Lifestyle
The Beaver State stands out as a retirement destination for its sunny, mild weather, excellent outdoor recreation, fine dining options, and proximity to all that the West Coast has to offer. Some seniors may look to Oregon after being priced out of California or Washington, but it should be high on your list no matter what: between its excellent medical care facilities, bustling food and wine scene, and remarkable beaches, the state offers many benefits to retirees—read on to discover our list of the best cities to retire to in Oregon.
C.E Larusso
Published December 4th, 2025
C.E Larusso
•
Published December 4th, 2025
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Oregon is ideal for retirees looking for outdoor adventure and stunning vistas.
With its mild climate and proximity to the ocean, retirees can enjoy biking, hiking, swimming, and more almost year-round.
Many smaller retiree-friendly cities are close to major hubs, making travel a breeze.
Overall the state is moderately tax-friendly—it doesn’t tax Social Security but does tax other retirement income.
Is Oregon a good place to live for retirees?
Oregon has many small cities within a striking distance to major hubs, which allows many retirees to enjoy a slower pace of life while being able to access the amenities that metropolitan areas offer, including excellent healthcare facilities. Oregon is known for its mild weather, striking vistas, and outdoor activities, though it has a higher cost-of-living than the national average. It could be an excellent place for retirees who want to live on the west coast, but don’t want to pay as much as it costs to live in California, and prefer the quieter lifestyle the Beaver State affords.
Is Oregon tax-friendly for seniors?
Oregon is considered moderately tax-friendly. The state does not tax Social Security benefits, but it does tax other retirement income, such as withdrawals from IRA and 401(k) accounts, and the income tax, at its max, is on the higher end, at 9.9%. Both public and private pension income is partially taxed, but there is no sales tax in the state. If you have a PERS retirement plan, which is given to state-employed public service workers, you might be eligible to file a tax remedy.
Do seniors in Oregon pay property taxes over 65?
Yes, seniors are responsible for property taxes, however those over the age of 62 can apply for a property tax deferral, allowing for a payment extension.
What benefits do seniors get in Oregon?
Low-income Oregon seniors can apply for the state’s comprehensive Medicaid program, which offers medical care, dental services, mental health treatments, vision care, and more. There is also a prescription assistance program—called ArrayRx—to help offset the cost of medications.
Different counties have different transit benefits. In Lane County, seniors 65 and older can receive free bus passes through the state’s Honored Rider program, while Multnomah has a special Dial-A-Ride program.
There are additional programs to help seniors with housing, utilities, and property taxes.
Where is the best place to retire in Colorado?
Colorado has many great cities, from its largest city of Denver to smaller ones such as Aurora. Noted for its strikingly beautiful scenery, the state is ideal for retirees who look for bountiful outdoor recreation options, mild weather, and excellent medical facilities.
1. Eugene
CITY POPULATION: 178,786
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $471,101
MEDIAN RENT: $1,741
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Outdoor enthusiasts love Eugene, where Spencer’s Butte Park offers access to the Ridgeline Trail System and the Willamette River is ideal for kayaking and rafting. Eugene is also considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., making it an excellent place for seniors to stay active and healthy. With the University of Oregon situated in Eugene, retirees can exercise their mind as well as their bodies with continuing education classes.
2. Bend
CITY POPULATION: 106,926
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 18%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 27% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $733,106
MEDIAN RENT: $2,500
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Similar to Eugene, Bend offers access to hiking trails—it’s right in the heart of the Cascade Range—and water activities on the Deschutes River, which is popular for kayaking, fishing, and more. Bend is also known for a thriving cultural scene, with several museums, art galleries, and events to experience.
3. Ashland
CITY POPULATION: 21,343
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 29%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $542,732
MEDIAN RENT: $1,803
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
While Ashland is a smaller city, it’s known for its excellent dining options and thriving arts scene, as evidenced by it being the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It ’s just a few hours by car to California’s wine country, but has many of its own vineyards and tasting rooms to enjoy. The city also boasts a low crime rate and excellent medical facilities.
4. Salem
CITY POPULATION: 111,166
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 7% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $286,782
MEDIAN RENT: $1,350
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Retirees often feel supported by Salem’s robust and excellent healthcare system; the city has numerous nationally-known specialty clinics and hospitals. Salem also has excellent weather year-round, and hosts the popular annual Cherry Blossom Festival as well as dozens of other cultural activities.
5. Roseburg
COUNTY POPULATION: 23,773
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 10% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $359,088
MEDIAN RENT: $1,395
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
With the Pacific Ocean, Oregon coast, and two larger cities just an hour away, Roseburg is an ideal location for a quiet city—it’s surrounded by mountain vistas, and home to Umpqua National Forest, which offers many hiking trails. Roseburg has mild weather year-round and is more affordable than other cities in the state.
6. Medford
CITY POPULATION: 85,100
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $402,157
MEDIAN RENT: $1,596
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Medford is a fisherperson’s dream location, with plentiful lakes to catch trout, bass, and more. It’s close to Ashland, if you wish to experience the arts scene that city has to offer, and is off of several major highways for easy access to airports and other attractions in Oregon. In addition, Medford is near several excellent healthcare facilities.
7. Beaverton
CITY POPULATION: 96,946
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 14%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 28% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $526,662
MEDIAN RENT: $1,823
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Beaverton is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with over 30 miles of hiking trails and a 25-mile network of bike paths. It’s just outside of Portland, so retirees can enjoy the bigger city’s amenities without the constant hustle-and-bustle. The city is also the gateway to the Willamette wine region, making it ideal for oenophiles.
Bottom Line
While Oregon overall does have a higher cost-of-living and is only moderately tax-friendly to retirees, many seniors can find less expensive places to live in the state’s smaller cities, many of which offer a mild climate, a bustling arts scenes, fine dining, and outdoor adventures such as hiking and fishing. To decide where in Oregon you can afford to comfortably retire, it’s best to speak to a Certified Financial Planner® at Retirable to review your goals, investments, and budget.
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A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
Share this advice
A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
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