Oregon's 9 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

With more than 110,000 miles of meandering rivers, 1,400 named lakes, and 361 state parks, the lush greenery of Oregon is the perfect place for nature lovers to spend their golden years. Whether you’re looking for something like Klamath Falls, far removed from the big cities in the Klamath Mountains in the State south, or you want something a little closer to the city, like Lake Oswego, there’s an option here for you. If you’re looking to retire, take the time to visit some of the towns on this list and see everything they have to offer.

Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego tends to be more expensive, with costs about 35% above the national average, but it also offers better-than-average healthcare services. Providence Milwaukie Hospital is roughly a 15-minute drive from the downtown area, and there’s a Zoomcare clinic on A Avenue that provides various services, including primary care. Located just south of Portland, between Lake Oswego’s shores and the Willamette River, this suburb is popular among Portland day-trippers. Its peaceful Tyron State Natural Area, with many hiking trails, attracts many who want to settle there for retirement. Residents often shop at the local farmers’ market on Saturdays at Millennium Plaza Park from spring through fall. While beautiful, this city is somewhat exclusive, with average property values around $888,000.

Florence

Sitting between the shores of the Siuslaw River and the Pacific Ocean, idyllic Florence is a bustling vacation town with lots to do for more playful retirees. Heceta Beach is just a short 10-minute drive from downtown and is a good choice for those looking for an afternoon swim or sunset-lit walk. About 11 miles north of town, you’ll find Sea Lion Caves, America’s largest sea cave. It is also a sanctuary for sea lions and a stomping ground for wildlife photographers.

The historic Old Town along the Siuslaw River is another great location for scenic walks. The Oregon Coast Military Museum appeals to those eager to maintain their connection to history into retirement. Although Florence has a modest population of around 9,500, residents can access medical services at the PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Centre, located south of downtown. This hospital provides emergency care, diagnostic services, respiratory treatments, and more.

Jacksonville

With barely 3,000 people to call it home, Jacksonville, Oregon, is the perfect spot to age quietly and peacefully. The small town is about a 15-minute drive from nearby Providence Medford Medical Center, which offers 120 beds, emergency care, treatment for cardiovascular diseases, and much more. Jacksonville is a bit of a pricier option for retirees, with an average real estate listing of about $600,000 and an estimated $4,000 monthly cost of living.

Jacksonville's peaceful streets and rich history make it a wonderful place for visitors. Established during the gold rush of the 1850s, the town's original architecture charmingly tells its story. You can explore the Beekman House Museum and the Beekman Bank Museum, both built in the 1800s and named after the town's founder, Cornelius Beekman. The town cemetery, one of Oregon's oldest, is the resting place of 5,615 residents, offering a meaningful glimpse into the past. For those who enjoy tranquil nature walks, Forest Park provides over 30 miles of shaded trails, perfect for any nature lover seeking serenity.

Newport

Newly retired residents of Newport will feel right at home, with almost 30 percent of Newport’s 10,250 residents over the age of 65. Newport straddles the Yaquina Bay on the state’s Pacific Coast. Its thriving culinary scene and scenic sunsets are a big draw for tourists and retirees alike. For those who may need a little more assistance as they age, Newport has Oceanview Senior Living, just a 20-minute walk from the Oregon Coast Beach.

For those who prefer to age comfortably at home, Family Resource Home Care offers caring in-home services for seniors in Newport. Recognized by World Atlas as one of the most charming towns in the state, Newport is full of exciting things to explore. You can enjoy a variety of flavors, with seafood being the star of the show, especially at beloved spots like Georgie’s Beachside Grill. If you’re thinking about picking up photography in retirement, the trail leading to Yaquina Head Lighthouse provides breathtaking views of Quarry Cove and the Pacific Coast. And what better way to unwind in the evenings than strolling along the sandy beaches of Agate Beach?

Silverton

Small Silverton, nicknamed Oregon’s Garden City for its world-class botanical gardens, is an excellent place for nature lovers to settle down. Retirees will have access to the Legacy Silverton Medical Center, a short walk from Silverton’s charming downtown center. The hospital serves the town’s 10,300 residents. The town’s 50+ Senior Activity Centre runs weekly activities and classes, including knitting and line dancing, for people looking to make some new friends in the community.

The Oregon Garden, which earned the town its reputation, covers about 80 acres of land and makes for a morning walk. If the town garden isn’t enough, Silver Falls State Park is a 20-minute drive out of town and boasts ten of the state’s most gorgeous waterfalls. Silverton also has a big culture for a town of its size, running a poetry festival every April and a jazz festival in May. The local Brush Creek Theater and Missoula Children's Theater help to keep the arts alive and thriving in this gem of a community.

Roseburg

Roseburg is nestled into the Hundred Valleys of the Umpqua River in Southwest Oregon as the political seat of Douglas County. The town is home to Mercy Medical Center, which serves 107,000 people across Douglas County and is regularly ranked among the top medical facilities in the state. For those who anticipate higher needs as they age, there are also various retirement communities near the hospital, including Linus Oakes Village and The Landing.

Roseburg is a great destination for food lovers and explorers. Both residents and visitors can enjoy over 40 shops and eateries along the Great Umpqua Food Trail, which winds through the Hundred Valleys beside the Umpqua River. East of town, the Umpqua National Forest offers more than 500 miles of hiking trails suitable for active seniors. For a scenic drive with multiple hiking stopovers, residents can take Highway 138 along the river to see over a dozen natural waterfalls, including Deadline Falls. Swiftwater Park, roughly 22 miles from town, features excellent trails for hikers and tranquil spots for fishers, among numerous parks along the river.

Klamath Falls

With just over 20,000 residents to fill its streets and parks, the tight-knit community of Klamath Falls offers lots to do without compromising any of its small-town charm. Sitting south of Upper Klamath Lake and straddling the Klamath River, this little town looks as pretty as a painting. The cost of housing in Klamath Falls is about 8 percent lower than the national average, and grocery costs are about 3 percent lower, making it a budget option for retirees and travelers.

Residents have convenient access to healthcare with Sky Lakes Medical Center located in the northern part of town, just south of Oregon Institute of Technology. Enjoy the charm of nearby parks and scenic trails, like Eulalona Trail leading to Moore Park. For those who love hiking, Moore Mountain offers breathtaking views of the town and surrounding landscapes—perfect for more than just a picnic! About 60 miles away, Crater Lake is a spectacular spot that’s a must-see for visitors and a perfect day trip for locals. It boasts the deepest waters in the country, formed over 7,700 years ago by the eruption of Mount Mazama. Its crystal-clear waters, mainly fed by melted snow, create a truly stunning sight—an envy-inducing feature right in your town’s backyard.

Coos Bay

Coos Bay is on the smaller side, with only about 15,500 people to call it home. With an average home value of $305,000, it is also a strong contender for people who want an affordable place to retire. And being on the Pacific Coast, there’s lots to see and do in your spare time. Though it is a little overlooked when compared to other Oregon beach towns, Coos Bay has a lot to offer as the largest active deep port between San Francisco and Seattle.

The historic Marshfield District has maintained much of the town’s architecture, including the Coos Art Museum- the only art museum on the coast- and the Coos History Museum, operated by one of the state's oldest historical societies. Coos Bay also hosts the annual Oregon Shores Music Festival, attracting about 5000 visitors each year. Additionally, Shore Acres State Park and Sunset Bay State Park are just a short drive away, offering ideal spots for sunset enthusiasts to conclude their evenings.

Ashland

Tucked into the Rogue Valley in the shadow of Siskiyou Mountain, Ashland is a decent pick for retirees looking for a slower pace in a beautiful place. Ashland is also one of our picks for the most breathtaking little towns in Oregon. Residents of Ashland don’t have to travel far for health care either. The Asante Ashland Community Hospital provides essential healthcare services to the local community, including emergency, cardiopulmonary, and diagnostic imaging services.

There are several options for people looking for senior living communities in Ashland, including Maple Ridge, centrally located in the town’s walkable downtown. Nature lovers might enjoy a walk through North Mountain Park or along the creek in Ashland Creek Park, both of which are nearby. Finally, the town is a cultural cornerstone thanks to a thriving arts and theatre scene. Ashland’s world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, first established by Angus L. Bowmer in 1935, has been a major contributor to the arts for almost a century.

Embracing Retirement in Oregon's Finest Towns

With its lush forests, sandy shores, and a veritable horde of treasured little towns, there are lots of good options for retirees in Oregon. Whether you want to spend the last of your days taking in hundreds of years of history in the downtown cores of towns like Jacksonville and Florence, or you want to end every day with a view of the Pacific sunset in towns like Coos Bay or Newport, you can do it in Oregon.