Looking To Retire in Oregon (Portland, Salem: apartment, to rent, condos)

[KittyLover47]

I have been researching the places I might like to live in my retirement. I currently live in So Cal and reitirement is out of the question here unless you have a lot of money. Besides I'm sick of L.A.

I have focused more on the Northwest because I prefer greenery and rain versus desert and heat. One of my biggest reasons for thinking of Oregon is because Kaiser Permanente is there (in Portland at least), and I have had that coverage for most of my life. I really do not want to change if I can help it.

Another reason is cost. I've researched the rents in Oregon which are much more tolerable than L.A. I don't want to live in a "Senior Community" but would like to rent an apartment in a 55+ building at least.

I am single at this time in my life and would like to live in a safe neighborhood and somewhere near Portland, but not in it. I am also an animal lover and have had cats for many years so I would like to live someplace that is pet friendly.

I know Oregon gets a lot of rain, so if anyone else has had the experience of moving there from a climate like So Cal, would appreciate your feedback.

Look forward to any and all comments.

[bler144]

I've never lived in L.A. but Portland is certainly greener, and more moist in the winter. Kaiser is a significant presence, with some nice facilities scattered around the Metro - Gresham, East Portland, Tanasbourne, Vancouver (WA), etc.

So you'd have some flex on where in the metro to live and be near a KP facility. If you need very specific services it's possible that may dictate your options a bit more.

[mamh]

Kaiser is also located in the Salem, Keizer area with a new clinic being built right of I-5 in Keizer, I think the rule for using Kaiser is you must be within 50 miles of a clinic..
Look at Salem, Silverton, Keizer, Dallas and more of the small towns in northern Marion county..you will find the rain and cool weather very easy to deal with it..we came up here from Fairfield Ca and have never looked back...Can't help on the apartment living, we are in a 55 plus manufactured home park in Salem..
Come up for a visit..

[KittyLover47]

Thank you mamh and bler144. This is so helpful. I appreciate your responses very much!

[bler144]

FWIW, this place is mostly SFH with a few condos sprinkled in, but it's 55+ and in a nice residential area not too far from either the Gateway Kaiser or the Gresham/Stark Kaiser. I go down there every now and then and people are often out walking

http://www.summerplacehoa.com/Library1004-1/

There is some public transport near, though personally I'd only live there if you still have a decade or so of driving ahead of you. It's in an area of east Portland that's farther out from the city core - so walkable for leisure but not walkable to a bounty of restaurants/shops/etc. But a short drive to either Fairview/Wood Village or to the Gateway/Mall 205 shopping areas.

[KittyLover47]

Thank you, but I do hope to be driving for many more years at this time..

[bler144]

Originally Posted by KittyLover47

Thank you, but I do hope to be driving for many more years at this time..

Then summerplace is one I'd look at. Most of the other 55+ places I've seen around are more traditional apt. style - I can't think of any that stand out, though I haven't done a lot of shopping for a space in one myself (yet).

[KittyLover47]

Thank you.

[Harpaint]

The King City area just south of Portland seems to be a great area for retirees. There are many 55+ condo's to rent or buy as well as apts. to rent. Many have planned social and travel events, as well as different "clubs" you can join (like painting, exercise, music etc.) The area is almost all seniors.

[Harpaint]

Definitely investigate the King City area, just south of Portland. There are 55+ apts and condos of all sizes and prices it has more seniors than any any other part of Oregon. There is a great senior center that serves lunch and has activities. Many of the condos have lots of activities too. The Kaiser is in Hillsboro, about 20 min away. It is Brand New and gorgeous!