Best of Oregon

 

Here’s a list of ten small towns in Oregon that are considered ideal for retirement, based on factors like public safety, quality of life, access to quality healthcare, and amenities:

1. Ashland

  • Overview: Ashland is known for its vibrant arts scene, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It has a mild climate and is nestled in the foothills of the Siskiyou and Cascade Ranges.
  • Amenities: Numerous restaurants, cafes, galleries, and boutiques.
  • Healthcare: Asante Ashland Community Hospital.
  • Parks: Lithia Park, featuring 93 acres of walking paths, Japanese gardens, and duck ponds.
  • Other Features: Active cultural life with theaters and festivals.

2. Hood River

  • Overview: A charming town located along the Columbia River Gorge, popular for its stunning views and outdoor activities, including windsurfing and hiking.
  • Amenities: Local wineries, breweries, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
  • Healthcare: Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital.
  • Parks: Waterfront Park with walking trails and picnic areas.
  • Other Features: Proximity to Mount Hood and the Columbia River offers opportunities for skiing, boating, and fishing.

3. Florence

  • Overview: Located on the Oregon Coast, Florence offers a peaceful, scenic environment with access to beautiful beaches and dunes.
  • Amenities: Quaint downtown with shops and restaurants, the Siuslaw River Bridge, and Old Town Florence.
  • Healthcare: PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center.
  • Parks: Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, offering sand dunes, lakes, and forests.
  • Other Features: Access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse.

4. McMinnville

  • Overview: Known for its historic downtown and as the heart of Oregon’s wine country, McMinnville is a great town for those who enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with access to cultural amenities.
  • Amenities: Wineries, tasting rooms, fine dining, and boutique shopping.
  • Healthcare: Willamette Valley Medical Center.
  • Parks: Discovery Meadows Community Park with walking paths and open space.
  • Other Features: Annual UFO Festival, proximity to vineyards and orchards.

5. Bend

  • Overview: Although Bend is on the larger side for a small town, it has a welcoming community, with easy access to outdoor recreation like skiing, mountain biking, and river activities.
  • Amenities: Excellent dining options, craft breweries, and a vibrant downtown.
  • Healthcare: St. Charles Medical Center – Bend.
  • Parks: Drake Park, Shevlin Park, and the Deschutes River Trail.
  • Other Features: Close to the Cascade Mountains and Deschutes National Forest, offering outdoor activities year-round.

6. Silverton

  • Overview: Silverton is a historic town with a strong sense of community and easy access to natural attractions.
  • Amenities: Local shops, cafes, and the Oregon Garden Resort.
  • Healthcare: Legacy Silverton Medical Center.
  • Parks: Silver Falls State Park, which features stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.
  • Other Features: Annual festivals like the Silverton Fine Arts Festival, proximity to the Oregon Garden.

7. Brookings

  • Overview: Situated along the Southern Oregon Coast, Brookings offers a mild climate and beautiful coastal scenery, making it a peaceful place for retirement.
  • Amenities: Art galleries, seafood restaurants, and harbor views.
  • Healthcare: Curry Health Network – Brookings.
  • Parks: Azalea Park, with walking trails, gardens, and events like the Azalea Festival.
  • Other Features: Proximity to the Redwood National and State Parks and Harris Beach State Park.

8. La Grande

  • Overview: Located in Eastern Oregon, La Grande provides a peaceful, rural lifestyle with access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
  • Amenities: Historic downtown with local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
  • Healthcare: Grande Ronde Hospital.
  • Parks: Riverside Park, Morgan Lake Park.
  • Other Features: Eastern Oregon University adds an educational and cultural element to the town.

9. Lincoln City

  • Overview: A coastal town known for its long sandy beaches, Lincoln City is a popular destination for retirees seeking a tranquil coastal lifestyle.
  • Amenities: Numerous beach access points, seafood restaurants, and a local casino.
  • Healthcare: Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.
  • Parks: Devil's Lake State Recreation Area, Lincoln City Skatepark.
  • Other Features: Glassblowing studios, annual kite festivals, and seven miles of continuous beach.

10. Cottage Grove

  • Overview: A quaint town with historic charm, located in the Willamette Valley, Cottage Grove is known for its covered bridges and beautiful surroundings.
  • Amenities: Small local shops, restaurants, and cafes in a historic downtown.
  • Healthcare: PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Community Medical Center.
  • Parks: Row River National Recreation Trail, Cottage Grove Lake.
  • Other Features: Several historic covered bridges and the annual Bohemia Mining Days Festival.

These small towns in Oregon offer a variety of lifestyles, from coastal and mountain retreats to wine country and historic communities, making them excellent choices for retirees looking for safety, quality of life, and access to healthcare.