3 Reasons Why Oregon Is the Best Place To Retire

Typically (or, stereotypically), retirees consider states with year-round sunshine. Oregon is … not that. In the Beaver State, you won't find bright sunshine for the majority of the year like many people might want. But this stunning state offers benefits that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Below, you will find proof of such, as well as a few options for the best places to retire in Oregon.

1. Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

Oregon is not a state that is sunny for most of the year. But did you know the Beaver State doesn’t even crack the top 10 wettest states in the U.S.? Additionally, you’re less likely to experience drastic weather shifts here, as the relatively mild winters bring very little snow (of course, mountainous areas will be different), and the summers only occasionally feature a brief heat wave.

One of the greatest blessings of this state? The natural landscapes. Take your pick between dramatic mountains, fertile farmland, a striking coastline, green valleys, forests that stretch on and are dotted with rivers and waterfalls, crystalline lakes, active volcanoes, and a high desert that feels as if it's something out of a classic Western. Oregonians know that there are many sights to see in their beautiful state, and have made it their mission to make them as accessible to the public as possible. This means that the beaches and forests are kept clean and are well-maintained, hikes have clearly marked paths with significant signage, and many places have ADA-compliant features.

2. Unique Lifestyle Benefits of Retiring in Oregon

Although Portland is known for its quirky nature, the state has cities that reflect vastly different vibes. Therefore, there are many different options for a new city to call home. However, all of these cities reflect one quality that is very distinct amongst Oregonians: local pride. 

The people here are very proud of their state, of the land, of their communities, and of their products. Some of these products have made the state famous, particularly food and drink products. In Oregon, you'll find award-winning restaurants like Kann and brands like Tillamook’s dairy products, Tazo Tea, and Dutch Bros Coffee.

Of course, you also can't forget the many brands that reflect the local love for the outdoors, like Nike, Adidas, Pendleton, and Columbia Sportswear. People here would rather shop at these local brands than anywhere else, but this love of local shopping doesn’t stop at the big brands; it goes all the way down to the local farmers and craftsmen. 

Oregon has a big farmers market culture, in addition to multiple farmstands that dot the roads, and specialty grocery stores carrying goods from nearby sellers. Farm-to-table is easy in Oregon, especially with the Willamette Valley dominating much of the western part of the state, cattle ranches and large-scale crops spread across the eastern part, and ample seafood-catching opportunities on the coast.

3. Overall Quality of Life

Even outside of nature, farms, and the related fairs, there are dozens of festivals with a focus on community. Retirees can enjoy music festivals, flower festivals (the Portland Rose Festival is worth a spot on every bucket list), and the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Then there are theaters, sporting events, museums, and countless other attractions that dot the state.

In terms of accessibility and accommodations, Oregon takes these things seriously, even down to food allergies and dietary restrictions. Menus often use symbols to indicate potential allergens if they don’t list all ingredients. There’s typically very little fuss when asking to accommodate such things, and some places might have entire menus that are nut-free or gluten-free.

Then, in terms of affordability, retirees on a fixed budget may be happy to know that Oregon has no sales tax, and there are often various tax breaks for the elderly as well. Like any state, some cities are more expensive than others, but in terms of overall desirability for retirees, places like Portland, Ashland, Bend, Corvallis, Lake Oswego, and the seaside towns of Newport and Cannon Beach rank highly. 

So, there you have it. Oregon may not have the year-round sunshine, but it certainly has more than enough to make it one of the most desirable states to retire! Ready to start planning your next trip to the Beaver State? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner for activity, restaurant, and accommodation recommendations.