(STACKER) — Buyers and sellers of real estate alike—when asked what are the three most essential considerations about a property—will nearly always reply “location, location, location.” While this answer is sometimes tongue-in-cheek, it is often quite accurate, and this reply perhaps applies to retirees more than any other demographic. Settling down after a lifetime of working and perhaps raising a family calls for the perfect location: a spot where you can enjoy life with as few concerns as possible.
When seniors aged 65 years or older decide on where they want to live out their golden years, they consider very specific factors, such as the cost of living, government services, health care facilities, weather and overall climate, crime rate, outdoor recreational activities, eating establishments, cultural and entertainment opportunities, and more.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to retire in Oregon using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, healthcare, recreation and weather.
Location is critical as retirees determine where to spend their senior years enjoying favorite activities; however, it’s a very unique decision based on a multitude of preferences and needs. Whether it be bustling downtowns or access to parks, affordable home prices or cultural amenities like museums, retirees seeking to settle in a permanent spot are sure to find a private paradise in any of these counties recommended by Niche because, in the end, there is no place like home—no matter the location.
Read on to discover the best counties to retire to in Oregon.
8. Josephine County
- Population: 86,251
- Median home value: $265,500 (66% own)
- Median rent: $908 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $45,616
- Top places to live: Grants Pass (C), New Hope (C), Redwood (C-)
7. Baker County
- Population: 16,019
- Median home value: $173,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $674 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $45,998
- Top places to live: Baker City (B), Richland (C+), Halfway (C+)
6. Douglas County
- Population: 109,114
- Median home value: $199,200 (68% own)
- Median rent: $824 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $47,267
- Top places to live: Roseburg (B-), Green (B-), Sutherlin (C+)
5. Wallowa County
- Population: 7,004
- Median home value: $239,100 (70% own)
- Median rent: $681 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $51,224
- Top places to live: Enterprise (B-), Wallowa (C+), Lostine (C+)
4. Coos County
- Population: 63,686
- Median home value: $198,100 (66% own)
- Median rent: $818 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $45,051
- Top places to live: North Bend (B-), Coos Bay (C+), Bunker Hill (C)
3. Harney County
- Population: 7,267
- Median home value: $121,300 (72% own)
- Median rent: $648 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $40,735
- Top places to live: Hines (B-)
2. Lincoln County
- Population: 48,547
- Median home value: $251,200 (66% own)
- Median rent: $924 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $47,882
- Top places to live: Newport (B), Toledo (B-), Waldport (C+)
1. Curry County
- Population: 22,650
- Median home value: $265,400 (71% own)
- Median rent: $888 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $48,440
- Top places to live: Gold Beach (C+), Brookings (C), Harbor (C-)