The Oregon Coast is a must-experience place. Rugged and windswept, lined by thick forest and rocky bluffs, its natural beauty is extraordinary and unique to the Pacific coastline.
Walk long stretches of sandy beach, breathing in fresh, salt-tinged ocean air. Explore tidepools and discover marine life. Stand in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. Watch whales migrate along the horizon.
Visit historic lighthouses with breathtaking views of the Pacific and bustling coastal towns where fishing boats dock with the day’s catch and sea lions noisily bark. Surf, kayak, fish, hike or bike for an unforgettable experience. Share stories of the day over steaming bowls of chowder, take in the sunset, and plan tomorrow’s adventures!
The Oregon Coast isn’t just a great vacation destination. The setting, cost of living, and quality of life make it a special place to call home.
The coast’s many outdoor activities and relaxed pace promote a healthy lifestyle. Coastal real estate is comparatively more affordable than Oregon’s metro areas. And larger inland cities are an easy one to two-hour drive away, providing easy access to entertainment, dining, shopping, and airports.
If you’re thinking of moving to the coast, here are four of the best coastal towns to live in in Oregon!
Best Oregon Coast Towns
Astoria Population: 9800 (Clatsop County)
You’ll quickly feel at home among the charming neighborhoods and small-town feel of vibrant Astoria, Oregon.
Overlooking the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is rich with history. Quaint homes with enviable views hug the town’s hilly slopes. Astoria’s deep-water port bustles with activity, and the historic downtown offers an eclectic array of restaurants, brewpubs, coffee shops, art galleries, bookstores, and vintage shops.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum is a fascinating journey through the history of marine transportation and the Pacific Northwest. Hiking trails in the area are numerous, and ocean beaches are just 15 minutes away.
Great schools and a local community college make Astoria a great family town, while its amenities and proximity to Portland make it appealing to young professionals and retirees.
Many Astoria residents are renters. Median home value: $259,600. Median rent: $908.
Cannon Beach Population: 1491 (Clatsop County)
Haystack Rock is the iconic visual marker of this beautiful Oregon coastal town.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, boasts stunning ocean views, easy beach access, and a charming downtown core with boutique shopping, eateries, coffee shops, art galleries, and other local amenities. Nearby Ecola State Park, located north of town at the end of a winding forest road, entices hikers and picnickers with some of the most famous sweeping views of Oregon’s Pacific coastline.
This peaceful oceanside community’s easy pace and welcoming mood make it a favorite Oregon coast getaway for tourists and year-round residents alike. Locals are a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. A convenient 1.5-hour drive from downtown Portland, Cannon Beach is an excellent location if you want to split time between the metro area and the coast.
Many Cannon Beach residents rent their homes. Median home value: $587,800. Median rent: $839.
Newport Population: 10,550 (Lincoln County)
This charming coastal town with stunning ocean views is one of the busiest tourist stops on the central Oregon Coast.
The city of Newport, Oregon, draws both visitors and locals to its historic working bayfront where commercial fishing boats dock. The Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Yaquina Head, and many scenic viewpoints are must-sees. Restaurants, coffee shops, various shopping, and other services meet the needs of mid-coast residents and vacationers.
Well-ranked local schools and Oregon Coast Community College make the city appealing to families. Newport is an easy one-hour drive from the university town of Corvallis, Oregon, which offers additional healthcare services – a valuable benefit to retirees.
Most Newport residents own their homes. Median home value: $258,000. Median rent: $896. Median income: $49,039.
Coos Bay Population: 16,000 (Coos County)
Coos Bay, Oregon, is a hidden gem. Located on the Southern Oregon coast, approximately 80 miles from Roseburg and a four-hour drive from Portland, historic Coos Bay is an “up and comer” that offers some of the best real estate deals on the Oregon Coast.
Coos Bay, a friendly, low-key community, is attracting new residents with a newly developed bayfront, revitalized downtown core, and emerging food scene. Shopping options are limited, but the town’s proximity to Bandon and Florence provides easy access to amenities.
Opportunity for outdoor recreation is year-round, from pristine sandy beaches just 15 minutes from central Coos Bay to the Oregon Dunes to lush forest hikes.
Most Coos Bay residents own their homes. Median home value: $181,000. Median rent: $820.
Moving to the Oregon Coast
The Oregon coast housing market is tight, like in many places today. But with time and patience, you’ll find an ocean home to meet your needs. Check out Gearhart, Manzanita, Waldport, and Bandon in addition to the towns we’ve featured. Each offers something unique in coastal living.
Move to the Oregon Coast with Priority Moving!
Priority Moving is Oregon’s trusted professional moving company. So if you’re moving, give us a call. We specialize in affordable moves to the Oregon Coast. Our experienced moving team will expertly pack, move and unpack your household, helping you settle in your new home safely and without worry. Contact us today for a free moving estimate. Leave your packing and moving to Priority Moving – and you’ll be enjoying the beach in no time!