9 Best Pacific Coast Towns For Retirees
The Pacific Coast is an amazing part of the United States to retire to. Bordering the world’s largest and deepest ocean, this coastline is awe-inspiring with its gray and golden-sand beaches, unusual rock formations, and charming towns and cities loaded with amenities and conveniences. While there are many cool destinations here ideal for retirement, a few stand out as the best. These towns are true slices of paradise, yet housing is affordable relative to the state average. But above all, these towns offer peace and tranquility. Here are the best Pacific Coast towns for retirees seeking a uniquely satisfying experience in their golden years.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Ocean Shores is a retirement paradise on the Washington coast that checks all the right boxes. In this town, retirees will worry less about affordability and more about where to start exploring. Homes here sell for a median price of around $350K, far below the state average. On top of that, this coastal gem is full of attractions, one of which is North Jetty. This peaceful beach is characterized by large rocks and scenic ocean views. Similarly, Griffith-Priday State Park will be a favorite for laid-back folks as it has a secluded beach and offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and bird watching.
Those who cherish art will enjoy visiting Fusions Gallery, which showcases works from local artists. Elsewhere, Weatherwax Trail offers a 1.2-mile loop through a coastal forest. Besides the attractions, Ocean Shores is in proximity to reliable health facilities, such as Summit Pacific Medical Center, which is just under an hour away in Elma.
Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo is an amazing place to retire on the Pacific Coast, far from the hustle and bustle of mainland North America. While Hawaii holds the reputation of having the highest state home prices in the US at $750K, homes in Hilo average around $650K. This is despite hosting an abundance of essential services and urban amenities such as Hilo International Airport and the high-performing Hilo Benioff Medical Center, which offers 24-hour emergency care.
As for recreation, attractions like 'Akaka Falls State Park and Rainbow Falls present opportunities to stay active in Hilo. 'Akaka Falls State Park is particularly exciting as it offers a pleasant hike through tropical vegetation to the 442-foot Akaka Falls and the 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Additionally, the Hilo Farmers Market is open seven days a week to supply fresh produce and local products, and Carlsmith Beach Park is a beloved spot to unwind while swimming, snorkeling, and spotting sea turtles.
Port Angeles, Washington
One of the reasons Port Angeles is such a great place for retirement on the Pacific Coast is its affordable housing. Here, homes sell for around $525K, significantly lower than the state average of $650K. Furthermore, several highly-rated medical facilities can be found in Port Angeles, including Olympic Medical Center, which has one of the state’s few Level III trauma centers. A long list of senior living facilities can also be found here, including Laurel Place, which offers assisted living and memory care.
In addition to these facilities, Port Angeles has plenty of attractions to keep retirees active and entertained. For starters, the town is a short distance from the entrance to Olympic National Park, one of Washington’s premier attractions. Here, seniors will have much to enjoy, from tranquil hikes winding through enchanting forests to boating and fishing activities on bodies of water such as Lake Crescent. The 1.8-mile hike leading to the 90-foot Marymere Falls will be particularly satisfying, as it is tranquil and easily accessible. Back in town, Port Angeles City Pier invites seaside strolls and fishing, or you can find your new favorite title at local independent bookseller, Port Book & News.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria, the oldest city in Oregon, is also one of the best places for retirement on the Pacific Coast. Located on the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, this town combines Victorian charm with picturesque coastal scenery and affordability to offer a truly pleasant retirement. Homes in this premium destination cost an average of $550K, which is consistent with the median state listing price. Furthermore, a good number of high-performing medical facilities are right here to cater to a wide range of health needs. The 25-bed Columbia Memorial Hospital is just one of them and offers a variety of services, including hospice care, pharmacy, and surgical care.
Moreover, Astoria is home to plenty of attractions, and the Riverwalk deserves a notable mention. This trail offers the chance to explore the town’s waterfront on foot, with opportunities to check out landmarks such as the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Columbia River Maritime Museum. At the museum, history buffs will enjoy the many maritime exhibits and artifacts. The museum’s collection focuses on the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest and includes tens of thousands of objects, including a full-size watercraft. On top of that, the Liberty Theatre is open year-round to keep everyone entertained with music, dance, and more.
Seaside, Oregon
Seaside is a picturesque jewel on the Oregon Coast that promises a truly blissful retirement at a budget-friendly cost. First, the town is small with just 7,000 people, and it has reputable medical facilities such as the CMU-OHSU Health Primary Care Clinic and Providence Seaside Hospital. Second, Seaside is home to a considerable number of senior living facilities, one of which is Neawanna By the Sea. This facility offers independent and assisted living and is praised for its caring staff, great food, and budget-friendly living options.
To top it off, the town is loaded with incredible attractions, including Seaside Beach, an expansive stretch of sand and surf on the Pacific Ocean. This beach is a haven for relaxation and laid-back activities such as sand sculpting, kite flying, bird watching, and more. For those who love hiking, the Saddle Mountain Trail is nearby, offering a 2.5-mile adventure to the top of Saddle Mountain, with breathtaking views of the Pacific, the Columbia River, and the Cascade Mountains. Despite all of these features, Seaside remains affordable with home prices averaging at $525K, which is just below the state average.
Brookings, Oregon
Brookings is the ideal destination for seniors seeking endless coastal discoveries and affordability. Homes here cost $615K on average, which is slightly higher than the state median, reflecting the town's value and allure. Brookings offers an abundance of pristine beaches on the rugged, beautiful Pacific Coast. Lone Ranch Beach and Harris Beach State Park are a few such spots, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, beach combing, light hiking, and nature photography. Alfred A. Loeb State Park, on the other hand, is a riverside park set amidst a dense grove of ancient Myrtlewood trees, great for fishing, swimming, rafting, and hiking. For health services, Curry Medical Center offers primary care and 24-hour emergency care, as well as a number of specialty services.
Seward, Alaska
Alaska, one of America’s most unique states, is a great place for a relaxing retirement. Within this state, Seward stands out for its location right on Resurrection Bay. Here, retirees will surely enjoy tranquility, alongside access to necessary facilities, such as healthcare, provided by Providence Seward Medical Center, which has a 24-hour emergency room, as well as laboratory, radiology, and rehabilitation services.
Some of Alaska’s top attractions can also be found in Seward, one of which is the Alaska SeaLife Center. This public aquarium is the only one of its kind in the state, serving as a permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility and a center for the study of the northern marine environment. Things to see in the aquarium include steller sealions, puffins, and octopus. Even more exciting, Seward is the gateway town to Kenai Fjords National Park, a vast wonderland full of icefields and uniquely carved valleys. This park offers many activities from boating to kayaking, wildlife watching, camping, fishing, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, flightseeing, and more. For adventure closer to home, Seward's harbor is a destination unto itself, with local shops, eateries, and many companies offering fishing charters and tours off the coast of Alaska.
Gold Beach, Oregon
Gold Beach checks all the right boxes as a charming retirement destination on the Pacific Coast. It is relatively small, with just 2,200 people, and home to Curry General Hospital, one of the best in the region. Additionally, the town has plenty of homes for sale, with the average price being $540K, which is well below the state average. Golf lovers will find the Cedar Bend Golf Course nearby, offering impressive scenery and a nine-hole challenge.
Furthermore, Gold Beach is full of shops and eateries that prioritize local. Fishermen Direct Seafoods, for instance, offers fresh, frozen, and canned fish, alongside crab, oyster, shrimp, and clams. Meanwhile, over 100,000 new, used, and rare books and artworks await at Gold Beach Books & Art Gallery. As for outdoor enthusiasts, Otter Point Recreation Site is just 10 minutes from town and features pristine beaches, unusual rock formations, and walking trails with awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean.
Seaside, California
Arguably, one of the best coastal destinations in which to retire on the California coast is Seaside. With median house listing prices standing at around $875K, it is well above the state average of $760K. However, compared to nearby towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, where average home prices exceed a million dollars, Seaside is still relatively affordable. It also boasts one of the lowest crime rates in California, further adding to the appeal, and Seaside’s location close to major cities is another bonus, as top-notch medical facilities are never too far away. For instance, Dignity Health - Dominican Hospital, one of the best in the region, is less than an hour from Seaside in nearby Santa Cruz.
As for recreation, Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course is another draw, offering a worthy challenge and great scenery. Additionally, the town’s Laguna Grande Regional Park is always a cool place to stroll and picnic amidst lush trees, and the World Theater on California State University's Monterey Bay campus presents a range of quality performances throughout the year.
Retirement should be peaceful, stress-free, and full of interesting endeavors. On the Pacific Coast, retirees will find diverse landscapes, characterized by rugged mountains, dramatic coastlines, and dense forest areas, as well as welcoming communities that offer a mix of affordability and accessibility. From California to Alaska, and even Hawaii, these destinations are ideal retirement towns on the Pacific Coast.
