9 Best Towns In The Pacific Northwest To Retire Comfortably
Tucked away in the northwestern corner of the United States is the Pacific Northwest, a region consisting of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Known for its vast forests and natural beauty, it is a popular destination for retirees hoping to spend their lives surrounded by the great outdoors. While some parts of this region can be expensive, with a sharp eye and a little knowledge, it is possible to find well-priced homes in one of the most beautiful parts of the United States.
Washington
Dallesport
The town of Dallesport catches the attention of potential retirees thanks to median home sales prices of just $441,000. Although it is small, there is no shortage of activities for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. Nearby Columbia Hills Historical State Park attracts residents not only for its natural beauty, but also for the historic petroglyphs carved there by the indigenous natives who called the region home. Just across the river, residents can take a short drive to Heritage Landing, where they can take boats onto the water and fish for the day. However, if you are new to the area, you may prefer to learn more about the surrounding countryside. In that case, the nearby Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum features exhibits exploring the local land and its use throughout history. It is also worth noting that the town is served by several healthcare facilities, including Water's Edge Medical Clinic, which provides service throughout most of the day.
Montesano
Not far from Grays Harbor and located along the Chehalis River, the town of Montesano is a welcoming spot for retirees. It boasts very affordable homes, with median sales prices of just $294,870. Montesano also boasts a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for residents to enjoy. For history lovers, the Chehalis Valley Historical Museum is housed in a historic Lutheran church that dates back over a century. Residents can find items and photos preserving the history of the Chehalis Valley. If you would prefer to spend your day out in the country, you can head to the Lake Sylvia State Park for an afternoon of biking, swimming, and bird watching. Just 10 minutes away in neighboring Satsop, residents can meet with their neighbors for a round of golf at Oaksridge Golf Course. Both nine-hole and 18-hole golfing is available, with discounted rates for seniors.
Ocean Shores
At first glance, Ocean Shores appears small, but it has a decent population for its size. Residents are drawn to the affordably priced houses, with a median sales price of just $390,370. However, Ocean Shores also boasts good weather and numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. As a coastal town, there is plenty of Pacific shoreline to enjoy, from Ocean Shores Beach to the north to Taurus Beach in the south. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate the city's numerous parks and walking trails. Perkins Pond Trailhead provides a lovely afternoon for walking around Perkins Pond. Furthermore, for anyone who wants to spend time enjoying the canals that wind their way through town, the Marine View Boat Launch and Park is the perfect place to set out on the water. For those watching their health, routine medical care is available in town at Sea Mar Ocean Shores Medical Clinic.
Oregon
North Bend
The town of North Bend is particularly attractive if you are willing to spend more on a home while still staying under the state average, with median home prices of $312,750. Located just a short drive from the coast of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded on most sides by Coos Bay, North Bend is particularly attractive to people who enjoy time on the water. Anyone hoping to launch onto the waters and get some fishing in can do so from the Empire Boat Ramp, which is open from November to April. If you prefer to stay inland while enjoying time along the water, you can always walk the shores of the Empire Lakes within John Topits Park. A slightly different way of enjoying the waters can be found at the Coos History Museum. Here, many exhibits focus on the area's coastal heritage, featuring photos of coastal landmarks and historical destinations, as well as artifacts such as boats that once navigated the local waters. For health needs, the Bay Area Hospital provides around-the-clock care for residents of North Bend and the surrounding communities.
Gold Beach
Affordable beachside living is the reason people move to Gold Beach, as even with direct access to the coast, potential retirees can find homes with a median sale price of $450,000. Retiring here means living affordably while enjoying lovely beaches and interesting natural sites, like the Kissing Rock formation that sits alongside marvelous beach views. For those who want to set out to sea, Jerry's Rogue Jets will take you out on the waters for a day of fun riding in a powerful jet boat. Suppose you are retiring to the area and want to learn more about the region and its history. In that case, the Curry Historical Society maintains records and documents that record the area's growth. The Society is also a great place to learn more about the region in general. And while the town is small, it is still served around the clock by Curry General Hospital, which should provide peace of mind for anyone watching their health.
Lakeside
The small city of Lakeside is true to its name, situated on the banks of North Tenmile Lake. Boasting median home sales prices of just $385,000, this is a scenic place to consider retiring if you love time on the lake and outdoors. Nearby La Playa Marina offers boat rentals, including pontoon boats and jet skis. Those hoping for a peaceful afternoon can launch from the Marina for fishing on the lake. For those hoping to mix in a little camping with their time on the water, William M. Tugman State Park is just a few minutes to the north. Located alongside Eel Lake, this is a popular destination for those who want to go fishing or canoeing. Yet, the park also offers hiking trails, biking paths, and picnic areas. If you prefer a view of the ocean, the John Dellenback Trail winds its way westward and is popular among birdwatchers and dog walkers. The trail meets the ocean shores before looping back toward Lakeside. Given its size, Lakeside itself lacks significant health facilities; however, Lower Umpqua Hospital can be reached in nearby Reedsport in just 15 minutes.
Idaho
Grangeville
Grangeville is a small city, but it is the county seat of Idaho County and boasts well-priced homes, with a median sale price of $275,000. Anyone new to the area with a love for history will want to visit the Bicentennial Historical Museum. Residents can explore the city's rich history through exhibits featuring items dating back to the pioneer era. Those who want to enjoy a unique movie-watching experience can sit back and relax in their car at the Sunset Autio-Vue Drive-In. The Drive-In is open seasonally and has operated intermittently since 1955. Finally, when you want to enjoy the great outdoors, the nearby Snowhaven Ski and Tubing Area provides guests with fun on the snow-covered slopes during the winter.
Lewiston
Lewiston is the third-largest city in Idaho, but anyone hoping to retire comfortably should not fret. The median sale price of homes is just $397,500. Located at the junction of the Snake River and Clearwater River, Lewiston is a particularly nice place to retire for anyone who wants to enjoy riverside views. Destinations such as Steelhead Park and Swallows Park invite residents to enjoy relaxing times along the water. Further inside town, the Modie Park Conservancy is a great place to get involved with the community, offering opportunities to volunteer in various capacities, from gardening to discussing the park's history. If you want a fun day out with the family, though, you can always head to Hells Gate State Park to camp, hike the trails, or do some bird watching. The area is also well served by several healthcare providers, including the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, which provides around-the-clock care.
Orofino
One of the advantages of living in Orofino is the cost of housing, with the median sale price of a home being $257,000. Though woodlands surround Orofino, it still manages to combine a suburban feel in a rural setting. It should probably come as no surprise that there is plenty of fun to be had outdoors, in particular. Anyone who enjoys camping can easily make their way north to the Big Eddy Recreation Site, where visitors can enjoy time boating on Dworshak Reservoir. South of town, you can enjoy time hitting the green at Orofino Golf and Country Club. Yearly rates allow golfers to enjoy both nine-hole and 18-hole golfing. However, if you want to stay close to home, you can always enjoy time walking along the Clearwater River during a day at Ahsahka Beach. Visitors can enjoy time boating on the water, fishing, or simply hiking in the surrounding area. Notably, despite the town's small size, residents have access to healthcare through several providers, including State Hospital North, which offers care 24 hours a day.
Comfortable Living in the Pacific Northwest
Whether you want to make a home touring the state parks of Idaho or prefer the coastal vistas of Oregon and Washington, the Pacific Northwest has plenty to offer anyone about to retire. Best of all, you will not have to break the bank in order to find a home here. Attractive destinations from Hells Gate State Park to the beaches of Coos Bay are all within a short drive of affordably priced homes, so check out all the great places that you can call home out in the Pacific Northwest.
