Living in Oregon: A Golden State for Golden Years

Oregon, with its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers a high quality of life for retirees. Let’s explore why living in Oregon is an excellent choice for your retirement years.

A Natural Paradise: Oregon’s Outdoor Appeal

Oregon boasts breathtaking natural beauty, from the majestic Cascade Mountains to the stunning Pacific Coast. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors, Oregon has something for everyone. Take in the changing seasons from your living room window as you sip your coffee in the morning, feel the pleasant breeze on your face as you walk your dog in the afternoon and watch the sky come to life in the evening as the sun sets over the horizon. Living in Oregon is a paradise unlike any other in the nation. With our mild summers and winters, gorgeous springs where nature comes to life and stunning falls where our deciduous trees paint the landscape with vibrant colors, Oregon is the Gem of the Pacific Northwest.

• Cascade Mountains: Perfect for hiking, foraging, camping, skiing, and fishing. The Cascade Mountains are a wild destination at your doorstep.
• Oregon Coast: Enjoy calm beaches, historical coastal towns, and fresh seafood year-round!
• Willamette Valley: Explore charming vineyards, world-class wine tasting and antique stores galore.
• The Gorge: Take in a drive up the Columbia River Gorge and see geology come to life. The Gorge is a peak into the ancient history of volcanic activity that shaped this unique landscape. The beauty of these cliffs is unmatched and there are even chances to spot Mountain Goats!
• Central and Eastern Oregon: If you enjoy sunshine year-round, Central and Eastern Oregon may be ideal for you. This area is East of the Cascade Mountain range and experiences significantly less rainfall than the west side of the mountains. These areas are historically more rural but are becoming more developed in recent years with access to amenities like large stores and healthcare facilities. There may be more driving involved in getting from A to B, but the drier climate and blue skies make time spent in the car a more pleasant experience.
• Southern Oregon: For those that enjoy living rurally, Southern Oregon may be perfect for you. It is comparatively less expensive than other parts of Oregon and uniquely beautiful. Southern Oregon is a gem, offering a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies alike. Some of the neatest parts of Southern Oregon include the Rogue Valley, Crater Lake, Redwood Forests, the Klamath Basin, and Grants Pass. If you enjoy bird watching, Southern Oregon is on the migration path of many bird species allowing for some unpredictable visitors and photo opportunities.

Living in Oregon is Beautiful and Affordable

While Oregon’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, it still offers affordable housing options, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.

• Average Home Price in Oregon: As of 2023, the average home price in Oregon was around $450,000. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the location.
• Property Taxes: Oregon’s property taxes are generally lower than many other states.
• No Sales Tax: Oregon doesn’t have a statewide sales tax, which can save you money on purchases.

Thriving Senior Communities

Oregon is home to many vibrant senior communities, offering a variety of amenities and services to cater to the needs of older adults.

Best Cities for Seniors in Oregon:

• Portland: A diverse city with a strong arts and culture scene, offering a variety of senior living options and close proximity to a variety of healthcare needs. Various smaller cities and towns surround Portland such as Gresham, Boring, Sandy, Rockwood, Beaverton, Hillsboro, King City, Summerfield and Tigard. These smaller cities and towns are close enough to enjoy access to Portland without the hustle and bustle of living directly in the city.
• Salem: The state capital, offering a quieter pace of life and easy access to healthcare facilities. Salem is centrally located in the Willamette Valley with quick access to the I5 interstate and many enjoyable activities like river cruises on the Willamette, day trips to the coast and visiting historical sites.
• Eugene: A college town with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities. Eugene is growing bigger each year but is still relatively affordable compared to other large cities making it a budget-friendly retirement destination. And if you’re a fan of the Oregon Ducks, this city is for you.
• Bend: A growing city with a strong focus on outdoor recreation and a vibrant arts scene. Because Bend is relatively isolated from other growing cities, there is a strong sense of community among year-round Bend residents. This city is quickly becoming a resort town with many people only residing there part time or for vacations. If you are active and want to be able to enjoy the outdoors year round, consider Bend. Golf, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Camping, Fishing and Picnicking are some of the outdoor activities people enjoy in Bend. Due to the high number of people who desire to live in Bend, it is experiencing a housing boom and urban sprawl which is leading to higher costs of living. Bend isn’t the most affordable, but many think it is worth it.

Excellent Healthcare

Oregon boasts a high-quality healthcare system with numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities. The state is also home to the world-renowned medical research institution OHSU. With many hospitals and clinics located in every city and town, you’re unlikely to be far away from care while living in Oregon.

A Strong Sense of Community

Oregonians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. There are many opportunities to connect with other seniors through social clubs, volunteer organizations, and community events. Most people are moving to be closer to friends and family. If you are considering living in Oregon, make sure to ask your friends and family who are already living in Oregon for their advice and check out Youtube for videos about the cities and towns you are considering.

Oregon offers a high quality of life, stunning natural beauty, vast access to many healthcare options and each city and town has their own strong sense of community. With its various housing options including several 55+ exclusive neighborhoods, excellent healthcare, and diverse range of activities, living in Oregon will allow you to live the quality of life you desire and deserve. A reverse mortgage for purchase may be just the ticket to making this dream become a reality. Buy your new home with no monthly mortgage payments and conserve your cash to invest in other assets or maintain liquidity through retirement. Learn more about using a reverse mortgage for purchase to buy a new home in Oregon with no monthly mortgage payments on our website here.