Ocean is just to the west of town and offers a relaxing atmosphere for breathing in the fresh, salty air and soaking up a good book.
Don’t worry; this isn’t entirely a young person’s town. Senior citizens count for at least 20 percent of the population. It’s a great place to feel young again while appreciating all the benefits of your retirement years.
8. Ashland
Ashland is a small city in the southwestern portion of the state. It has a population of 21,200 people and is home of Southern Oregon University. Many folks retire in Ashland because of their appreciation and passion for the arts. The world famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival is hosted in Ashland every year! (To give you a heads up, approximately 400,000 people visit the festival every year.)
When you visit downtown Ashland in search of your new home, you’ll be enchanted with streets and streets of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes and European-style shops. Even better? The city is not far from Oregon AND California’s popular wine vineyards! Wine and cheese anyone?
And as is popular in Oregon, you’ll be surrounded with plenty of opportunities to fish, hike, bike and explore along the picturesque Klamath River.
9. Dallas
Situated in the northwestern part of the state, Dallas has a population of 14,500 people. The county seat for the county of Polk, we promise you that this is not Dallas, Texas. In fact, we believe that Dallas, Oregon FAR surpasses the famous Texas counterpart.
Dallas is the perfect town for relaxation and rest. Dotted with several historical buildings and sites, the town also has 7 parks! These are great locations to walk your dogs, take a romantic stroll with your longtime partner or to simply exhale from life’s daily occurrences.
It’s also close to several healthcare facilities and included in the Salem Metropolitan Area. And should you need some beach time, it’s a short drive to the west!
10. Prineville
Prineville Oregon is nestled in the heart of the state: beautiful Central Oregon. It’s a small town with only 9,250 people and approximately 20 percent of the population are senior citizens.
There’s plenty to do in Prineville! In addition to the small town living, many folks enjoy hiking or fishing along the Crooked River or golfing at the Meadow Lakes Golf Course. We personally enjoy visiting the Prineville Reservoir State Park with a good dose of laughter and a camera. (Smartphone cameras work well too!)
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and excellent healthcare. If you prefer to retire somewhere more private and set apart from the rest of the world, we encourage you to check out Prineville.
Places To Retire Guide Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best places to retire in Oregon. If you are looking to relocate to Oregon, be sure to check out our Oregon real estate search program to research home prices and listings around Oregon.
FAQs
Is retiring in Oregon a good idea? ›
With an abundance of green spaces, stunning beaches, and a thriving cultural and art scene, Oregon is quickly becoming a hotspot for retirees. The state is tax-friendly for retirees, boasts hundreds of farmers markets, is environmentally and health conscious and may be your retirement destination.
Where is the cheapest place to retire Oregon? ›- Coos Bay.
- Woodburn.
- Baker City.
- Hermiston.
- Dallas.
- McMinnville.
- Ontario.
- Klamath Falls.
- Portland. Population: 2,174,000. Median Household Income: $53,230. ...
- Eugene. Population: 168,302. ...
- Salem. Population: 169,259. ...
- Corvallis. Population: 58,028. ...
- Bend. Population: 93,917. ...
- Beaverton. Population: 97,861. ...
- Hillsboro. Population: 106,543. ...
- West Linn. Population: 27,373.
The city of sunshine sits on the southern shore of Upper Klamath Lake, nestled in the Klamath Basin on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains and is said to have the best climate in Oregon.
Is Washington or Oregon better for retirees? ›Washington State is a better retirement destination if you'd like to spend your golden years in a fast-paced city. The beautiful mountain scenery is a plus. Oregon might be better for you if you'd like to explore multiple outdoor activities such as biking, skiing, golf, and fishing.
Does Oregon tax Social Security checks? ›Oregon doesn't tax your Social Security benefits. Any Social Security benefits included in your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) are subtracted on your Oregon return. Does your federal income include any of these?
Where is the best place to retire on the West Coast? ›One of the best places to retire on the west coast is Monterey, a town on the rugged California coast. Whether you want to spend your golden years checking out music and art festivals, on the golf course or with your toes in the sand, you can find it here in Monterey.
What is the best small town in Oregon to live in? ›1. Astoria. The seaside town of Astoria borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River in northwest Oregon. This small town is well known by 1980s cinephiles, as it is the setting for the 1985 classic American movie, The Goonies.
How much money do you need to retire in Oregon? ›In Oregon, average retirement spending stands at an estimated $1,106,165 - the 11th highest among states. Goods and services in the state are 2.6% more expensive than they are, on average, nationwide, and life expectancy at age 65 is 19.7 years to 84.7, compared to 19.5 years to 84.5 across the country as a whole.
What is the warmest coastal town in Oregon? ›Never too hot or too cold, Manzanita, Oregon, has extremely favorable weather all year round. With a minimal number of rainy days year-round, October - April are the wettest months. June - October is the ideal time to visit!
What is the safest place to live in Oregon? ›
- Monmouth.
- Lake Oswego.
- Independence.
- Milwaukie.
- Lebanon.
- Bend.
- Silverton.
- Keizer.
Astoria experience the warmest winter temperatures in Oregon with an average of 47.5.
What city in Oregon gets the least amount of rain? ›Year-Round Livability
Klamath Falls is Oregon's “City of Sunshine” with nearly 300 sunny days each year. While most people think of Oregon as rainy, Klamath Falls is perched at 4,100 feet on the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range with a very different weather pattern than our coastal and I-5 corridor neighbors.
Roseburg, nestled in a spur of the western Cascades in the southern part of the state, rarely accumulates snow, and the Pelton Dam area on the Deschutes River near Warm Springs sees fewer than ten inches of precipitation a year.
What is the best state for retirees to live? ›According to Bankrate's study, Florida is the best state for retirement in 2022, followed by Georgia, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri. Alaska, on the other hand, held last place in our ranking. The state was dragged down by back-of-the-pack scores in affordability and weather.
Are groceries cheaper in Washington or Oregon? ›...
How Much Food Costs in Oregon, Compared to the Nation.
| Rank | 11 |
|---|---|
| State | Washington |
| Est. avg. annual food costs, family of 4 ($) | $10,525 |
| Median family income ($) | $92,422 |
| SNAP recipiency rate (%) | 12.00% |
Washington is one of only seven states in the country that do not charge income tax. Oregon, on the other hand, does charge its resident's income tax. Oregon however does not charge a sales tax on purchased goods, while Washington has a sales tax as high as 10%.
Where is the best place to retire on the West Coast? ›One of the best places to retire on the west coast is Monterey, a town on the rugged California coast. Whether you want to spend your golden years checking out music and art festivals, on the golf course or with your toes in the sand, you can find it here in Monterey.
Is Seaside Oregon a good place to retire? ›Living in Seaside offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Seaside there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Seaside and residents tend to lean conservative.
Does Oregon tax Social Security income? ›Oregon doesn't tax your Social Security benefits. Any Social Security benefits included in your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) are subtracted on your Oregon return.
Where is the cheapest place to retire on the West Coast? ›
Spokane Valley, Washington
Renters in only one city enjoy a cheaper average one-bedroom than those in Spokane Valley, who pay just $1,114. The $411 monthly grocery bill is the most affordable in the entire ranking, and the $359 monthly healthcare cost is the No. 2 least expensive.
- Washington. With a temperate climate, stunning scenery, and 2,500 miles of marine shoreline, it's not hard to see why Washington state is one of the best places to retire in the west. ...
- California. The Golden State has long been a land of opportunity. ...
- Montana. ...
- Idaho. ...
- Colorado.
- Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Miami, Florida.
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- San Francisco, California.
- Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Wilmington, Delaware.
- Tampa, Florida.
- Salt Lake City, Utah.
Brookings reflects the picture that comes to mind when you dream of an ideal retirement. Think miles of pristine beaches, palm trees and year-round warm weather. And like many parts of Oregon, Brookings can serve as an outdoors enthusiast's paradise. Recreational activities include fishing, kayaking and backpacking.
Is Seaside Oregon expensive to live? ›Cost of Living in Seaside, Oregon
According to recent research data, the overall average cost of living in the state of Oregon at 124.4. Far below that average, Seaside comes in with an overall cost of living score of 105.1.
Overall, Coos Bay is a wonderful place to live. If you love nature, you can't go wrong with Coos Bay. With the close beaches and wonderful spots to hike within a half-hour drive of town, any outdoor enthusiast would love living in Coos Bay!
At what age do you stop paying property taxes in Oregon? ›Oregon Property Tax Exemption for People 65 Years of Age and Older Initiative (2020)
What state is best financially to retire in? ›...
Here are the seven most affordable states to retire, according to Bankrate:
- Michigan.
- Tennessee.
- Missouri.
- Mississippi.
- Kentucky.
- Oklahoma.
- Georgia.
Are Social Security benefits taxable regardless of age? Yes. The rules for taxing benefits do not change as a person gets older. Whether or not your Social Security payments are taxed is determined by your income level — specifically, what the Internal Revenue Service calls your “provisional income.”
Are people moving out of Oregon? ›More people moving out of Portland than moving in, data shows. An analysis by the Portland Business Journal found the population of the metro area rose just 0.1% between 2020 and 2021. That's much lower than in years past. PORTLAND, Ore.
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Oregon? ›
Oregon is 13.2% cheaper than Colorado.