Overview
Woodburn is a great location for active adults who enjoy scenic landscapes and a small-town atmosphere. Situated between Portland and Salem, residents of Woodburn experience a rich culture and plenty of recreation options within a short drive.
Climate & Geography
The climate in Western Oregon is a mix of warm-summer mediterranean and oceanic types, which means summers in Woodburn are short, warm, and dry, while winters are mild with occasional freezing days. In contrast to a normal mediterranean climate, the region is slightly cooler and more humid, with a longer rainy season. As a result residents can expect more rainfall than the national average, but almost no snowfall in the winter and approximately 153 days of sunshine throughout each year.
Woodburn lies in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon, a 150-mile long valley that stretches from Portland to Eugene. The surrounding terrain mostly consists of dense mixed forests, numerous waterways, and three mountain ranges that line the valley: the Cascade Range, the Oregon Coast Range, and the Calapooya Mountains. Mill Creek runs through part of Woodburn and the Willamette River, the namesake for the valley, is a few miles west of the city.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
There are a wide variety of leisure activities and amenities that residents can find in Woodburn. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is one of the largest tulip and daffodil bulb farms in the Pacific Northwest. The farm features 40 acres of color with events that visitors can enjoy throughout the year. Each August, Woodburn is home to one of the state’s largest Latino celebrations. Festivalgoers can revel in lively music, authentic food, traditional dance, and more. At Woodburn Premium Outlets, retirees can shop at any of the 110 stores at the mall while enjoying the state's lack of sales tax.
For retirees interested in outdoor recreation, Butte Creek Falls is a 33-mile long stream with trails for active adults to hike. The Woodburn Aquatic Center also offers various group exercise classes, including water fitness, Zumba fitness, Aqua Zumba, yoga, and barre.
Woodburn is located less than half an hour from Portland. The city serves as the perfect day trip opportunity with a large art culture and diverse downtown area.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Woodburn is just above the national average and below the state index. The somewhat high cost of housing and homes area the main factors in the cost of living, however the cost of health care and utilities are well below the average.
The state of Oregon is fairly tax friendly for retirees. Social Security benefits are exempt from state income tax, property taxes are less than the national average, and there is no sales tax. Other forms of retirement income including retirement savings accounts and pensions are taxable, however some residents under a certain income threshold may be eligible for a tax credit on pensions.
Health Care
Legacy Silverton Medical Center and Providence Newberg Medical Center are located within 15 miles of Woodburn.