7 Best Oregon Towns For Retirees
Picture this: living in a picturesque Pacific paradise, surrounded by captivating coastal views and lush forests teeming with wildlife. In addition to Oregon’s natural beauty, "The Beaver State" offers a relatively moderate climate, well-established healthcare facilities, vibrant arts scenes, and no taxes on Social Security income, making this a lovely destination to spend your golden years. From Florence to Coos Bay, these are the seven best Oregon towns for retirees to consider!
Florence
While the Italian city is mesmerizing, this small American town with the same name offers its own special charm. Enjoy an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities and a relaxed pace of life in “Oregon’s Coastal Playground,” home to miles of scenic sand dunes, captivating caves, and lovely freshwater lakes. Soak in the scenery of the Pacific from the Heceta Head Lighthouse, a legendary 56-foot tower situated 206 feet above the ocean, or while crossing the historic Siuslaw River Bridge, renowned for its unique architecture (combining a steel bascule span with a concrete rainbow arch). Head on a fascinating journey into the Sea Lion Caves, a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary naturally formed from the basalt rock sea in Florence.
With so many beautiful attractions, you will feel inspired to take your steps and stay active outdoors in one of the best Oregon towns for retirees. You can feel safe knowing PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center has a 24/7 Emergency department alongside other services such as Cardiology, Orthopedics, and Rehabilitation and Wellness available in town, where you can also volunteer. The Florence Events Center hosts all kinds of events, including Choir and Bands, Coastal Fitness Tumbling, and Healthy Living Senior & Lifestyle Expos.
Ashland
Welcome to Ashland, where extraordinary natural beauty and a world-class arts scene await. Between the scenic creeks, gorgeous gardens, and lively recreational facilities of Lithia Park, as well as the magnificent performances of the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, you will have plenty to keep you occupied in Ashland. Not to mention, this is where the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival is held every year, where ten fascinating plays are shown across three stages from March through October. For adventure seekers, the Mt. Ashland Ski Area features hundreds of miles of hiking trails, 18 holes of disc golf, and powdery winter slopes with a peak elevation of 7,533 feet.
Besides an abundance of activities for creatives and nature lovers, you can also access various classes, programs, and activities in the Ashland Community Center, from golf to fitness, aquatics, and more. The Ashland Senior Center offers activities for the mind, body, and soul, from Young at Art to Technology Classes, Line Dancing, Tai Chi, Discussion Groups, and Weekly Movies. Regarding healthcare, the Asante Ashland Community Hospital is located in town and provides residents emergency, cardiopulmonary, general medicine, and other services.
Newport
Spend your golden years surrounded by beauty in Newport, one of the best Oregon towns for retirees. Soak in the coastal scenery as you get sun-kissed on the shores of South Beach State Park, unwind on the beach, venture through the beautiful Beaver Creek Natural Area, or watch the sunset by horseback from the South Jetty equestrian trailhead. See all kinds of unique creatures in the Oregon Coast Aquarium; a wonderful place to take the grandkids when they visit, and enjoy lovely morning strolls down the Newport Historic Bayfront.
Besides Newport’s breathtaking beaches and mesmerizing coastal views, you can also access high-quality medical services. Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, recognized for the Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ by Healthgrades in 2024 and 2025, is in town. Not to mention, you can work on your body and mind while connecting with others through the Newport Recreation Center, where a full-sized Aquatic Center, fitness area, jogging track, and gym drop-in activities are available.
Astoria
Discover Astoria, an enchanting port city renowned for its world-class museums, Victorian-style homes, and gorgeous views of the Columbia River. Admire the extraordinary Queen Anne architecture of the Flavel House Museum, a historical house constructed in the mid-1880s, depicting the history of the Flavel family. See the picturesque panoramic views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge (North America’s longest continuous truss bridge) as you explore the Riverwalk Trail, and soak in the natural scenery of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park along the Pacific Coast.
Whether you are a history buff or a nature fanatic, you will quickly fall in love with Astoria. Plus, with Columbia Memorial Hospital here, recognized by Healthgrades for the Patient Safety Excellence Award™ in 2024, you will feel secure calling Astoria home. Access exercise classes, day trips, free movie nights, a wide selection of books and movies, the computing center, and games at the Astoria Senior Center, where you can connect with others in the community and form long-lasting friendships while boosting your mental, social, and physical well-being together.
West Linn
Named the Safest City in Oregon by SafeWise in 2025 (topping the list for the sixth consecutive year), expect to find a piece of paradise in West Linn. You will feel inspired to be as active as ever, as West Linn is home to an abundance of beautiful outdoor areas, from the riverside Mary S. Young Park to the breathtaking Camassia Nature Preserve, where over 300 plant species can be found. Go wine tasting in a picturesque setting at Oswego Hills Vineyard, a stunning 40-acre estate offering over 20 wines.
Considering West Linn’s close proximity to Portland, the biggest city in Oregon, you can have the best of both worlds, enjoying a peaceful small-town lifestyle while accessing major amenities. OHSU Hospital, ranked the Best Hospital in Oregon by Newsweek and Statista in 2025 (along with several others on the list), can be easily accessed from here. Get to know your neighbors through the Adult Community Center, as you explore the wide range of activities, including Zumba, Tai Chi, Aerobics, Yoga, Painting, Band Jams, Writing Groups, Book Clubs, Games, and even specific Support Groups.
Brookings
Brookings, renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning rock formations, and dramatic rocky areas, is truly a sight for the eyes. Discover viewpoints as pretty as a postcard from the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, or see the breathtaking tidepools in the rocky areas of Harris Beach State Park. Azalea Park is a lovely space where summer concerts, ball games, musical festivals, and holiday light shows are held, while Chetco Brewing Company hosts trivia nights, open mics, Mario Kart, and karaoke, you can enjoy with a selection of beer.
The Curry Medical Center provides healthcare services for residents in town with a 24/7 Emergency Department. Get to know your neighbors through the Chetco Activity Center, where volunteer opportunities are also available to connect with others and help make a difference in the community, in one of the best Oregon towns for retirees.
Coos Bay
Located 20 minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Coos Bay, with its stunning sand dunes and mouth-watering coastal cuisine, is full of wonders. Enjoy peaceful walks through Mingus Park, a gorgeous space in the center of the city with tranquil gardens and aquatic birds, and wander by the water on the beautiful Coos Bay Boardwalk. Watch a performance at the Egyptian Theatre, where all kinds of shows take place and special discounts are offered.
Bay Area Hospital is in Coos Bay, offering a 172‐bed facility with 24/7 Emergency services in town. You can find urgent care, surgical procedures, and specialized treatments here, covering all of your needs.
From the coastal splendors of Florence, to the exquisite architecture of Astoria, and the lovely gardens of Coos Bay, the Beaver State is filled with breathtaking towns offering their own beauty and charm. Whether you are interested in exciting outdoor adventures, captivating arts scenes, or fascinating historical wonders taking you back in time, there are plenty of options to pick from in Oregon. In addition to high-quality healthcare facilities and no taxes on Social Security Income, the Beaver State is a wonderful place to call home. Choose from the 7 best Oregon towns for retirees to make your golden years as incredible as ever.
