7 Budget-Friendly Towns in Oregon for Retirees
Nowadays, finding a place to live that is budget-friendly isn’t just a nicety; it is a necessity. When you’re considering a place to live once you retire, you want to find a quiet place with decent healthcare options, plenty to do, and budget-friendly options. Oregon is definitely the state to consider putting your final roots down in. Oregon has breathtaking scenery and dozens of quaint towns that are perfect for retirees.
Astoria
Astoria is tucked along the Columbia River, which is 1,243 miles long. This picturesque town allows retirees to soak in the beauty of nature with temperate weather. Temperatures fluctuate between snow in the winter and a balmy 80 degrees during the summer months.
One of the reasons retirees love Asotria so much is the Victorian architecture that brings this small town to life. Perhaps one of the best examples is the Queen Anne architecture known as the Flavel House. This house dates back to the 1880s when it was first built.
Baker City
If you’re retiring and you have a love for the outdoors, then Baker City is calling your name. Baker City is known for its natural beauty and stunning outdoor recreation opportunities. From attractions such as the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort to the Elkhorn Mountains where you can hike, Baker City has it all.
Baker City has adopted the beauty of nature with the affordability of living there as well. Life is worth living in this small city as the cost of living is lower than the national average. But it isn’t just the housing market that’s cheaper there, it’s also the cost of utilities, groceries, and dining out with your partner.
Florence
If you’re an old soul who appreciates the beauty of past history, then Florence, Oregon, is right for you. Florence has a rich history in their historic Old Town. They host festivals every year, have year-round museums open, and charming old historic buildings to tour every season.
With much to do in Florence, there is also the concern of affordable healthcare while you’re out and about. Florence has state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, including the PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center.
The PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center is a medically respected hospital that offers in-patient care and emergency services. In addition to this, Florence also has several senior centers scattered throughout that even offer transportation help.
Grants Pass
Grants Pass is the ideal retirement spot for those who like to keep busy. Most who retire would probably like to stay busy doing things, but costs are so astronomical that it can sometimes be impossible. Well, not in Grants Pass, Oregon. This town has the beauty of the outdoors that stretches on for hundreds of miles, giving you plenty to do.
The best natural attractions are places like the Rogue River, Hellgate Canyon, and the National Forest. In addition to the fun outside, Grants Pass also offers indoor escapes such as the Rogue Theatre and the Grants Pass Museum of Art. Each of these offers senior discounts so that you get the full benefits at a fraction of the cost.
West Linn
When considering a budget-friendly place to retire, there is also the concern of moving to a town that is riddled with crime. Well, with West Linn, Oregon, there is no fear of that. West Linn is easily labeled as one of the safest cities to put down roots in Oregon. West Linn has a lower crime rate than 62% of other communities in Oregon.
Not only is West Linn known for its safety, but it is also known for its beautiful bond as a community. The local police are heavily involved, ensuring it is a safe community for all. This community has preserved beautiful falls, parks, and rivers such as the Mary S. Young Park, Willamette Falls, Fields Bridge Park, and the Camassia Natural Area.
McMinnville
McMinnville is known for the vibrant community that it has built, and its ability to keep costs low for budget-friendly families and retirees. Perhaps their most famous thing to do on a budget is to attend one of their award-winning wineries.
They also offer several boating places to park your boats and see the sites of Joe Dancer Park and Tice Park. Both of which offer the natural beauty of trails, seeing animals, and even going on an old-fashioned picnic.
McMinnville also provides a rich history of arts and entertainment in this town. They host live festivals that provide luxury cuisines, bands that play live music, and artists that showcase their work annually. And the great part is many of these festivals are free to get into for those trying to keep costs low.
Newport
Newport is the perfect spot for retirees who have a love for marine life. Newport is nestled right by the Pacific Ocean and is known as the home to one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleets.
Newport’s coastline offers endless opportunities during the day such as visiting the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site, South Beach State Park, and visiting Oregon’s tallest lighthouse. All of which these options are free and budget-friendly for retirees.
Newport is a wealth of marine life education that includes animals such as otters, sharks, jellyfish, and hundreds of fish species.
Affordable and Enjoyable Retirement in Oregon
Retiring doesn’t have to be boring. Especially if you don’t have the money to travel the world and be on expensive cruises. You can put down roots in one of these seven budget-friendly towns in Oregon and live a life of luxury while saving a buck. From fresh seafood to vibrant festivals to quality healthcare and safe living, these towns in Oregon are booming with retirement possibilities.
