10 Best Towns On The Pacific Coast To Retire Comfortably
Retiring in comfort is a personal choice and one that comes in many forms. Some people like Adirondack towns or small communities in the heartland of America. Others head to far-off Alaska or Hawaii to live out their golden years. For many other retirees, the Pacific Coast offers an irresistible mix of scenic beauty, mild climates, and access to quality healthcare. The Pacific Coast is home to communities perfectly suited for relaxed yet engaging retirement living. In this guide, we explore ten of the best towns along the Pacific Coast where retirees can live comfortably, stay active, and enjoy their golden years surrounded by natural beauty and welcoming communities.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel is famous for many reasons, including its scenic outdoor beauty, vibrant arts and culture scene and for its famous one-time mayor, Clint Eastwood. It has come a long way since its early beginnings as an art colony, as now retirees, families and visitors flock to the town to enjoy its white, sandy beaches, boutique shopping experiences, and many artistic and cultural treasures.
Ideal for those seeking a luxurious retirement, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a beautiful setting with a population under 4,000. While pricier than some contemporaries, it remains accessible with a median home price around $595K. It is a walkable village known for its white-sand beach, fine art galleries, and gourmet restaurants like the Dametra Cafe. Retirees can volunteer at the Clinton Walker House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, or hit the greens of the Pebble Beach Golf Club, host of the AT&T Pro-Am and US Open golf tournaments. Those concerned with healthcare can look towards the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, providing world-class medical care. Carmel-by-the-Sea has everything needed for an ideal active retiree searching for culture and natural beauty.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is your destination of choice if you are a fan of historic and charming towns. This area has been a hub since the early 1800s, when it was known as Fort Astoria. Remnants of this legacy are woven into the modern landscape, including a replica of Lewis and Clark’s Fort Clatsop in the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Retirees can volunteer at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, housing a wide array of maritime artifacts, seafaring vessels, and artwork that date back through the area’s history.
With a median home price of approximately $518K, it offers superb value for the location. Astoria is ideal for walkers who enjoy the rich culture and its natural beauty, including Riverwalk, a scenic locale for strolls or light biking or browse the tables at the Astoria Sunday Market that brings locals together in a friendly community setting. Retirees enjoy top-tier healthcare provided by Columbia Memorial Hospital, and the Astoria Senior Center offers opportunities for community engagement for active seniors. The city’s slower pace, quality healthcare access, and charming coffee shops make Astoria a perfect destination for retirees seeking peace with a touch of historical culture.
Mendocino, California
This wonderful community has plenty to make even the most active retiree happy. Perched on dramatic bluffs, it offers stunning ocean views and a tight-knit community. Cool breezes and steady temperature make it ideal for those not seeking dramatic seasonal weather patterns. With a median home price of approximately $575,000, the area is an excellent investment. Retirees can explore art galleries, dine at the Mendocino Hotel Garden Room, and volunteer at museums like the Ford House Home and Museum on Main Street, transporting visitors back to the 1800s.
The real splendor of Mendocino lies in its natural beauty. Hiking is exceptional at the Van Damme State Park and the stunning Mendocino Headlands State Park cliff paths. Walkers can stroll Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park which offers miles of paths and a beautiful light house that is part of the state historic site. And finally, sand and surf fans can play on Big River Beach. Mendocino calls out to artists and nature lovers who look for a paradise to retire in.
Port Angeles, Washington
Known as the “Evergreen State”, Washington attracts many Americans for its natural lushness, and the state’s city Port Angeles, a retiree dream, is no exception. This affordable Pacific Northwest haven offers stunning mountain and ocean views, with a median home sale price of around $400K. There is a lot to keep retirees fed, including the historic Lake Crescent Lodge for fine dining or more casual fare at the senior-friendly Chestnut Cottage Restaurant. The town’s downtown streets make it ideal for walking and the nearby Discovery Trail provides breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. For entertainment, retirees can turn to Field Arts and Events Center and the Olympic National Park, and health and wellness can be handled at the Olympic Medical Center, with assisted living options such as Park View Villas ensure peace of mind. With friendly locals and mild weather, Port Angeles is a perfect mix of relaxation and activity for older adults.
Coos Bay and North Bend, Oregon
The outdoor loving retiree will find a paradise awaiting them in this affordable coastal area in Oregon's largest bay area comprising Coos Bay and North Bend. With a combined population under 40,000 and median home sales price around $316K, the Bay Area represents exceptional value for any retiree looking for cost effectiveness.
This region attracts retirees for its natural beauty and outdoor activities including the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, with its towering sand dunes and multiple trails to discover. There is also the world-class Elliott State Forest for hikes, and Shore Acres State Park that invites outdoor enthusiasts and travelers for both land and sea adventures. For culture lovers, retirees can explore and volunteer at the Coos History Museum, or even catch a show at the historic Egyptian Theatre. For those in need of medical care, Coos Bay and North Bend are healthcare hubs with the Bay Area Hospital, and the North Bend Senior Center providing vital services and social opportunities for retirees.
Gig Harbor, Washington
This stunningly beautiful community, the "Maritime City" of Gig Harbor, offers small-town charm with easy access to big-city amenities in nearby Tacoma. The median home price is around $595,000, but with the waterfront Harbor Walk, boutique shopping, and the MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park close by, the price is right. The city’s status as a premier Pacific Northwest retirement town is solidified by stunning views of Mount Rainier rising above the water on clear days. Retirees can also enjoy the Cushman Trail that provides a six-mile path to walk, bike, or run while enjoying the views and spotting local wildlife. Explorers also enjoy activities like Cruise Hobbes, which allows passengers to sail along Gig Harbor's waters on a private sailboat. The city centre offers abundant shopping with a variety of local stores, and it also plays host to the Maritime Gig Festival where the community comes together and celebrates with live music, a parade, craft booths and food trucks.
Port Townsend, Washington
The retiree should not miss out on what the vibrant and beautiful Port Townsend has to offer on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Here, folks can retire in a Victorian seaport brimming with arts, culture, and maritime history. Port Townsend is a highly walkable town, where retirees who love vintage shopping can hunt for treasures in the Port Townsend Antique Mall, a massive store with over 40 vendors offering objects ranging from the Victorian era to mid-century modern pieces. The vibrant, active senior community have many interesting locales to visit or volunteer at, including Fort Worden Historical State Park, best known for the 19th-century Fort on site as well as the Olympic Discovery Trail, one of the most renowned paths in the area, or take a tour around the Admiralty Outlet, giving a chance to see wildlife like baleen whales, porpoises, and bioluminescent plankton. The median home price is around $575,000 and that gives access to year-round festivals, the historic Rose Theatre, and fresh seafood at Doc's Marina Grill. The town is served by Jefferson Healthcare Hospital, highly rated for patient satisfaction and the Port Townsend Community Center offers excellent programs for retirees.
Bandon, Oregon
Retirees who enjoy the sport will embrace a tranquil golf retirement paradise of charming Bandon. Though famous for its golf resorts, it also offers a dramatic coastline and a quaint Old Town. With a median home price of approximately $475K, it's an affordable luxury, with medical needs are fulfilled at Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center offering quality local healthcare. In town, retirees can stroll the Old Town boardwalks and sample cheese at Face Rock Creamery, and shop at local legends like the Big Wheel General Store and Cranberry Sweets, whose products come from the huge cranberry fields in Bandon that have earned the city the title of "Cranberry Capital of Oregon.” Outdoors, residents should not miss the stunning sight of the waves breaking against the rocks at Kronenberg Park or watch sunset at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. There is also the fantastic state park called Shore Acres, a combination of natural elements and a designed garden that is home to flora from all over the world.
Eureka, California
For the free-spirited retiree, there is a perfect fit awaiting them in Northern California in the historic Victorian seaport of Eureka. It offers median home sales price near $371K, medical support from the St. Joseph Hospital and the Aging and Adult Services of Humboldt County provides excellent resources for senior living. Eureka has unparalleled architecture and direct access to the magnificent redwood forests. There is plenty for retirees to do, including strolling through Old Town Eureka with its unique shops, snacks at the iconic Cafe Waterfront, and then getting immersed in art at the Morris Graves Museum of Art. Afternoons can be filled with a trip to the Humboldt Botanical Garden for a refreshing walk, followed by a quick pint at Gallagher's Irish Pub & Restaurant. In Eureka, retirees can enjoy a calm pace of life that has been nurtured to cater to those who have earned the right to enjoy their golden years.
Oceanside, California
Oceanside is perfectly named as it is surrounded by water on three sides by the Pacific Ocean, the San Luis Rey River and the Buena Vista Lagoon. Here, retirees can experience the classic Southern California beach lifestyle in a more affordable, relaxed setting. With a revitalized downtown and many attractions, the median home price of $595K becomes quite affordable. This is a superb choice for the active retiree with near-perfect weather year-round. Beach walks, cafes and restaurants line the streets, but most downtime will be spent on the most iconic landmark Oceanside Pier, which is lively and fun from morning to night. Retirees can also volunteer or visit the California Surf Museum, enjoy fish tacos at Hello Betty, and take the scenic Coaster Train. The community is supported by Tri-City Medical Center, providing comprehensive healthcare for retirees. An ideal locale to spend the golden years of life.
The Pacific Coast offers retirees an exceptional range of towns, each with its own character, pace, and appeal. From artistic villages and historic seaports to outdoor-focused communities and classic beach towns, these destinations provide comfort, beauty, and strong community connections. Access to healthcare, walkable neighborhoods, cultural activities, and magnificent natural surroundings make these towns ideal for a fulfilling retirement. Whether you seek quiet reflection, social engagement, or outdoor adventure, the right Pacific Coast town can transform your retirement into a rewarding new chapter.
