Thinking about spending your golden years in the Pacific Northwest? Retiring in Oregon may just be the move you’ve been dreaming of. Known for its natural beauty, majestic mountains, and laid-back lifestyle, Oregon offers something for everyone. The best places to retire in Oregon offer something for every taste, whether you’re drawn to the ocean, forest, or high desert.
However, there’s more to love than just the scenery. Oregon offers several financial perks for retirees, including no sales tax and exemptions on certain retirement savings and Social Security benefits. While income taxes can be a consideration, the overall tax landscape can be surprisingly friendly for many retirees. And if you’re weighing the retiring in Oregon pros and cons, you’ll find that the state’s moderate climate, vibrant communities, and access to top-tier healthcare make it a strong contender.
We’ll explore what makes Oregon one of the best places to retire in the Pacific Northwest and find you the best place to retire in Oregon. Once you’ve decided on a place, get in touch with our expert senior movers.
Is Oregon a Good Place to Retire?
Wondering, “Is Oregon retirement friendly?” The answer is a solid yes for many retirees, especially those drawn to natural beauty and a mild climate. According to Bankrate, Oregon ranks as one of the top 20 states in the country to retire in. While Oregon isn’t the lowest-tax state, it still offers key financial and lifestyle perks that make it one of the best places to retire in the Pacific Northwest. This is what to consider when looking for the best places to retire in Oregon.
Taxes and Retirement Income
Oregon offers some real tax advantages:
- No sales tax.
- Does Oregon tax Social Security? No, Social Security income is fully exempt from income taxes.
- State income tax does apply to other types of retirement income, such as pensions and withdrawals from IRAs or 401(k)s, but certain exceptions may apply based on your age and income.
- Oregon also offers a senior property tax deferral program for eligible homeowners.
Climate
With a mild climate and four distinct seasons, living in Oregon means you can enjoy year-round access to natural beauty, exploring everything from the rugged coast to the towering mountains to forested hiking trails and peaceful lakes.
Cost of Living and Quality of Life
The cost of living varies by region, with more affordable areas outside of Portland and Bend.
Health Care and Senior Resources
Oregon has reputable healthcare facilities, particularly in urban centers like Portland and Eugene. For those nearing Medicare, eligibility begins at age 65.
Retirement Communities and Amenities
Many towns offer 55+ communities, walkable downtowns, public libraries, and recreational options like golf and art classes. The normal retirement age in Oregon (like most states) is aligned with federal guidelines, currently between 66 and 67.
Best Places to Retire in Oregon
These are the best places to retire in Oregon.
Ashland | One of the Best Places to Retire in Oregon for Creatives
Ashland is one of the best places to retire in Oregon, especially for culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Home to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the town offers year-round theater, art galleries, and boutique shopping. It’s also one of the best places to retire for active adults, and you can enjoy Lithia Park, nearby hiking trails, and easy access to the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains.
Ashland also ranks among the safest cities in Oregon to retire, with crime rates below the state and national average. The town boasts top-notch medical care, including Asante Ashland Community Hospital.
- Population: 21,360
- Share of population 65+: 28.6%
- Crime rate: 2,601 crimes per 100,000 people (20.7% lower than state average and 11.9% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $505,000
Corvallis | Popular Oregon City With Fantastic Health Care
Corvallis stands out as one of the best places to retire in Oregon, offering continuing education opportunities and natural beauty. Home to Oregon State University, the city provides retirees with access to lifelong learning programs, art exhibits, and sporting events. Outdoor lovers can also explore over 60 miles of multi-use trails and local golf courses like Trysting Tree Golf Club, making it the best place to retire in Oregon for active adults.
Healthcare in Corvallis is top-notch, with high-quality healthcare facilities like Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, a Level II trauma center offering a wide range of services. While housing costs are slightly above the national average, careful financial planning can help manage expenses, especially considering the city’s amenities and quality of life.
- Population: 59,922
- Share of population 65+: 13.8%
- Crime rate: 3,866 crimes per 100,000 people (17.9% higher than state average and 66.3% higher than national average)
- Average home price: $590,000
Portland | Largest City in Oregon With Plenty of Cultural Activities
Portland, the largest of the largest cities in Oregon, is often ranked among the best places to retire in Oregon thanks to its big-city amenities and walkability. For retirees who enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, Portland delivers with world-class museums, live music, and dozens of art galleries. The city is home to the iconic Portland Rose Festival, a beloved annual tradition featuring parades, concerts, and floral displays that celebrate the city’s nickname, “City of Roses.”
As one of the best places to retire in Oregon, you can explore the Portland Japanese Garden or hike in nearby Forest Park. Additionally, excellent public transportation makes it easy to get around without a car. Whether you are savoring farm-to-table cuisine, attending a gallery opening, or strolling through Powell’s City of Books, retire in Portland Oregon, and you’ll see why it’s considered the best city to retire in Oregon for those who want it all.
- Population: 652,503
- Share of population 65+: 14.2%
- Crime rate: 7,076 crimes per 100,000 people (115.9% higher than state average and 204.4% higher than national average)
- Average home price: $522,000
Charbonneau | One of the Best 55+ Communities in Oregon
For retirees seeking scenic beauty and a vibrant community life, Charbonneau is one of the best places to retire in Oregon. Charbonneau is one of the best retirement communities in Portland Oregon, and is located in Wilsonville, just south of Portland. Officially called the Charbonneau Country Club, this is arguably the best place to retire in Oregon, and encompasses 1,627 residential living units, including single family homes, condos, townhomes, apartments, and an assisted living center.
This is the best place in Oregon to retire for those who want everything taken care of. All households within the district are members of the Charbonneau Country Club. Your fees pay for the upkeep of a community clubhouse, landscaping, and nightly security patrols. So, although the cost of living may be a bit higher, you can truly enjoy retirement in Oregon when living here. When living here, you can enjoy the 27-hole golf course, tennis club, commercial/business center, restaurant, and several recreational facilities.
- Population (of Wilsonville): 26,664
- Share of population 65+ (in Wilsonville): 16.8%
- Crime rate: 1,225 crimes per 100,000 people (58% lower than state average and 46% lower than national average)
- Average home price: Mid $300s to low $5Ms
Lake Oswego | One of the Best Places to Retire in Oregon for Nature Lovers
Lake Oswego is a popular choice among the best places to retire in Oregon, offering an abundance of activities. While the median home price is around $980,000 (above the national average), retirees with a solid financial foundation and thoughtful retirement planning can findthat this city offers a fulfilling lifestyle.
For those approaching the specific retirement age, Lake Oswego provides ample opportunities to stay active and engaged. The Oswegoland Senior & Community Center makes this one of the best places to live in Oregon for retirees, and offers programs like Tai Chi, gardening, and social events. George Rogers Park offers riverfront access, sports fields, and historical sites like the Oswego Iron Furnace. You can also explore the Rogerson Clematis Garden, home to over 2,000 clematis plants.
- Population: 40,731
- Share of population 65+: 22.9%
- Crime rate: 1,661 crimes per 100,000 people (49.3% lower than state average and 28.5% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $980,000
North Bend | One of the State’s Best Retirement Destinations
North Bend is a favorite among the best places to retire in Oregon, offering a low cost of living and plenty of natural beauty. With a median home price around $220,000, it’s well below the national average, making it ideal for retirees seeking to maximize their retirement income and minimize living expenses.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore natural attractions like the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, offering hiking, birdwatching, and more activities that promote an active lifestyle. It’s also the nicest city in Oregon for those who love cultural attractions, and you can enjoy the nearby Bend Film Festival each year.
- Population: 10,317
- Share of population 65+: 24.0%
- Crime rate: 4,232 crimes per 100,000 people (29.1% higher than state average and 82.1% higher than national average)
- Average home price: $220,000
Gearhart | One of the Best Small Towns in Oregon to Retire
Gearhart, a coastal town with a population under 2,000, offers small-town charm and a laid-back lifestyle, making it one of the best places to retire in Oregon. Its peaceful beaches, such as Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site, provide opportunities for swimming and beachside walks.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the historic Gearhart Golf Links, the oldest course west of the Mississippi River. Art lovers can visit Dawning’s Art gallery, showcasing local artwork. The median home price is just slightly above the national average, making it one of the best places to retire in Oregon on a budget.
- Population: 1,870
- Share of population 65+: 28.0%
- Crime rate: 1,052 crimes per 100,000 people (64% lower than state average and 54% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $440,000
Summerfield | One of the Top-Rated Oregon Retirement Communities
If you’re searching for the best places to retire in Oregon, then look no further than Summerfield. Summerfield is one of the state’s best retirement destinations and is a 55+ age-restricted community in Tigard. You can live your dream retirement life here, with amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, golf course, pool table, swimming pool, library, tennis and pickleball courts, and more.
Summerfield is also one of the best affordable retirement communities in Oregon, with homes starting in the high $100,000s. Housing ranges from apartments to condos to townhomes to single family homes, so there’s truly something for everyone.
- Population (of Tigard): 54,539
- Share of population 65+ (in Tigard): 16.7%
- Crime rate (of Tigard): 4,035 crimes per 100,000 people (23.1% higher than state average and 73.6% higher than national average)
- Average home price: High $100s to high $500s
Map of the Best Places to Retire in Oregon
Check out this map of the best places to retire in Oregon.
Let PDX Movers Help You Get Settled
Now that you know all of the best places to retire in Oregon where you can stretch your social security benefits and manage your income taxes, it’s time to let the retirement planning begin. Once you’ve found the best place to retire in Oregon, get in touch with the Portland movers at PDX Movers!
Our team is ready to make your move smooth and stress-free from start to finish. Give us a call today at (503) 746-8795 for a free quote.
