Beautiful scenery and an active vacation community on the Oregon Coast
Peaceful residential pockets lie between the ocean and hundreds of acres of Pacific Northwest forests in the small, waterside town of Cannon Beach. In the summer, the town draws in tourists to its oceanside inns but maintains its small-town atmosphere with its quiet streets and locally owned businesses. “We have a spectacular community here,” says Alaina Giguiere, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Coastal Advantage who has lived in Cannon Beach for over 25 years. “It’s a destination town. We have a lot of tourists here and people who keep vacation homes in town. Tourism is a big part of our economy, but we also have a close-knit community of year-round residents.” Around 8 miles south of the larger beachfront community of Seaside, Cannon Beach has an active art community and has been listed as one of the “World’s 100 Most Beautiful Places” by National Geographic for its views of the waterfront and the Oregon Coast Mountain Range.
Dog-friendly streets and coastal cottages in Cannon Beach
Craftsman-style bungalows, ranch-style homes, mid-century modern builds and beach cottages line the streets of Cannon Beach. Most houses were built in the mid-to-late 20th century, with a few brand-new builds and some dating back to the 1930s. Houses sit close together on small lots, and mature evergreens and verdant foliage adorn front yards. Minimal through traffic allows for walkable streets, and all homes are within a mile of the beach and the businesses of Hemlock Street. “We’re a really dog-friendly town,” Giguiere says. “The beaches are open to dogs, and you see people walking their dogs all across town. I like to joke that you shouldn’t move here if you’re not an animal person.” It’s also not uncommon for residents to find a herd of elk camping out in their front yard, due to the town's location between the water and woods.
Fixer-uppers and small cottages with less than 1,000 square feet can go for $525,000 to $850,000, while larger builds with recent renovations or ocean views range from around $1 million to $2.3 million. The Breakers Point condo complex in the north side of Cannon Beach has two-bedroom units that range from $560,000 to $700,000. Additionally, Cannon Beach has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
A tuition free charter school and Seaside public schools
Cannon Beach Academy is a tuition-free charter school serving kindergarten through fifth-grade students and earns a B grade from Niche. The C-rated Seaside Middle School is around 10 miles north. Seaside High School receives a B-minus and has a wide variety of career and technical education and art courses, including food service, graphic design, photography and drafting. The high school also partners with Clatsop Community College for its concurrent enrollment offerings.
Longstanding local haunts and an active art scene
Hemlock Street runs north and south throughout town and is the community’s main business hub. Bald Eagle Coffee House serves baked goods, soups, sandwiches and espresso, with walls adorned with local artwork. A short drive north, Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge has been open for over 80 years, serving seafood and steakhouse fare in a cozy, log-cabin atmosphere. Clothing boutiques, bookstores, breweries and antique shops also surround the town center. For groceries and essentials, shoppers can visit Mariner Market or Fresh Foods. Along with its picturesque coastal views, Cannon Beach is known for its active art scene, with around a dozen galleries and studios across town. “I think we draw in a lot of artists because of the natural beauty of Cannon Beach,” says Giguiere. “It seems like everyone that lives here is skilled in one area of art or another, from woodworking and painting to music.” The area hosts three art festivals each year in May, September and November, with artist demonstrations, art markets and live music.
A cinematic backdrop and nearby sports facilities
In the warmer months, Cannon Beach’s namesake shoreline is a popular spot for picnicking, walking and fishing, with the famous Haystack Rock serving as the backdrop. “The beaches here are pristine,” Giguiere says. “Cannon Beach has served as a filming location for films ranging from Twilight to The Goonies.” The Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site is a popular oceanfront spot with beach access and a playground. Cannon Beach Park is home to picnic tables and facilities for basketball, tennis, soccer and pickleball, along with a playground and a skate park.
Public transit to Astoria and a direct route to Portland
The NW Connector provides bus service across northwest Oregon, with stops along Hemlock Street connecting commuters to nearby communities like Seaside and Astoria. U.S. Route 26 can take drivers around 80 miles east to Portland.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
