Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Bandon, Oregon
Burrowed Near the Coquille River on the Rugged Oregon Coast, Bandon is a Cute Town Home to Artists, Writers and a Popular Golf Course
This cute, tranquil Coos County town is nestled along the rugged southern Oregon coast and burrowed near the south side of the Coquille River's mouth, a place where water views invigorate the soul. It is also home to artists, writers and the very popular Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
Founded by an Irish lord, the town's first permanent settlers arrived in 1853. Today, Bandon's economy depends on tourism and cranberry exports, an important local industry since 1885. The red fruit's history is even celebrated every September with the Cranberry Festival. Downtown is a deliberately rustic-looking with gray, weathered storefronts, decorative streetlights and flower baskets hanging from walkway overhangs. There are a few restaurants, several groceries (including a jam store and an organic market) and mom and pop retailers (candy stores, galleries, bookstores, etc.). The Sprague Theater is a cultural center that hosts events, and the Bandon Playhouse is the community theater.
The beach is nearly five miles long, clean and known for its tall, iconic sea stacks (rocks that jut up out of the ocean). The marina has a boardwalk, a pier and a crabbing dock. Bullards Beach State Park lies on the river's north jetty and features yurts and horseback riding. The Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is an oasis for migrating shorebirds.
Most homes are ranch ramblers and sit on lots with mature vegetation.
Population: 3,400 (city proper)
Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better: 61%
Cost of Living: 20% above the national average
Median Home Price: $525,000
Climate: This area has a Mediterranean climate with summer temperatures in the 60s and 70s and mild winters with temperatures in 40s and 50s. On average, Bandon receives 60 inches of rain per year, most of which comes in the winter.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes, Southern Coos Hospital and Health Center
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No. Southern Coos Hospital receives good patient reviews, but it is not accredited and only has 18 beds. The nearest accredited hospital is 20 miles away in Coos Bay.
Public Transit: The county provides a reservation-based van service.
Crime Rate: Well below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Nearly split down the middle
Is Oregon Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? No
Cons: None
Notes: Winters can be a little dreary, and the town is remote. Bandon has grown 8% during the last decade. Home prices have increased 2% since a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, although the lack of an accredited hospital is a concern.
Oregon:
Oregon became a territory in 1846, but its request to become a state was bogged down by Congress and the free versus slave state debate. Southern politicians finally allowed Oregon to enter the Union as a free state on February 14, 1859.
Although the 42nd parallel marks its southern border, water delineates most of the Beaver State's boundaries. The Columbia River separates Washington from Oregon on the north. The Snake River helps form the state's eastern border with Idaho. The Pacific Ocean is on its western edge.
Oregon is one of the country's most geographically diverse states and is characterized by volcanoes, dense forests, high deserts, and abundant bodies of water. For its latitude, its climate is mild. Mount Hood, at 11,249 feet, is the state's highest point. Crater Lake, the center of the state's only national park, is the deepest lake in the United States.
Timber, fishing, and hydroelectric power have pushed the state's economy in the past. Technology, however, is finding a firm footing. Tektronix and Intel helped establish the state's Silicon Forest. Notable companies who are or have been part of the forest include Google, eBay, Airbnb, and WebMD. Sportswear companies like Columbia and Nike also bring in billions to the state.
Portland, the state's most populous city, has more breweries in its boundaries than any other in the world. As of 2016, there were more than 60. The city boasts the world's smallest park. Mill Ends Park, dedicated in 1948, is a total of 452 square feet.
Webwerxx, Inc. Copyright (c) 2006-2024. All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. Reproducing any original part of this publication without written permission from Webwerxx, Inc. is plagiarism. Numerous attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this website, but some information may have changed since each article and/or report went online, and Webwerxx, Inc. is not liable for inaccurate information contained in its articles and/or reports.