12 Best Places To Retire In Oregon

The state of Oregon is in the Pacific Northwest and borders the Pacific Ocean. Bordered on the north by Washington and to the east by Idaho, Oregon is known for its diverse geography, with rivers meeting the ocean while hills and canyons stretch across the state. Parts of the state can be expensive to live in, with the median home price in the state being $507,800. However, keen-eyed house hunters will find that there are plenty of affordable places to live that would make an ideal place to call home.

Reedsport

With a median home price of $343,000, Reedsport is an ideal place to move, particularly if you enjoy time outdoors and riverside views. Reedsport sits along the Umpqua River, and Champion Park serves as an official off-leash area where residents can spend quality time with their dogs while walking along the river.

Nearby, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a particularly popular spot for locals. Residents can head hiking along the dunes and camp out beneath the sky while enjoying views of the beaches. New retirees to the area may also want to drop by the Umpqua Discovery Center. Unique art, such as chainsaw carvings, sits alongside photos of the region that depict life in Reedsport through the years.

Talent

Talent is a lovely spot to move to, boasting affordable homes with a median price of $405,000. Seniors may want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at nearby Paschal Winery and Vineyard. The winery offers panoramic views of the Rogue Valley, where residents can enjoy wine while savoring smoked salmon or a watermelon salad. Just south of town, Jackson Wellsprings is a popular destination where mineral water hot springs make for a relaxing day outdoors. However, residents can also opt for a massage or stay in the sauna. Anyone who wants to enjoy a day staying active while taking in the view might consider visiting Wagner Creek Park. Trails wind their way along the creek, offering locals a daily option for taking a walk while enjoying the natural scenery.

Coos Bay

Lovely Coos Bay is in an ideal bayside location and boasts a median home price of just $315,000. Residents enjoy access to Coos Bay, alongside the Coos River, where destinations such as the Eastside Boat Ramp allow anglers to launch onto the water for a day of fishing.

Nearby, the Coos Bay Boardwalk is a popular spot where residents can enjoy a day walking along the river or enjoying lunch at the picnic tables. The boardwalk also hosts a fish market for those who want to enjoy a fresh catch. Unsurprisingly, retirees in the area typically enjoy the ocean. Those who want to learn more about the relationship between the city and the surrounding bay can find a comprehensive background on the maritime history of Coos Bay at the Coos History Museum.

Baker City

The county seat of Baker County, Baker City, enjoys very affordable homes with a median price of $250,000. Seniors who move to the area typically enjoy small-town living and a wealth of outdoor activities. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is near town and features popular destinations, including the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Residents can enjoy horse-riding and hiking before a meal in one of the picnic areas.

A very popular spot is the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, which portrays the history of the pioneers who traveled west along the Trail. Markers on the surrounding roads indicate important points along the Trail, where residents can learn more about important landmarks used by travelers. Locals can also enjoy a time teeing off at Quail Ridge Golf Course, where residents can enjoy a round of golf, have dinner, or join in on one of the many events hosted on the course.

Grants Pass

With a median home price of $400,000, Grants Pass strikes a balance between affordability and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Nearby Cathedral Hills features a 10-mile trail system suitable for walkers, bikers, and horse riders.

Those who prefer time along the water can enjoy Riverside Park daily. Seated against Rogue River, the park is perfect for an afternoon walk or a Saturday picnic. Retirees in the area who want to learn more about the city’s history may want to visit the Schmidt House Museum and Library. The museum began as a home first built in 1901. Today, it showcases some of the original furniture and architecture that typified early life in Grants Pass.

Dallas

The city of Dallas is not far from its larger neighbor, Salem, yet it enjoys well-priced homes with a median price of $456,880. Dallas is ideal for those who enjoy time out in the sun. The city is just minutes south of Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, a prime destination for birdwatchers. Over 250 species of birds can be found, while residents can also spot elk, coyotes, deer, and more that make the area their home.

Nearby, seniors can visit the Polk County Museum in Rickreall to explore local pioneer history and exhibits. Inside town, the Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanical Garden provides a chance to enjoy walks along Rickreall Creek while resting in the shade of the northwestern trees that the arboretum showcases.

Roseburg

Tucked against the South Umpqua River, Roseburg offers lovely views and homes with affordable prices, with a median price of $335,000. Templin Beach Park is a particularly popular spot in town where the natural waterfront makes for a lovely destination for those who want to enjoy a picnic. Anglers can also launch from the boat ramp onto the river for a day of fishing.

The nearby Douglas County Museum is a great way for new residents to learn more about their new home, and showcases how mining, farming, and fishing have shaped the county’s history. For any bowlers retiring to the area, Ten Down Bowling and Entertainment has open lanes that adults can reserve for parties while enjoying meals at the grill.

Seaside

With a median home price of $388,000, Seaside is among the most affordable places to retire in Oregon. The city also lives up to its name, featuring plenty to do along the coast. Among the most popular spots in town is Seaside Beach, where residents can spend time walking the shore or heading out into the water. The beach is also conveniently near many restaurants, allowing for a lovely day in the sun before enjoying a meal nearby.

Those who want to enjoy the views while teeing off can visit Seaside Golf Course. The course is the perfect spot for an afternoon with friends before dining at the on-site restaurant. Nature lovers may prefer to spend a day at the Necanicum River Estuary Natural History Park instead. Bald eagles, river otters, elk, and more can be spotted along the shore.

Woodburn

The city of Woodburn is a popular destination, thanks to its ideal location and median home price of $467,450. Woodburn is less than an hour south of Portland for anyone who wants to head into the city, but there is plenty to do in town, particularly for outdoor lovers. South of town, the Saint Louis Fish Ponds County Park is open year-round, with ponds available for public fishing.

Seniors who enjoy golf can head to the OGA Golf Course for 18 rounds of golf. Residents can also enjoy a meal at the grill or have fun during any of the on-site holiday events. For anyone who enjoys racing, the nearby Woodburn Dragstrip has been in operation since 1961. Residents can attend hot rod races and even camp trackside overnight.

Klamath Falls

Klamath Falls boasts a beautiful location in the state, and its homes have a median price of $297,500. Beneath Upper Klamath Lake and along the Klamath River, residents will find plenty of parks where they can enjoy the water, such as Moore Park or Veterans Memorial Park. Tennis courts, soccer fields, and walking trails along the water offer something for everyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.

Spots such as Wocus Bay Boat Launch can launch off onto the waters for a day of fishing. Residents also enjoy the annual Klamath Music Festival that brings blues, rock, country, and more to the area.

Lebanon

The city of Lebanon is an ideal rural destination for those seeking a comfortable retirement, with a median home sale price of $385,000. Locals have their choice of outdoor spots to enjoy. The city sits along the South Santiam River, and destinations such as River Park are great for an afternoon of grilling or casting a line out onto the water.

Those who want to get to know their new neighbors may want to consider leasing a plot at the Porter Park Community Garden. The park provides soil, compost, and other tools needed for contributing to the gardens. West of town, sporting retirees may want to join the Albany Rifle and Pistol Club. The club offers facilities for practicing with various firearms, as well as improving archery skills.

La Grande

Affordably priced La Grande offers homes with a median sale price of $324,950. Seniors in the area have plenty to see and do, despite the town's small size. South of town, the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is a popular destination among birdwatchers, serving as a prime waterfowl habitat. Art lovers may enjoy Art Center East, where they can not only view the local galleries but also attend classes that instruct in various media. Residents also have the Eastern Oregon Film Festival to look forward to. Residents can look forward to films from independent creators and live music performances covering a range of genres, from swing to rock.

Making Oregon Your Retirement Base

Oregon is a diverse state with plenty to offer those retiring to the area. Whether you hope to walk the shores near Coos Bay or enjoy learning different art forms at Art Center East, retirees of all backgrounds can find affordable towns to move to. There is no shortage of things to do, no matter where you live in the state. If you are about to retire, consider making any one of these 12 places your next destination to call home.