Portland OR Metro 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Though many people imagine sunny shorelines or arid deserts when picturing ideal retirement destinations, not everyone wants to lie on a beach or live under the clear desert sky. In Oregon, the city of Portland offers a lush, Northwestern getaway which appeals to many active adult retirees.

Considered one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world, Portland promotes a low-carbon environment where both people and the natural environment are incorporated into city living. Parks and gardens are plentiful, while the renowned Portland Farmers Market operates six weekly markets from spring through fall. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability sponsors many eco-friendly events as well, such as the annual Build it Green! Home Tour every September, and Fix-It Fairs which teach residents how to spend less while staying healthy.

Yet Portland has much more to offer than its environmentally friendly personality. The city is a thriving urban center with many events and attractions which appeal to active adults. Downtown Portland is filled with shopping centers, restaurants, museums, cultural centers, and historic attractions. Beyond downtown, each of the city’s neighborhoods feature their own particular style.

Portland truly offers something for everyone. The Portland Art Museum, which is the oldest museum in the Northwest, is home to an extensive permanent collection and an outdoor sculpture garden. Set high in the West Hills, Pittock Mansion is an ideal tour for history or architecture buffs, and Powell’s City of Books is a massive new and used bookstore which is sure to impress anyone who loves the written word.

Nature lovers will be particularly happy to explore Portland’s various gardens. The International Rose Test Garden boasts more than 8,000 roses, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is authentically built to reflect the Ming Dynasty, and the Portland Japanese Garden is a tranquil haven set in the scenic hills above Washington Park.

Retirees on a budget will appreciate the free attractions that Portland has to offer as well. Several Portland area breweries and distilleries offer free tours and tastings, and public art displays are incorporated throughout the city. On the first Thursday of every month, galleries, and shops in Old Town, downtown and the Pearl District stay open late to offer tours, entertainment and opportunities to meet with local artists. Other free attractions include visits to the Wells Fargo History Museum, Pioneer Courthouse Square and the Hoyt Arboretum.

While Portland is a great place for active adults to visit, it is also a lovely area to call home. Active adult communities in the Portland area offer beautiful homes and attractive amenities. Whether coming for a visit or to relocate, the Portland area offers active adults lush, natural beauty, exciting attractions, and an environmentally friendly lifestyle. It may be the ideal destination for retirees who love the green beauty of the Pacific Northwest.