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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Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Lester Tsai
Video By
Michael Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mac Creasman,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Florence, OR sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Florence, OR over the last 12 months is $479,950, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence tucked in a cul-de-sac steps away from Miller Park. Step inside to the open foyer that flows into a bright, airy sitting room with vaulted ceilings. The primary suite is complete with a spa like bath featuring a soaking tub, and separate walk-in shower. A full hallway of closets adds storage, and a separate laundry room provides
Sunny coast mountain range 2.33ac parcel. 5 bay shop apx 40x55, 1993 triple-wide 2000sqft home. Rare opportunity to own beautiful North Fork location with creek frontage. Home has upgraded appliances and countertops, also air cond. Vaulted ceilings with large living and dining area. Nice big shop large enough to house all the cars and boats one could hope for.
Sitting atop the gated community of Rhodo View Dunes, this custom built home is eye catching inside and out. The stately presence hits you at first sight with it's traditional shutters, wrap around porch and well maintained landscape. Step inside the double doors to the grand staircase and entryway featuring hardwood floors and built in features. There are two bedrooms on the main floor,
Nestled in an exclusive gated golf course community, this stunning home exudes European and Tudor-inspired elegance. Built in 2011, it features soaring vaulted ceilings, high ceilings throughout, and extra-tall interior doors, creating a grand and airy atmosphere. The chef's kitchen is a true showpiece, with luxurious granite slab countertops, custom cabinetry, a chic backsplash, and premium
Welcome to your Coastal Oregon retreat! Pride of ownership is seen throughout this gorgeous, well-maintained, and remodeled manufactured home. Located minutes South of Florence, in the Dune City area, this property is on the market for the first time since being built in 2001. Located just moments from Darling's RV and Marina at Siltcoos Lake, this large 1.15-acre property is fully fenced to keep
Beautifully updated mid-century modern farmhouse with so much character and charm! Here are some of the updates that were made: New Roof on the House and Garage, New Vinyl plank flooring in kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, New skylight window in upstairs bathroom, New cedar fence on the front of the property, New dishwasher, and new counter tops in the kitchen and upstairs bathroom. All
The sleepy community of Heceta Beach offers expansive beaches and easy access to attractions like the Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Oregon Sand Dunes. The area is about 5 miles from Florence, which offers dining, retail and highway access to Eugene. Heceta Beach is a desirable vacation spot, but it's secluded and relaxed enough not to be bothered by tourist season. The neighborhood is an excellent location for those who want to live on the coast but want to remain close to conveniences.
Just a seven-minute walk from the beach, this waterside community is perfect for those who want to be as close to the ocean as possible. This expansive beach has vast stretches of sand, colorful tidepools and misty views of cliffs and sea stacks. The community is about 10 miles from coastal attractions like the Thor's Well and the Sea Lion Caves. The Heceta Head Lighthouse is near the caves, and residents can use the area as a vantage point or hike the trails up to the lighthouse. The Siuslaw National Forest is about 15 miles away and encompasses acres of forested trails, campgrounds and waterfalls. The Oregon Sand Dunes are about 10 miles south, a popular location for ATV riding. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy being about 5 miles from championship courses like Florence Golf Links. For indoor exercise, residents can head into Florence to hit the gym at Coastal Fitness.
Homes here offer quiet privacy away from the hubbub of larger cities. Ramblers, A-frames, split levels and cottages are a sample of what buyers will find in this beachside neighborhood. There are homes close to the water that provide walking distance to the beach and forested houses that offer privacy. Beachfront condos are also available for those who want a lower price point. The community is also popular for those seeking to invest in multigenerational homes or vacation rentals. Prices in the area range from $225,000 to $975,000, with condos on the lower end of the pricing scale.
There are limited neighborhood amenities here, but residents can pick up conveniences at Heceta Beach Mini Mart and grab a meal at Jerry's Place. This neighborhood bar and grill specializes in seafood and has weekly events like karaoke and trivia. When residents need more, they can hop on Highway 101 and head south to Florence. There are grocery stores like Fred Meyer, pharmacies and shops selling necessities like pet supplies. Residents can also have their medical needs treated at Peace Harbor Medical Center. Florence is also known for its historic Old Town, which has boutiques, antique shops, ice cream parlors, a movie theater and restaurants. Residents enjoy favorites like Mo's Seafood, Little Brown Hen Cafe or The Pono Hukilau, a Pacific Fusion restaurant.
The area's youngest students attend Siuslaw Elementary. Niche gave the school an overall score of C but gave teachers a B. Students needing extra support can access the school's online portal for its tutoring links. Siuslaw Middle School also scores a C on Niche and offers students the chance to personalize their education with electives like ceramics, cinema and environmental science. Siuslaw High School has the district's best ratings, scoring a B-minus on Niche. Students here can participate in education pathways like IT, architecture and culinary arts.
When residents need to access big box stores, retail areas and more, they are close to Highway 101, which runs along the coast, and Highway 126, which runs east to Eugene, about 60 miles away. From there, residents can access the city's amenities and hop on Interstate 5 to get to cities like Portland. Eugene and Portland also have the closest commercial airports, so having easy access to those areas is vital. Public transportation is limited, but there are bus stops along the 101. With easy access to Florence, Eugene and beyond, residents can enjoy the benefits of secluded beach living without sacrificing convenience.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Florence Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
9,747
Median Age
62
Population under 18
13.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
46.1%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$53,073
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,614
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.4%
College Graduates
23.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.2%
% Population in Labor Force
38.1%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
59''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
67°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
37/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
29/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
