Sleepy beach town at the convergence of the Pacific Ocean and Siuslaw River
The small coastal town of Florence, Oregon is at the far northern end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean. This area is popular for sand-dune off-roading and riverfront recreation, and main employers here include hotels, restaurants and the Three Rivers Casino. Many of Florence's full-time residents are retirees, but in summer, the local population swells with seasonal visitors. “In the summer here, I tend to avoid state parks or go to the one by my house really early,” says Adam Joyce, a Florence resident and managing broker with Florence Oregon Homes. “November and December are my favorite times of the year. Rarely does it get under freezing, and rarely does it go over 75 or 85 degrees.” Year-round, locals head to Old Town, a small business corridor on the river, for restaurants, bars and shops.
Siuslaw River Bridge is a focal point to the Florence area.
Visitors tear through the sand in dune buggies at the Oregon Dunes.
Three Rivers Casino provides commerce, jobs and entertainment for residents of Florence.
Visitors enjoy walk along the shop filled streets in downtown Florence.
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A mix of midcentury homes and senior living communities
The median home price in Florence is $445,000, slightly higher than the national median of $416,000 but lower than Eugene's $480,000. Several 55-plus manufactured home communities are set east of the highway and a few more are on the riverbanks. Outside of these communities, most properties are either ranch-style homes or Craftsman-style cottages; most of the ranch-style homes were built between the mid-1950s and '80s, while some of them, as well most of the cottages, were built between the early 2000s and 2015. As of late 2024, new construction of Craftsman-style cottages and modern farmhouses is ongoing in subdivisions like Three Mile Prairie. Homes with unobstructed beachfront views are rare and generally in high demand, with prices ranging from $1 million to $1.3 million.
A row of multi-story beach homes in Heceta Beach.
Private 55+ communites are found in Florence, Oregon.
You can find some waterfront properties in downtown Florence, Oregon.
There are many communities in Florence along the Siuslaw River.
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Close to beaches, sand dunes and state parks
Florence is full of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The town's set at the northern end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, with Pacific Coast sand dunes that are popular with off-roaders, hikers and campers. The Siuslaw River flows out to the ocean, dividing North Jetty Beach and South Jetty Beach and offering space for swimming, boating and kayaking. At the Darlingtonia State Natural Site, a wooden boardwalk leads through 18 acres of dense forests full of native flora.
There are also dozens of lakes dotted around town, as well as two public, 18-hole golf courses, Ocean Dunes Golf Links at the Three Rivers Casino Resort, and Florence Golf Links. “They’re link-style and built on sand," says Bettina Hannigan, President and CEO of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, "so you can golf right after it rains.” Miller Park is well-loved by local families for its playground and playing fields, as well as its skate park and paved paths. In 2024, the town began construction on a new walking trail along the Siuslaw Estuary, with trailheads at Spruce and Quince Streets; completion is estimated for January 2025.
Quads are a favorite mode of travel through the Oregon Dunes.
South Jetty Beach is a favorite among Florence locals.
Darlingtonia State Natural Site has a boardwalk to the viewing area of the park in Florence.
There are a few golf courses in the Florence area.
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Boutiques and Seafood restaurants in historic Old Town
On the town’s south end, there’s a small commercial corridor known as Old Town, which features tons of mom-and-pop shops, local bars, art galleries and seafood restaurants overlooking the Siuslaw River. Florence City Hall is nearby, along with Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, which showcases local history. Old Town Florence is home to the town’s annual Fourth of July Celebration, featuring pie- and watermelon-eating contests and a fireworks show.
Chain grocers, thrift stores and a few hotels line Highway 101, along with City Lights Cinema, an independent movie theater. In May, the annual Rhododendron Festival includes a large parade down the highway. For big-box stores and other national retailers, locals head to surrounding cities like Eugene.
The Three Rivers Casino Resort is one of the area's largest employers and a hub for local entertainment, hosting live concerts and other events. About 15 miles north on the coast, the Haceta Head Lighthouse and the Sea Lion Caves attract tourists and locals with scenic views.
Crystals at Waterlily Studio has a variety of decorative stones and crafts in Florence.
Mo’s Seafood and Chowder serves delicious seafood and chowder in Florence.
Residents of Heceta Beach can shop for groceries at Fred Meyer located on Hwy 101.
Heceta Head Lighthouse is a popular spot for visitors and residents of Heceta Beach.
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Connected to surrounding towns on the 101
Highway 101, often called “the 101,” is the main artery along the Pacific Coast. Other coastal towns along the highway include Newport, 50 miles north, Dunes City, 7 miles south, and Reedsport, 22 miles south. Eugene, the nearest major city, is about 60 miles east on Highway 126, which is about an hour-long drive.
The Lane Transit District has bus stops along the 101, connecting locals with the rest of the county. PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center is the only hospital in town. The Florence Municipal Airport is mainly used for small private flights, while the Eugene Airport has direct commercial flights to 16 cities, including Dallas and Phoenix.
Three public schools under the Siuslaw School District
Siuslaw School District earns a C-plus from Niche and includes Siuslaw Elementary, Siuslaw Middle and Siuslaw High, all set next door to one another along Oak Street. The area's only private option is Shoreline Christian School of Florence, serving students from kindergarten through Grade 8.
Siuslaw Elementary School serves the students of Florence, Oregon.
Siuslaw High School serves students in Florence, Oregon.
Middle school students in Heceta Beach attend Siuslaw Middle School.
Shoreline Christian School of Florence is located on Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast.
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Local crime rates and a new traffic camera
According to FBI data from December 2023, Florence's average rate of violent crime is significantly lower than the national average. Property crime rates are generally low throughout the year, rising only slightly during the summer tourism season. In March 2024, the Florence Police Department installed an automated license plate reading camera near the intersection of Highways 101 and 126; police are optimistic that this new technology will help further reduce local incidents of crime.
Mild temperatures year-round
Florence’s waterside location grants it a mild climate, with temperatures that rarely dip below 35 degrees or exceed 75. The town is susceptible to tsunamis, especially in the aftermath of California earthquakes, though locals report that instances of tsunamis are rare and mild when they do occur. Tsunami evacuation zone maps are available on the city’s website; homes on the coast and riverfront homes at the town’s southern end are the only affected areas.
Residents of Florence can boat year-round due to the mild climate.
Florence is located on the Oregon Coast and is susceptible to tsunamis.
Heceta Beach is a beautiful view for coastal homes in Florence.
Riverfront homes line the Siuslaw River in Florence.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
