7 Most Affordable Towns to Retire on the Pacific Coast
Finding a budget-friendly retirement spot along the Pacific Coast can be tricky. The region is famous for its raw beauty, with crashing coastal scenes and ancient forests, but it is just as notorious for its high cost of living and expensive homes.
Look in the right places, though, and the coast opens up. Scattered along it are towns ideal for retirees who want to stretch their dollar in scenic settings, with the same dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming communities that draw people to the coast in the first place. Here are seven of the most affordable towns to retire on the Pacific Coast.
Crescent City, California
With the redwoods just around the corner, any retiree with a passion for nature will feel right at home here.
The town also has home prices lower than the national average, offering an affordable place to settle in.
A retiree who enjoys casting out a fishing rod will find the Smith River close by, offering some of the best salmon and steelhead fishing in the area.
Crescent City is surrounded by dramatic scenery, featuring wild shores and beaches like Pebble Beach, famous for its bright agate stones. This coastal spot has lots of chances for fun outdoor things to do like walking, watching birds, and spotting whales when they migrate.
The areas around Crescent City were home to many Native American tribes before settlers arrived, like the Tolowa Dee-ni'. Local events, museums, and classes keep their culture alive by highlighting their traditions and stories, and are an important part of the town's current history and legacy.
Westport, Washington
With an average house price of just over $280,000, this town is a good option for coastal living after retirement. It helps that Washington has no state income tax, so more of a retirement check stays in your pocket.
The town has a relaxed vibe, with pretty beaches and ocean views. It is an ideal spot for a calm, slow life after retirement.
This place has a rich history of sea travel and is famous for its large deep-sea fishing industry. In Westport, there are lots of boats available for hire that take folks out to sea to catch fish like salmon and tuna.
Westport Light State Park is a must-see stop. Inside the park, you can find Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Washington. Built in 1898, it is 107 feet high and lets you see amazing views of everything around it from the top.
The town is also lively with things to see and do. Some of the fun things to do include the Westport Art Festival, Crab Races and Crab Feed, and the big World Class Crab Derby.
Eureka, California
If retiring amongst beautifully preserved architecture sounds appealing, Eureka is a top-tier choice.
It has one of California's largest collections of Victorian houses, and among these, the Carson Mansion stands out as a prime example of Victorian architecture, known as one of the finest in the whole of America.
The town is also the gateway to some of the tallest, most majestic trees on Earth. The nearby Redwood National and State Parks have ancient giant redwoods, hundreds of years old. These parks draw in people who love nature and hiking from all over the world.
The town is lively, with a community feel that is great for retirees who want to stay active and sociable. There is always something to partake in, like art walks and music festivals.
All year round, it hosts different cultural festivals, including the Redwood Coast Music Festival.
Ocean Shores, Washington
With low crime and a laid-back pace, Ocean Shores is a fine option to retire in.
In fact, home values in town sit around $400,000, well below Washington's state average.
If walking around and searching for gorgeous birds sounds like a great time to you, then you will love your time in Ocean Shores.
The place to check out is Damon Point. It is highly regarded for its beautiful views and calm beach walks. Plus, you can see birds and sometimes even spot grey whales depending on the time of year.
Every year the town holds the Razor Clam Festival & Seafood Extravaganza. Here people gather to search for clams, try to make the top clam chowder, and have fun listening to live music.
Close by, near Ocean Shores, visitors can explore the Quinault Rainforest in the Olympic National Park. This temperate rainforest provides a stark difference to the beach setting of Ocean Shores.
Port Angeles, Washington
With the Olympic National Park just next door, Port Angeles is a prime spot for retirement.
The park has everything from mountains with glaciers, ancient forests, and more than 70 miles of wild beaches. It is also great for hiking, watching animals, and just having fun outside.
Rent in town is 15.6% cheaper than the national average. Plus, there are lots of chances to enjoy the outdoors, making it a great spot if you enjoy nature and save some money.
Retirees who love the arts should check out the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. It is located in a gorgeous forest park, and visitors can find art from local artists and a sculpture garden with walking trails, combining art with nature.
Traveling to other spots nearby is simple too. From Port Angeles, you can hop on a ferry to Victoria in British Columbia. There, you can visit places like the immersive Royal BC Museum and the world-class Butchart Gardens.
Gold Beach, Oregon
Where the Rogue River meets the Pacific, Gold Beach delivers coastal Oregon living at a price that still works for retirees. The average home runs around $411,000, comfortably below the statewide median, and Oregon charges no sales tax, which stretches a fixed income further.
The Rogue is the town's centerpiece. Retirees can take a jet boat ride upriver, cast for salmon and steelhead, or just watch the boats come and go from the harbor.
There is plenty more within reach. The Cape Blanco Lighthouse stands up the coast on one of Oregon's westernmost points, the Siskiyou Mountains offer hiking a short drive inland, and the rocky shoreline hides tide pools worth picking through at low tide.
Coos Bay, Oregon
This town is the largest on the Oregon coast and plays a vital role in the area's economy due to its deep-water port. Living in Coos Bay is less expensive than the average for both the country and the state. It costs about 10.5% less than the national average and 21.7% less than what you would typically pay in Oregon.
If you envision spending time outdoors after you retire, just south of Coos Bay, visitors can explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which stretches for 40 miles alongside the ocean. Here, you can find vast areas of beach sand dunes, some of the largest temperate coastal sand dunes in the world.
Love seafood? The town and its surroundings are renowned for their seafood. The area hosts numerous food events each year, such as the Charleston Seafood Festival and other similar festivals.
In Conclusion
Retiring along the Pacific Coast does not have to strain your finances. These towns pair genuine affordability with the natural beauty the coast is famous for, along with lively cultural scenes and welcoming communities. Most offer mild climates and plenty to do, striking a balance between a relaxed pace and an active one. For anyone after a coastal retirement where budget meets beauty, they are proof it can be done.
