We’re about to tour Oregon’s less-talked-about towns, where the only thing retired is probably the ‘Welcome’ sign.
These are the spots where your retirement fund can feel more stretched than morning yoga.
So, grab your reading glasses and perhaps a map to the nearest exit, as we count down the top 20 towns that could challenge even the most adventurous retirees.
1. Coos Bay, Oregon
Coos Bay boasts a population of 16,326. It is known for its large natural harbor and a vibrant history tied to the lumber industry. Despite its scenic views and coastal charm, the town presents some challenges for retirees.
The cost of living and healthcare services in Coos Bay are higher than average for Oregon, which can be a drawback for those living on a fixed income. Additionally, the weather can be quite rainy and overcast, affecting outdoor activities.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: Coos Bay’s higher living costs and frequent rainy weather make it less attractive for retirees seeking a comfortable and active retirement.
2. Portland, Oregon
Portland, the largest city in Oregon with a population of 650,380, is known for its vibrant culture and arts scene. It offers many amenities that can be appealing to younger populations but might pose challenges for retirees.
The city’s high cost of living and the bustling urban environment can be overwhelming for some retirees. Additionally, traffic congestion and crime rates are higher than in quieter, smaller towns.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The high cost of living and urban hustle may not suit retirees looking for peace and quiet in their golden years.
3. Ontario, Oregon
Ontario has a population of 11,031 and serves as a major hub in the eastern part of Oregon. This town is known for its agricultural base, particularly onions and potatoes, which dominate the local economy.
Despite its small-town feel, Ontario struggles with high crime rates and limited healthcare facilities, which are significant concerns for retirees. The climate is also quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: High crime rates and limited healthcare options make Ontario a less desirable choice for retirees.
4. Klamath Falls, Oregon
Klamath Falls, with a population of 21,509, is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly around the Upper Klamath Lake. The town has a rich history with Native American heritage and stunning natural scenery.
However, Klamath Falls faces economic challenges with higher unemployment rates and a lack of diverse amenities. Healthcare services are also not as robust as in larger cities.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: Economic challenges and limited healthcare services are major drawbacks for retirees in Klamath Falls.
5. Prineville, Oregon
Prineville, with a population of 10,429, is the oldest town in Central Oregon and offers a quieter lifestyle amidst beautiful landscapes. It is attracting tech companies like Facebook and Apple with its data centers.
Despite these developments, Prineville remains limited in terms of healthcare facilities and activities suited to retirees. The town also has a relatively high poverty rate, which impacts the overall quality of life.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: Limited healthcare facilities and a high poverty rate make Prineville less appealing for retirees seeking a secure and active retirement.
6. Lincoln City, Oregon
Lincoln City is located on the scenic Oregon Coast and has a population of 9,007. It is popular for its beaches, kite flying, and as a tourist destination.
However, the transient nature of the tourist population can make the town feel crowded and less community-oriented, which might not appeal to retirees looking for a stable and quiet environment. Additionally, the cost of living here is relatively high due to its popularity as a vacation spot.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The high cost of living and lack of community feel during tourist season can deter retirees.
7. Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is rich in history as the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies and has a population of 9,929. It’s known for its beautiful Victorian homes and maritime history.
Despite its cultural attractions, Astoria’s weather can be a downside, with many rainy days throughout the year. This can limit outdoor activities for retirees who wish to stay active.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The frequent rainy weather in Astoria can be a deterrent for retirees seeking a more active lifestyle.
8. Salem, Oregon
Salem, the capital of Oregon, has a population of 171,806. It features historic sites, parks, and institutions that provide a rich cultural experience.
However, Salem also deals with some urban challenges such as higher crime rates and traffic. These issues, combined with the cost of living, can make Salem less desirable for those seeking a peaceful retirement.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The urban challenges and higher living costs in Salem may not meet the needs of retirees looking for tranquility and affordability.
9. Forest Grove, Oregon
Forest Grove is known for its vineyards and the prestigious Pacific University. It has a population of 24,847 and offers a small-town feel with access to higher education and cultural events.
However, the cost of living is relatively high, and the town can be quite busy during the school year, which might not be ideal for retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The bustling school environment and higher living costs make Forest Grove less suitable for retirees.
10. Grants Pass, Oregon
Grants Pass is known for its beautiful rivers and outdoor activities, with a population of 37,938. It’s popular among tourists for rafting and fishing.
However, the town struggles with significant healthcare service limitations and a high cost of living, which can be tough on retirees’ budgets. Moreover, the town experiences considerable seasonal population fluctuations, which can disrupt the local community feel.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The high cost of living and healthcare limitations make Grants Pass less suitable for retirees seeking stability and affordable healthcare.
11. Medford, Oregon
Medford, with a population of 82,098, is a regional economic hub in southern Oregon. It offers a range of amenities and services, including shopping centers and hospitals.
However, the city has a high crime rate and experiences smoky conditions from nearby wildfires during the summer, which can affect air quality and overall health.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The high crime rate and seasonal poor air quality due to wildfires make Medford a challenging environment for retirees.
12. Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is known for its arts and outdoors, with a population of 170,457. The city is vibrant and hosts numerous cultural events.
However, Eugene’s cost of living is quite high compared to other towns in Oregon, and the area is known for its active lifestyle, which might not suit all retirees.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The high cost of living and the city’s focus on a younger, more active population can be less appealing for retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle.
13. Warrenton, Oregon
Warrenton is a small coastal city near the mouth of the Columbia River, with a population of 5,635. It is strategically located near various nature reserves and scenic spots.
Despite its location, the city experiences frequent windy conditions and has a limited number of healthcare providers, which can be a concern for retirees needing consistent medical care.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: Frequent harsh weather and limited healthcare facilities make Warrenton a less desirable location for retirees.
14. Roseburg, Oregon
Roseburg, with a population of 23,237, is in the heart of the Umpqua River Valley and is known for its wineries and the surrounding natural beauty.
However, Roseburg has an aging infrastructure and relatively high crime rates, which might deter retirees seeking a safe and well-maintained environment to live in.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The aging infrastructure and higher crime rates make Roseburg a challenging place for retirees seeking peace and security.
15. Woodburn, Oregon
Woodburn is known for its rich agricultural industry and the annual Tulip Festival, attracting many visitors. The city has a diverse population of various cultural backgrounds.
Despite its cultural diversity and vibrant community events, Woodburn has a high cost of living and some areas with significant traffic congestion, especially during festival seasons, which might not be ideal for retirees looking for a quieter, more predictable lifestyle.
[Why it’s not ideal for retirees]: The high cost of living and occasional traffic congestion make Woodburn less suitable for retirees.
16. Springfield, Oregon
Springfield is a city in Lane County with more than 61,000 people.
It sounds lively, but it has its struggles.
It ranks as the 14th most dangerous place to live in the state.
The city also has poorly performing schools and not many activities for families.
The job market is not strong either, which can impact the community feel.
Why it is one of the worst towns for retirees: Safety concerns and limited community offerings can make retirement less enjoyable.
17. Gresham, Oregon
Gresham is located east of Portland and has over 110,000 residents.
Despite its size, it faces serious safety concerns.
It ranks 11th in overall danger and 8th in violent crimes.
Jobs are not as easy to find here compared to other Oregon cities.
This can lead to a stressful living environment, especially for retirees.
Why it is one of the worst towns for retirees: High crime rates and weak job opportunities make it a tough place to settle down.
18. Seaside, Oregon
Seaside has a cozy population of about 6,700 people.
It may sound charming, but it faces real economic problems.
Unemployment is a concern, and public schools are underfunded.
Housing costs are high, while median incomes lag behind the national average.
This means the cost of living can be burdensome for retirees.
Why it is one of the worst towns for retirees: High living expenses and economic struggles make it hard to relax here.
19. Hermiston, Oregon
Hermiston deals with an unemployment rate of 7.9 percent.
Crime rates are also a problem, with the city ranking 20th in Oregon for safety concerns.
The economy is sluggish, with one of the worst unemployment rates in the state.
These challenges make it a stressful place for those looking to enjoy their golden years.
Why it is one of the worst towns for retirees: A slow economy and safety issues do not make for a peaceful retirement.
20. Sweet Home, Oregon
Sweet Home has a population of about 9,600 people.
More than 20 percent of residents live below the poverty line.
The unemployment rate stands at 8.8 percent, which is higher than average.
While crime is not a huge issue here, economic hardship is.
That financial strain can affect retirees living on a fixed income.
Why it is one of the worst towns for retirees: High poverty levels and economic instability create stress for retirees.
Very interesting read. I have to think our state leaders should all read this and just maybe they may want to rethink how they should govern this state.
How sad that almost all the I-5 corridor city’s are on this list.