7 Senior-Friendly Towns in Oregon
People who dream of retiring in the great state of Oregon will find no shortage of charming, senior-friendly towns they can call "home." Situated in the beautiful Pacific Northwest region of the country, Oregon is a nature lover's paradise with miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, pristine freshwater lakes that are ideal for swimming and fishing, winding rivers, and stunning mountain peak. The state also offers an abundance of arts and cultural attractions to keep you busy in your golden years. Consider these seven quaint towns when picking your retirement destination.
Lincoln City
If you want to spend your retirement in lovely Lincoln City, you're in good company. The average age of this quaint town, which is located on the state's central coast, is over the age of 50. If you don't mind a rainy climate and want to spend your time admiring the Pacific Ocean from the coastline or while out on a boat, Lincoln City may be the ideal place to call home. The town has several retirement home options, such as Lakeview Senior Living and Hillside Place Assisted Living and Memory Care, to fit your specific needs.
The seaside town encompasses seven miles, and offers soft, sandy beaches from which you can go clamming, crabbing, swimming, and other maritime activities. During the summer, seniors can mix, mingle, and buy fresh produce and locally made goods at the Lincoln City Sunday Market. The Lincoln City Cultural Center treats tourists and locals alike to year-round classes, exhibits, festivals and special events, such as the Cascadia Concert Opera.
Cottage Grove
Situated in the lush Willamette Valley about 20 miles south of bustling Eugene, charming Cottage Grove is the natural choice for seniors craving a peaceful retirement. Cottage Grove's idyllic downtown has been the backdrop of several Hollywood movies dating back to the 1920s. The picture-perfect town also borders Oregon Wine Country and the Cascade Foothills, so there is no shortage of activities for retirees. There are several retirement communities, including Magnolia Village and Middlefield Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care, for seniors wanting or needing to live in a group setting.
The Bohemia Gold Mining Museum is a popular attraction for history buffs, as it showcases the area's storied minin past via rocks, minerals, photographs, and other artifacts. Cottage Grove is known as the "Covered Bridge Capitol of the West," and is home to six of them, including the Currin and Chambers Bridges. Golfers can take a swing at the Middlefield Golf Course, and arts and culture lovers will delight in the live performances put on by the Cottage Theatre.
Astoria
Nature and history combine in the picturesque coastal town of Astoria, where Vicorian-era homes perch high in the hill overlooking three rivers. If you want to retire in town with a authentic Scandanavian fishing village feeling, Astoria may be for you. In addition to easy access to several waterways, including the Pacific Ocean, this quaint town is also surrounded by lush, green forests and has a bustling downtown filled with boutiques, antique shops, and eateries. There are several retirement communities, including the Clatsop Care Retirement Village, Trustwell Living at at Astor Place, and the Astoria Senior Center, which hosts social activities year round.
Often dubbed "Little San Francisco," Astoria's downtown features dozens of builings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Flavel House Museum and the Liberty Theatre. Retirees can enjoy live shows in the restored Italianate theater, which dates back to 1925 and plays host to the annual Astoria International Film festival. Astoria's Columbia River Maritime Museum features a scenic waterfront location and is home to the Pacific Northwest's largest maritime artifact collection, with a total of 22,000 pieces.
Cannon Beach
Picture-perfect Cannon Beach is a charming coastal town known for its stunning Pacific Ocean views, cliffs, tidepools, vibrant forests, and thriving arts and cultural scene. Cannon Beach is best known for stunning Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack located adjacent to the coastline. People come from all over to take in the view, walk along the Pacific coast, and view unique wildlife species. Retirees want to spend their golden years in this artsy coastal town due to its relaxing vibe and warm, welcoming community. Almost half of Cannon Beach's population is over the age of 45, and the town offers the Suzanne Elise Assisted Living Community and Avamere at Seaside, a retirement home.
There are many opportunities for active seniors to explore the outdoors, including at Ecola State Park, which offers four trails, one of which follows the exact path of Louis and Clark Expedition explorers in 1806. Ecola Creek Forest Reserve and Oswald West State Park are also available for outdoor adventures. When it comes to the performing arts, Cannon Beach offers the historic Coaster Theatre Playhouse, and the Cannon Beach Chorus, which puts on two professional-level concerts per year.
Hood River
The small seaside town of Hood River calls to outdoorsy, nature-loving seniors who want to spend their retirement in place that offers sweeping ocean views, a charming, historic downtown, and local breweries, cafes, and shops. Hood River is just one hour from Portland and all the medical facilities the big city offers, such as the Oregon Health and Science University Hospital. The charming town also has several retirement homes, including Trustwell Living at Parkhurst Place, Hawks Ridge Assisted Living, and the Pacific Living Centers of Hood River.
Arts and culture lovers will appreciate the Laural Gallery, an in-house gallery located downtown, and the Fruit Company Museum and Gift Shop, which is known for its locally grown produce and is located in a restored 1940s-era factory. The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum is a treat for history enthusiasts, as it features one of the country's largest collections of still-operating antique planes and vehicles. Adventurous retirees can take advantage of local offerings such as the Gorge Paddling Center, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort and Ski Area, and the Indian Creek Golf Course.
Sisters
Sweet Sisters is the epitome of a small Oregon town, with its charming main street that is ideal for strolling and enjoying a meal, abundance of outdoor activities, lush Ponderosa pine forests, and thriving arts and crafts community. It's easy to see why retirees flock to this charming mountain town, and the the population's average age is almost 50 years old. Sisters offers The Lodge in Sisters, a luxury senior living community, which treats its residents to beautiful mountain views, a lively activity calendar, and 24-hour onsite medical assistance.
One of Sisters' most popular attractions is Black Butte Ranch, which feature vacation rentals for visiting friends and family, as well as bicycle rentals, spa services, fly-fishing clinics, and other activities that locals can take advantage of. The 281,000-acre Three Sisters Wilderness offers over 260 trails ranging from easy to rugged, Cascade Mounain peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers, lakes, and much more. The town also offers the senior-friendly annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and the Sisters Folk Festival.
McMinnville
Situated at the midway point of Oregon's beautiful wine country and the Pacific Coast Range mountains, charming McMinnville is ideal for seniors who crave a small-town feeling with big-city amenities, such as convenient healthcare options. McMinnville is known for its warm and welcoming community, and vibrant downtown overflowing with local farm-to-table eateries, boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. The town also has no shortage of comfortable retirement communities, including The Manor at Hillside Retirement Community, the Rock of Ages Valley View Retirement Community, and Parkland Village Retirement Community.
The weekly Downtown McMinnville Farmers Market is the ideal place for retirees to mix and mingle while purchasing locally grown produce and handmade products, such as jewelrly, home decor, and personal care items. A Vineyard Wine Tour offers fully day, customized and private wine tours that include wine tasting and a seasonal lunch. Boersma's Sewing Center is a unique attraction that offers sewing lessons as well as a full-service shop. Seniors will have no shortage of places to get daily excercise, as McMinnville is home to City Park, Chegwyn Farms Neighborhood Park, and other outdoor recreational areas.
From lush, verdant mountain forests to sweeping views of the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline, Oregon is the ideal state for reitrees longing to spend their free time immersed in nature. Not only is this Pacific Northwest gem blessed with natural beauty, it also offers world-class arts and cultural attractions, informative historical sites, and endless boating, swimming, hiking, and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
