Retiring is like being presented with a menu—you review many choices with different features, flavors, and price points. The final decision depends on your taste, budget, and spirit of adventure. Of course, that’s simplifying things, but you get the point.
While many 55+ home seekers stick with more familiar selections (Florida and Arizona), other areas like the Pacific Northwest hold considerable appeal. To start, it has affordable retirement communities in Oregon with a reasonable cost of living, access to breathtaking scenery, and luxury, onsite amenities.
This part of the country has it all: natural beauty, moderate climate, and numerous recreational opportunities. Oregon is known for its stunning landscapes, ranging from the rugged coastline to lush forests and serene mountain ranges, and its active adult communities cater to retirees seeking reasonably priced, fulfilling lifestyles.
Why Should I Retire in Oregon?
Imagine waking up daily to a cool coastal climate, the green Willamette Valley, and the high-desert region of Central Oregon. The natural beauty is often the first thing that draws people to Oregon. There’s unmatched access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, golfing, and skiing. The state’s extensive network of parks, trails, and scenic byways ensures you’ll enjoy the great outdoors year-round.
But that’s only part of the picture. Oregon residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to excellent health care, cultural attractions, and low housing costs. Cities like Portland, Eugene, and Bend are known for their thriving art scenes, local breweries, and farm-to-table dining, all adding to the region’s appeal. The state’s strong community involvement also contributes to its reputation as a desirable retirement destination.
Those are appealing features, and this state has many more. But before we show you affordable retirement communities in Oregon, let’s discuss some important details.
Oregon Climate
Oregon winters tend to be cloudy, cool, and rainy, with moderate yearly snowfall. The region’s summers are sunny, warm, and dry, with less rainfall. Also, the hottest month (August), averages a high of 82.3 degress.
Oregon Cost of Living
The cost of living in Oregon varies widely depending on the area, so budgeting is essential. You’ll find that popular regions like Portland and Bend have slightly higher housing costs than smaller towns like Salem and Medford.
Oregon’s lack of a general state sales tax can help retirees save on purchases, while property taxes are generally moderate. Health care costs are about average compared to the rest of the country. Additionally, groceries and transportation expenses vary depending on location, with more rural areas often being more affordable. However, less developed towns might not have nearby services that active adults need.
Retiring in Oregon offers a balance of quality of life and manageable expenses. Today, we’re going to focus on Portland. It’s approximately 60 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the Willamette Valley.
Retiring in the Portland Area
Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is frequently considered one of the best places to retire in the U.S. It’s a young, progressive, and technical metropolitan area in the northwest corner of the state.
The Portland-Vancouver Connection
Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are neighboring cities separated by the Columbia River. While Portland is Oregon’s largest city and an economic and cultural hub, Vancouver is a smaller, more suburban city just across the state line. These sister cities are connected by Interstates 5 (I-5) and 205 (I-205) and several bridges.
This shared metropolitan area, known as the Portland-Vancouver metro area, benefits from combined resources, infrastructure, and economic activity despite the different state laws and policies.
While neither city is a regular destination for large ocean-going cruise ships, smaller river cruises that travel along the Columbia and Snake Rivers leave from both. These river cruises offer views of the Pacific Northwest’s landscapes, wine country, and attractions like the Columbia River Gorge.
What Is Living in Portland Like?
If you’re searching for affordable retirement communities in Oregon, Portland’s temperate climate, greenspace, and proximity to the Pacific Coast and the Cascade Mountains are ideal for an active retirement lifestyle. Portland’s neighborhoods offer various housing options and are known for walkable neighborhoods, a well-maintained public transportation system, and a bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Retirees enjoy the city’s cultural scene, with galleries, theaters, and festivals, as well as a diverse culinary landscape that includes food carts, fine dining, and locally sourced options. Portland is also within a few hours’ drive of other popular destinations, like Seattle and Siuslaw National Forest.
The Portland area’s health care landscape is another reason this region is popular among retirees. It’s home to renowned medical facilities and specialists, making it easy for retirees to find quality health care services. These are the top three, according to U.S. News & World Report:
- OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University Hospital)
- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
- Providence Portland Medical Center
Affordable Retirement Communities in Oregon
Many Oregon 55+ neighborhoods offer homes with spacious layouts, onsite community clubhouses, and social opportunities without breaking the bank. Here’s an overview of four Portland-area options that balance affordability, amenities, and lifestyle.
King City – Portland, OR
High $100ks – High $500ks
Our first 55+ community has 1,287 condos, attached homes, and single-family homes built from 1964 to 2017 by Tualatin Development Co. The condos range from 820 to 1,400 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and carport parking. The townhomes range from 1,000 to 1,770 square feet, with two bedrooms, two baths, and two-car garages. The King City single-family homes offer 1,040 to 1,700+ square feet, with two to four bedrooms, one to two baths, and attached garages.
This established neighborhood is in the Tualatin Valley, 30 minutes from Portland International Airport. Its residents spend quality time in the community clubhouse, which offers an indoor pool, a fitness center, and hobby rooms. There’s also an outdoor pool, a 9-hole golf course, and lawn bowling.
Summerfield – Tigard, OR
High $100ks – High $500ks
Also developed by Tualatin Development Co., Summerfield was completed in 1991 and has 1,231 condo, attached, and single-family homes. The cozy condos offer 762 to 1,336 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and baths. Some also have one-car garages. The townhomes range from 1,190 to 1,974 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths, and attached two-car garages. The single-family homes are at 1,074 to 2,286 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, one- to two-and-a-half baths, and two-car garages.
Tigard, Oregon, is only 12 miles from Portland. It’s near recreation areas where you can enjoy outdoor pursuits like kayaking, fishing, bicycling, and hiking. Summerfield residents also have easy access to upscale retail centers, diverse restaurants, and seasonal events like festivals.
This 55+ community has a 24,000-square-foot clubhouse, perfect for special events and club meetings. Other perks include a 9-hole golf course, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a library, and an arts and crafts studio.
Highlands – Tigard, OR
Low $300ks – High $500ks
Highlands is on the smaller side and was built from 1989 to 1997 with 124 condos and 192 single-family homes. Sized from 816 to 1,336 square feet, the condos offer one or two bedrooms and baths and detached one-car garages. The single-family homes range from 1,304 to 2,398 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, one to three baths, and attached two-car garages.
These 55+ residents have plenty of nearby activities to explore, including Lake Oswego Golf Course, Tualatin River National Wildlife Preserve, and Bull Mountain Park. The property amenities include a clubhouse that hosts special events and club meetings. There are also walking and biking trails throughout the community.
Woodburn Estates & Golf – Woodburn, OR
High $200ks – High $300ks
Drive 24 miles south of Tigard, and you’ll arrive in Woodburn, home to Woodburn Estates & Golf. Builders completed this active adult community in 1995, with 1,510 single-family homes. These dwellings range from 625 to 1,616 square feet, with two bedrooms and one bath or two bedrooms and two baths. Most of these appealing homes also have attached garages.
Woodburn is about 45 minutes from Portland, providing easy access to restaurants, shops, greenspaces, and cultural attractions. This 55+ neighborhood also has a golf course, providing a traditional country club lifestyle. Additional amenities include a clubhouse with an indoor pool and fitness center, onsite retail stores, R.V./boat parking, and the well-liked Country Cottage Restaurant.
Oregon Is the Ideal Place to Retire
The natural beauty, quality of life, and affordable retirement communities in Oregon make this state a desirable destination for retirees. We like its low-key appeal and know you’ll fall in love with one or more of those communities. Contact 55places.com today to learn more about 55+ communities in Oregon!
