11 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Oregon in 2024

Are you thinking you might retire in Oregon? This Pacific Northwest state has interesting scenery, epic wildlife, and thriving cities. It’s a beautiful and generally safe place to retire, so let’s look at specific towns that offer the most to retirees. Here are 11 tucked-away treasures to retire to in Oregon.

1. Ontario

Not Canada, but a peaceful community on the Oregon-Idaho border,

Ontario is a great place for retired folks who enjoy the great outdoors. It’s close to Snake River and Hell’s Canyon, with the deepest trench in North America. It’s also near the desert regions, so winter is mild, and summer temperatures are hot enough to spend time outdoors.

Over 18% of the 11,300-strong population here is over 65, and there are three medical facilities per 1,000 citizens should health matters cause issues. Violent crime is low, and friendly people enjoy its many coffee shops and quirky independent stores. Ontario is well worth considering if you plan to retire in Oregon.  

2. Brookings

On the southwestern border with California lies Brookings, a small town founded in 1908 as a logging town, but 6,300 folks call it home today. Brookings is peaceful and perfect for retirees searching for tranquillity.

Clean beaches are one of the biggest draws, and because Oregon has steady, mild temperatures, you can enjoy the beaches year-round. Active folks hike the forests, fish, kayak, and participate in local community festivals. House prices sit at the Oregon state average, so they’re a little higher than other retirement spots, but the tranquillity is worth the price.

3. Klamath Falls

Over 16% of the Klamath Falls population is over 65, so it’s a good place to retire in Oregon. This small town sits near Upper Klamath Lake on the Klamath River and is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. An excellent hospital is within 25 miles, and the median home value is low. Klamath Falls is great value for retirees.

4. Florence

Coastal Florence is a quiet Oregon town on the Pacific Ocean next to the mouth of the Siuslaw River in Lane County. It’s just north of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

It’s a tranquil place with miles of golden beaches and a low population of just under 9,000 people, most of whom are 50-60. Its calm waters and beautiful weather inspire fishing trips and morning strolls on the beach. Whether you prefer an active outdoor lifestyle or a gentle retirement, Florence provides both.

5. La Grande

La Grande is an affordable town between Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman national forests in Union County, Oregon. Its spectacular scenery and clean air are a salve to retirees clocking off the 9-5.

This town’s rustic charm is due to its location in a mountain valley, with unapparelled scenery and a warm climate. It started as a logging town, but now it’s the largest city in Union County and has 13,000 citizens. That said, its violent crime rate is incredibly low.

6. Astoria

Astoria is located in the far northwestern patch of Oregon in Clatsop County, a small port. It’s the oldest city in Oregon. The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped at Fort Clatsop, so history-buff retirees could fill their boots with local historical knowledge.

Due to its port status, Astoria is rich in maritime activity and bordered by the Columbia River, which is popular with anglers. With a warm climate, modern hospitals if your health gets the better of you, and plenty to do every day, Astoria is one of the most charming towns to retire to in Oregon.

7. Coos Bay

Beautiful coastal Coos Bay is located in Coos County, roughly 222 miles southwest of Portland.

21% of the population there is over 65, so plenty of folks have already sussed this is a good place to retire in Oregon. Violent crime is low, four hospitals lie within 25 miles of the city, and house prices are affordable.

Folks wanting to retire to the ocean waterfront love it there, but just a quick note. City elevations reach 500 feet in places; it’s a touch hilly if mobility is already a problem.

8. Prineville

Oregon’s Prineville is a hotspot for retirees, with 21% of the population over 65. It’s located near Ochoco National Forest in the heart of Oregon, offering superb hiking and outdoor activities. The tight-knit community hosts horse and dog shows yearly at the Crook County Fairgrounds, and the annual county fair brings neighbors together.

This friendly location is a lively city that’s perfect to retire to and make friends.

9. Roseburg

A lot is going on in Roseburg. It’s a lively city with plenty of attractions and events to keep retired folks busy. Over 22% of the population is over 65, and house prices are good value.

It’s located in southwestern Oregon in the Umoqua River Valley, which provides outdoor activities for retirees more interested in tranquillity. Its waterfalls, hiking, fishing, and Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, keep outdoors folks occupied.

Roseburg offers the best of both worlds to retirees in Oregon.

10. Hood River

In Oregon’s north, Hood River town is home to just 7,100 people. This little community is situated in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It’s remote and tranquil, perfect for escaping an exhausting 9-5.

Despite its rugged and remote outlook, Hood River has first-class healthcare and community-based festivals like the Blossom Festival. It’s also a premier windsurfing spot! In the summer, Hood River attracts windsurfers and creates a booming tourist industry, perfect if you want a seasonal job to see you through the golden years.

11. Bend

Chances are you’ve not heard of Bend in Oregon.

This tucked-away treasure is a best-kept secret for people looking to retire in Oregon. It’s a high desert community with tranquillity and recreation in equal measure. Perfect for couples with different hobbies.

Bend City is located in Deschutes County on the Cascades Mountain range and along the Deschutes River. Originally, Bend was a river crossing point and logging town. Still, now a lively city scene is tempered with a large ponderosa pine forest that merges into an arid sagebrush desert.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © klenger/iStock via Getty Images