Several cities and towns in Oregon are quickly becoming hotspots for retirees, who are drawn to the state’s thriving artistic and cultural communities, breathtaking natural beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, and an overall high quality of life. The Beaver State does have a cost of living that’s higher than the national average, making retirement in Oregon an expensive investment for some. However, for many seniors the benefits of retirement in Oregon far outweigh the drawbacks.
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- A Relatively Mild Climate - The Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) notes that Oregon has a temperate climate and that temperatures rarely reach extreme highs or lows. Severe weather, such as serious hailstorms or tornadoes, is also rare. This is due in part to the state’s location. The WRCC points out that those storm systems have already changed dramatically as they move from the Pacific Ocean into Oregon, minimizing the potential severity.
- High Quality of Life - The state offers both small-town living and bustling urban communities, allowing you to choose just the kind of lifestyle you’re looking for during your retirement in Oregon. Both typically offer thriving arts and entertainment scenes, in addition to plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and recreation. For example, MarketWatch notes that Portland has become a popular retirement destination because it offers both city living and outdoor activities.
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- Natural Beauty - If you like to spend time in the great outdoors, there are few states better than Oregon. There are several mountain ranges, including the Blue Mountains, Cascade Mountains, and Coast Range. The city of Bend offers hiking trails and ski resorts that are some of the best in the state, according to the real estate blog Movoto. The site also recommends Beaverton for its hiking trails and reputation as a walkable city.
- Personal Safety - Many retirees want to stay active by taking advantage of Oregon’s outdoor recreational activities and events, such as theater and festivals. If that’s you, the last thing you want to worry about is if it’s safe to do so. Fortunately, the National Institute of Corrections notes that violent crimes make up just 7 percent of the state’s crime rate and were 27 percent lower than the national average as of 2013.
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