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Should You Retire in Oregon?

senior-living-oregon

Alissa Sauer

Oregon may not be the first state that comes to your mind when you are considering your retirement destination, but maybe it should be. With an abundance of green spaces, stunning beaches, and a thriving cultural and art scene, Oregon is quickly becoming a hotspot for retirees. The state is tax-friendly for retirees, boasts hundreds of farmers markets, is environmentally and health conscious and may be your retirement destination.

Learn more about an Oregon retirement.

The Truth about an Oregon Retirement

1. Does Oregon tax retirement income?

Oregon is moderately tax friendly. While the state does not tax Social Security benefits, it does tax other retirement income, like withdrawals from retirement accounts. Additionally, public and private pension income are partially taxed. Wages are taxed at standard rate and the marginal state tax rate is 9%. There is no sales tax in the state, adding to Oregon’s tax friendliness ranking.

oregon-retirement-bike-riding2. Do I need a car to retire in Oregon?

While it’s always convenient to have a car, retiring in Oregon may mean eliminating the expense of car ownership. Portland, Oregon is frequently rated the most bike-friendly city in the country, encouraging retirees to enjoy time being active while getting where they need to go, instead of sitting in traffic. Depending on where you retire in Oregon, you may be able to leave your car behind and enjoy more time active and outside.

3. Does Oregon have beaches?

Oregon not only has an abundance of beaches, thanks to a pioneering beach bill, all 363 miles of Oregon’s coastline are free and public. From sandy beaches to majestic cliffs, the Oregon coast is nothing less than magical. The famous Highway 101 will take you down the entire coastline offering unforgettable views. Be sure to stop at the world-famous Tillamook Cheese Factory on the coast for world-renowned samples.

4. How does Oregon rank in environmental friendliness?

Oregon is consistently rated among the states with the lowest carbon footprint and has more Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings per capita than any other state. Portland has been ranked as one of the “greenest” cities in the world and Oregon frequently tops ratings for recycling, energy efficiency, and renewable energy production.

5. Is Oregon a safe place to retire?

Retirees should always be aware of their surroundings, taking caution with where and when they travel. However, with the abundance of outdoor recreation, an Oregon retirement means more of a focus on the fun and less on safety. Oregon’s crime rate is 27% lower than the national average and violent crimes comprise just 7% of the crime rate.

6. Is Oregon a healthy place for seniors to retire? oregon-retirement-fresh-produce

Aside from its abundance of outdoor activities, Oregon is a veggie lover’s paradise. Oregon’s temperate climate and nutrient-rich soil make it a farmer’s paradise. During the warmer months, produce stands and roadside farmer’s markets pop up everywhere, making it easy for retirees to eat local, fresh produce in season.

7. Is Oregon a pretty place to retire?

From shining seas to purple mountain majesty, Oregon has it all. Retirees in Oregon can take advantage of a breathtaking and diverse landscape with the Painted Hills, Mount Hood, the Wallowas, South Rock, and Crater Lake. Sandboard at the dunes or hike through an evergreen forest. The choice is yours.

8. What is the climate in Oregon?

Retirees in Oregon will experience the beauty of all four seasons with none of the extremes. Temperatures in Oregon rarely reach extreme lows or highs and severe weather is also rare because many of these storms move in from the Pacific, minimizing the storm’s potential effects.

oregon-retirement-dining9. Are there good restaurants in Oregon?

With over 200 vineyards throughout the state, elephant ears (an Oregon favorite of fried dough rolled in sugar) at most farmer’s markets, and Portland’s vibrant craft beer scene, Oregon is the place to be when it comes to fine dining. The state’s location near the water and its abundance of parks means that restaurants are able to serve fresh and local food year round. If the abundance of restaurants feels overwhelming, start with Andina Restaurant, a Peruvian fine dining restaurant in Portland that has won numerous awards and the love of food critics over the years.

10. Is Oregon a good place to retire?

If you want the comfort of small-town America with the amenities of a bustling urban center, Oregon is a great choice. Portland is quickly becoming a popular retirement destination because of its abundance of outdoor recreational activities and luxurious city lifestyle. Choose a city, a small town, or something in between and soak it all in with an Oregon retirement.

Experience Leisure Care Assisted Living in Oregon

Courtyard Area at The Ackerly at Timberland

Independent Living and Assisted Living and Memory Care in Portland

The Ackerly at Reed's Crossing Exterior

Independent Living and Assisted Living and Memory Care in Hillsboro

Canfield Place Retirement Community

Independent Living and Assisted Living in Beaverton

Making the Move

When evaluating the cost of senior living first think through your current expenses because so much of senior living is all-inclusive. Consider how much of your income is spent monthly on food, utilities, healthcare, house maintenance, and homeownership costs. Once you have a good understanding of how much it costs to live on your own, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of the cost of senior living.

You will also want to think through what is included at the community you are considering. Many of our communities include a wide range of amenities including,

  • Regular housekeeping and linen services
  • True restaurant dining, with made to order meals
  • Engaging activities and social events
  • Home maintenance and yard work
  • Gym memberships and fitness classes through PrimeFit
  • Language lessons
  • Travel opportunities
  • Assisted living and memory care services, if needed

Exactly how much your monthly rate is will depend on the care being received, amenities being used, and apartment style chosen.

The cost of senior living in Oregon is fairly consistent across the state, coming in at $3,880 per month for assisted living care, slightly higher than the national average.

Your Dream Retirement on Your Budget

From traveling the world to exploring your own backyard, Leisure Care living is fun and easy. We offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care services at our communities throughout Oregon. We will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while making the most of every day of retirement. Five-star fun. Five-star service. That’s our promise.

It’s your time to build your future. Contact us today to get started.

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