Cresswind Wesley Chapel
Charlotte, North Carolina
Astoria, Oregon
What It Is Like to Retire in Astoria
Astoria, located on the northwest tip of Oregon, is located at the mouth of the Columbia River and just a few miles away from the Pacific. It is the oldest permanent American settlement West of the Rockies - Lewis and Clark stayed here for the winter of 1806. With pretty, scenic backgrounds and a redone 1920s downtown, this relatively uncommercialized community is laid-back, low-key, and attracts some tourists and retirees because of its location and stock of Victorian homes that date back to the town's heyday a wealthy salmon fishing/processing location. As is typical of many Oregon towns, Astoria offers plenty of outdoor recreation. The population is stable at 9,500.
Here is what one recent visitor said about Astoria: We loved the town. very cute, but with a lot to do. Excellent restaurants, breweries, art scene. Easy to get around, pretty riverwalk. Probably more for retirees to go to in summer as weather is horrible in winter. Photos courtesy of Jeff Russell.
Where to Retire in Astoria and Home Prices
Zillow's median home value was reported to be $483,878 in mid-2024, which is above the national median.
What Is Special about Astoria
The sheer beauty of the town location and stock of Victorian homes is spectacular. Cruise ships visit here to explore the town and surrounding beauty. The Astoria Riverwalk is a local attraction. There are several excellent local golf courses including the Lewis and Clark Public Golf Course. Many movies including "Into the Wild" were filmed on location here. Social security income is not taxed. Seaside Beach is on the Pacific and a great beach for every kind of activity.
What Is Not Special about Astoria
Astoria is rather remote. It's pretty rainy and the unemployment rate is relatively high.
Who Will Like Retirement in Astoria
Those interested in a maritime tradition, nice views, cool weather, and the great outdoors retire in Astoria.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism. Note that at least one retiree looks like he landed a nice job driving the trolley!
Climate and Physical Environment
The climate is on the cool side, and since Astoria is in a temperate rain forest, it receives quite a bit of rain. The average Jan temp is in the low 40s and the average July temp in the low 60s. Astoria is located near the mouth of the Columbia River as it enters the Pacific Ocean on the Washington border.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There is a 1925 vaudeville house, the Liberty Theater, which is being restored. The downtown's attractions include seafod restaurants, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, The Astoria Festival of Music, and the nicely restored 1913 Riverfront Trolley. The Astoria Public Library is up to date and well-used.
Crime
The crime rate in Astoria is low.
Medical facilities
Columbia Memorial Hospital is located here.
Transportation
Astoria is still an active seaport.
Comments on "Astoria"