Is Portland, Oregon a Good Place to Retire?

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Portland, Oregon may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering retirement destinations. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re interested in the Pacific Northwest. So let us help you decide—Is Portland, Oregon a good place to retire? Here’s everything you need to know if you’re interested in retiring in Portland!

The Downtown Portland skyline and Mount Hood at dawn.

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Portland, Oregon may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering retirement destinations. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re interested in the Pacific Northwest.

Known for its laid-back, eclectic atmosphere and unconventional tagline of “Keep Portland Weird,” the city boasts a vibrant art community and renowned culinary scene. It’s a popular hub for foodies and all types of creatives. The city also draws in outdoor enthusiasts eager to take advantage of the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, with easy access to the scenic coastline and nearby mountains.

However, for all its positives, there are a few factors—like a high cost of living, housing prices, and climate—that may make potential homebuyers think twice before moving to the city. So let us help you decide—Is Portland, Oregon a good place to retire? Here’s everything you need to know if you’re interested in retiring in Portland!

The bicycling and walking trail along the Willamette River among flowering cherry trees with Downtown Portland in the background.

Portland has a 27.7% higher cost of living than the national average and has recently seen a steep increase in housing prices with homes costing 58.9% more than the U.S. average, according to BestPlaces. Even monthly rental prices are 35% higher than the national average. Along with high housing costs, residents can also expect to pay higher prices for groceries and transportation. However, the city’s utility costs are almost 20% lower than the U.S. average.

While the overall cost of living might be high in Portland, the state of Oregon is considered a moderately tax-friendly state with no sales tax. Also, property taxes are slightly lower than the national average. When it comes to retirement, Oregon doesn’t tax Social Security, but pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs are taxable with rates between 4.75% to 9.90%.

The Portland skyline at dusk on the Willamette River.

Considered one of the rainiest cities in the U.S., Portlanders can expect to have a lot of wet weather, especially during the winters, which are usually cold, wet, and gray, with average temperatures ranging from 36 to 56 degrees. Fall and spring are moderate with comfortable temperatures, while summers are typically short and dry, which can lead to wildfires and lots of smoke in the air. Average summer temps range from 53 to 83 degress.

While the city’s weather can be unreliable, when the weather is good, the area truly shows off its natural beauty and opens up plenty of opportunities for residents to get outside and explore.

The entrance to a Japanese garden in the autumn season in Portland, Oregon.

Surrounded by nature, Portland overflows with outdoor recreation options for locals to enjoy when the weather is nice. And, Portlanders don’t have to go far to find them. Conveniently located within city limits, Forest Park spans 5,156 acres and features 70 miles of trails that weave throughout the city, perfect for runners, bikers, and even equestrians. Bordering Forest Park is Washington Park, which offers another 40 miles of trails and 400 acres of beautiful green space.

Conveniently located in Downtown Portland, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park spans 36 acres, offering Portlanders plenty of space to get outside and active right in the heart of the city. The popular park also plays host to many of Portland’s annual celebrations and festivals.

If you want to get out of the city for the day, consider a trip to Mount Tabor, a dormant volcano that offers hikers paved paths and scenic views of Mount Hood and the Portland skyline. The nearby Columbia River Gorge and Cascade Mountains are also close by.

Closeup on roses in a rose garden in Portland, Oregon.

Dining Scene

As renowned chef James Beard’s hometown, Portland takes its food scene very seriously. Not surprisingly, the city boasts a seemingly endless list of James Beard award-winning chefs and restaurants to try. You’ll find restaurants and food carts dishing out cuisines from all over the world ranging from African and Latin to Asian and Russian fare.

Local Attractions

Beyond its impressive culinary scene, Portland also boasts plenty of local attractions to keep retirees busy when they aren’t taking advantage of all the decadent food. With more than 275 parks and gardens spread throughout the area, Portland has earned the moniker “The City of Roses”. Residents can experience Portland’s famous roses at the Portland International Test Rose Garden, where they’ll find more than 10,000 roses.

The Portland Saturday Market is a local staple that’s open every Saturday and Sunday from March to December. The market is home to more than 250 distinct vendors and is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, according to Travel Portland.

For one-of-a-kind views of the city, residents can take a ride across town on the Portland Aerial Tram—one of only two aerial commuter trams in the entire country. 

Big City Entertainment

Along with its many local attractions, Portland also offers residents a variety of cultural amenities and entertainment options to choose from. Sports lovers will appreciate that Portland has several professional sports teams with games happening year-round, while music aficionados will delight in the Oregon Symphony’s live performances. Art fans and critics alike will need hours to peruse all the Portland Museum of Art has to offer. As the state’s largest museum, it houses over 18,000 pieces of art and visitors can view works from legendary artists like Rembrandt and Claude Monet.

A 55+ woman on a mountain trail in Portland, Oregon.

Healthy Eating

With such a thriving culinary scene, it’s no surprise that there’s a goldmine of healthy eating options to choose from. The city is teeming with urban farms growing fresh fruits and veggies that residents can pick up at area farmer’s markets. The Portland Saturday Market especially makes it easy for Portlanders to keep a healthy diet with a variety of local vendors whose menus are full of healthy eating options.

There’s also no shortage of healthy restaurants and food cart options. For a fast, yet, healthy meal, Angelina’s Greek Gyros is a great option serving up an array of gluten-free and vegan dishes. Rather cook at home than eat out? No problem. Natural Grocers is known for their high-quality, 100% organic produce. The stores even offer free nutrition education classes where shoppers can learn about everything from kicking sugar cravings to cooking healthier meals. The New Seasons Market is another Portland staple for healthy eating options. The local market prides itself on sourcing high-quality organic products from local growers and regional producers.

Health Care

Portland is home to several hospitals and medical facilities that offer quality care for a wide range of health conditions and treatments. The Oregon Health & Science University Hospital is rated as the top hospital in the city and is nationally ranked in five adult specialties including, cancer treatments, gastroenterology, geriatrics, urology, and ear, nose, and throat. The Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is known for its excellent care and high performance in a variety of adult specialties, including orthopedics, urology, neurology, and neurosurgery. The Providence Portland Medical Center also provides expert care in several areas, including diabetes, hip and knee replacements, and prostate cancer.

If a city with a large creative community, rich food scene, and lots of outdoor adventures sounds like the kind of place you’d like to retire, then it’s time to find the perfect community. Portland has several options when it comes to 55+ communities. Here are some to consider:

Claremont

High $400ks – Low $1Ms

The community sign and entrance to Claremont in Portland, Oregon.

Conveniently located only 10 miles from Downtown Portland, the Claremont is an age-restricted community with 556 homes. Townhomes within the neighborhood offer both single-level and two-story layouts. These attached homes are around 1,750 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. The Claremont’s single-family homes are slightly larger, ranging from 1,700 to over 3,200 square feet. They feature one to three bedrooms, one-and-a-half to three bathrooms, and attached one- to two-car garages.

Residents have access to several resort-style amenities, including a generously sized clubhouse with a great hall, a fitness center, a ballroom, and a library. Outdoor amenities include a 9-hole golf course, a putting green, a pool, tennis courts, and gardening plots.

Summerplace

High $300ks – High $400ks

Chairs beside the outdoor pool at Summerplace in Portland, Oregon.

Summerplace is a large, established 55+ development in Portland with 807 homes. The community’s condos range from 750 to 1,100 square feet with one or two bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, and one- or two-car garages. Single-family homes offer significantly more space with layouts ranging from 1,000 to 2,225 square feet. These homes typically have two to three bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.

Summerplace’s amenities include a clubhouse with two exercise rooms, a ballroom, a game room, and a library. Outdoors, residents have access to even more amenities, including a pool and patio, a picnic area, two tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and walking and biking trails. There’s also R.V. and boat parking onsite.

King City

High $100ks – High $500ks

Exterior view of the clubhouse at King City in Portland, Oregon.

If you’re looking for affordability, Portland’s King City community is a great option. The age-restricted development has 1,287 homes. King City’s condos are ideal for retirees who want to downsize with layouts ranging from 820 to 1,400 square feet. Available options have one to two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and carport parking. The community’s townhomes are slightly larger with layouts between 1,000 to 1,770 square feet. Townhomes have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two-car garages. Single-family homes are comparable in size ranging from 1,040 to over 1,700 square feet, but they offer more rooms than the townhomes with two to four bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and attached garages.

King City’s long list of amenities includes a clubhouse that serves as the heart of the community and boasts everything from a fitness center and an indoor pool to a woodworking shop and arts and crafts studio. Outdoor amenities include a pool, a 9-hole golf course and pro shop, shuffleboard courts, and horseshoe pits.

Now that you know more about the city and its active adult communities, we hope you’re able to answer the question: Is Portland, Oregon a good place to retire for the lifestyle you want during your golden years? If so, our knowledgeable advisors are ready to help you find the perfect community in The City of Roses. Contact 55places.com today to learn more about 55+ homes for sale in Portland!

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