Lincoln City

Just north of Lincoln City, is the coastal neighborhood of Lincoln Beach. Situated on the central Oregon Coast, it includes the well-traveled Highway 101 and access to several nearby cities, making it easy to meet shopping, dining and commuting needs. “When you live here, it’s nice to be able to go to each one so you have a lot of options for restaurants and shopping,” says Heidi Rogers, an Oregon Coast native and Principal Broker for Sotheby’s International Realty. Also equipped with a mild maritime climate and tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation, Lincoln Beach makes Central Coast living comfortable and engaging. Thanks to Lincoln City’s 7.5-mile stretch of beach, Lincoln Beach residents have so much to do in the great outdoors. For instance, beachcombing is a popular activity. Some residents like to look for agate, the iron-oxide-colored rocks that naturally occur in the area. Others might search for glass floats, the colorful orbs placed at random on the beach by volunteers. Taking a leisurely stroll along the rocky shores of Fishing Rock State Recreation Site or relaxing by the flowing creek of Fogarty Creek Beach offer even more outdoor fun, and Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge is great for watching shorebirds, salmon fishing and paddling in the sloughs. Residents can also visit Devils Lake, a popular spot for kayaking and jet skiing or Salishan Golf Links, an 18-hole regulation golf course. The residential areas of Lincoln City have lots of variety. According to Rogers, “You see manufactured homes right by oceanfront homes, and the lots are usually big, at least 2,500 square feet.” Homebuyers can also spot condos, beach cottages and round carousel-style homes throughout the neighborhood. Prices can run between $350,000 to $560,000 for one- and two-bedroom homes, while larger properties can cost up to $1.2 million. Just off Highway 101, there are plenty of places to shop and dine out. The locally owned Café C’est La Vie is a cozy French-inspired restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options. Side Door Cafe serves contemporary cuisine in an eclectic, converted dining space. Residents can stop by Chester’s Markets Lincoln Beach for groceries. Lincoln Beach is also home to several local businesses that specialize in different niche interests. Blake’s Coastal Nursery stocks lots of plant varieties and gardening supplies while Beluga Beads makes a convenient stop for artists and those embarking on DIY projects. Time Capsule Antiques & More sells lots of vintage items, including antique furniture, retro kitchenware and classic vinyl records. Students in kindergarten through second grade may attend Oceanlake Elementary School, which earned a C-plus rating from Niche. Taft Elementary School is for students in grades three to six and maintains a C-rating. Taft Middle/ High School includes grades seven to twelve, has a C-plus and includes student clubs like National Honors Society and Battle of the Books. Oregon Coast Highway – officially known as Highway 101 – is the main road that connects residents throughout the neighborhood. It is also the road that connects to larger, more metropolitan areas like Lincoln City and Depoe Bay. Public transit is available with buses on the North County line, which serves the area on Saturdays and Sundays. Lincoln Beach is nine miles south of downtown Lincoln City and 3.5 miles north of Depoe Bay. The nearest hospital is Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, which is roughly a 12-mile drive northbound and the closest airport is Newport Municipal Airport, a 21-mile drive to the south.

Nelscott Beach is abundant with beaches, unique local businesses and beachside homes. Its proximity to Highway 101 and nearby cities also makes it a place to reach just about anything residents might need for a daily lifestyle. "You're a hop, skip and a jump to the coast, Devils Lake and Lincoln City," says Real Estate Box Realtor Michelle Barnes, who has sold four homes in Nelscott Beach. "It's a small, niche community that's like a little village because it's secluded and right outside town." Whether it’s a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean, beachcombing, trying a new restaurant or hunting for secondhand treasures, Nelscott Beach has a spot for it all. The seven miles of sandy Lincoln City beach have public access in several parts of the neighborhood, including at 35th Street. Popular activities include swimming, fishing and hunting for the colorful handblown glass floats scattered along the beach by local volunteers each year. The winding hiking trails and towering Sitka spruces at Agnes Creek Open Space and Trailhead form a peaceful haven to hike, bike and watch nesting birds and deer. Locals like to walk dogs, hold picnics and let kids run around on the playground at Olivia Beach Community Park, which is also a short distance from the beach. Several restaurants and coffeehouses are within easy reach of the neighborhood. Dory Cove prides itself equally on friendly customer service and its in-house clam chowder. Nelscott Breakfast House is a family-owned breakfast and lunch spot and one door down, Oaxaca flavors are on the menu at Mexican joint La Roca. Patrons at Perk 101 can sip locally roasted coffees while enjoying the ocean views from the shop’s windows. The neighborhood is also populated with small businesses, each with their own unique character. Robert’s Bookshop has been stocking used and antiquarian books since 1987. December 25th is every day at Christmas Cottage, which stocks thousands of unique Christmas decorations and ornaments from around the world. Beach Bum Vintage maintains a collection of vintage items for sale while at ZuhG Life Surf Shop, customers can shop for surfing and skateboard gear. Grocery runs can made to McKay’s Market and Trillium Natural Foods Organic Grocery. Theatre West of Lincoln City is a great place to find performing arts and culture in Nelscott Beach. Beginning as Lincoln City’s very first community theater in 1975, Theatre West became the prime neighborhood venue to enjoy productions by local actors. Residents can also make the two-mile drive north to downtown Lincoln City and enjoy additional shops and restaurants. Because of the neighborhood’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, homes are either vacation rentals or permanent residences. Many are within walking distance of the beach and even come with stunning sea views. Prices begin around $460,000 for a two- or three-bedroom cottages and condos. Prices can go as high as $1.9 million for larger properties, particularly for those with ocean vistas that sit up against the forested cliffs. Students may attend Oceanlake Elementary School for kindergarten through second grade, which was given a C-plus rating from Niche. Third grade through sixth is taught at Taft Elementary School, which holds a C. Students can complete their education for seventh through twelfth grade at Taft Middle and High School, where athletic programs include soccer, basketball and swimming. Highway 101 – or Oregon Coast Highway – is a significant road that can be used by residents and commuters. Public buses are available via Lincoln County Transit. The Lincoln City Loop passes through Nelscott Beach, as well as downtown Lincoln City. Depoe Bay is a 12-mile drive along US-101 N and Newport can be accessed with a 24-mile drive up the same road. The closest commercial airport is Newport Municipal Airport, located roughly 29 miles from the neighborhood.

Situated on the northern shore, Neotsu encompasses a peninsula surrounded by Devils Lake on all sides. With the beach only a short drive away and The Devil River coursing through the neighborhood, Neotsu is a haven for water recreation. It is also within close range of several restaurants and shops, letting residents enjoy the views without compromising for downtown noise. "The unique thing is that you’re in the county so taxes are lower and you’re within a couple minutes of Lincoln City for all the shopping and dining, plus there's the casino, golfing and outlet malls. You’re really close to town but you do have a quieter country feel,” says Amy Graham, a Principal Broker for Taylor & Taylor Realty Company who has sold 11 homes in Neotsu. "It's often warmer and wind-protected. It’s outside of the fog line so it’s sunnier when the marine layer of fog gets pulled in the summertime." At the very tip of Neotsu’s peninsula, Sand Point Park provides a small sandy beach. Dotted with plenty of shady trees and several outdoor tables and grills, swimmers can relax with a picnic after having fun in the water. Three miles from the neighborhood is Lincoln City Beach, where visitors can swim, fish or go beachcombing for agate and shells. From mid-October to Memorial Day, some lucky beachgoers can even find treasure around the beach. In partnership with local artisans, the Finders Keepers program has “float fairies” (resident volunteers) place colorful glass orbs all over Lincoln City Beach daily. Whoever finds each one gets to take them home. For folks who also enjoy hiking, the Knoll Open Space Trailhead is located a little less than three miles from Neotsu. With 35 acres and a difficult three-mile loop, hikers who rise to the challenge can enjoy great views of the Pacific Coastline and Devils Lake at the top of the knoll. Also, Roads End Point is great for walks on the beach and exploring the tidepools. Ranch-styles, Craftsmans and cottages can all be found in Neotsu’s residential areas. Heidi Rogers, who has 11 years of home-selling experience and is a Principal Broker for Sotheby's International Realty, adds: "There are lakefront homes with docks and cottages with a cute, older style that date back to when Neotsu was a place where people would build a beach home in the forties." Many homes, painted in light neutrals and soft blues, were constructed at a single level and have large spacious front lawns and garages that can fit one or two cars each. Two-bedroom homes without lake views go for $340,000 - $515,000 while three- and four-bedroom lakeview homes can range anywhere between $690,000 up to $1 million. Home values have been steadily appreciating since 2019. Just outside of Neotsu, restaurants and stores are within easy reach. La Wawa serves up soul food with Puerto Rican and Caribbean-inspired flavors. 60s Café & Diner fosters a nostalgic retro feel along with its hamburgers and boozy milkshakes. Housed in a little gray cottage surrounded by a beautiful garden, The Wildflower Grill draws crowds for both its menus and idyllic exterior. McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub, the first brewpub to open on the Oregon Coast, serves classic pub food and has an on-site brewery. For shopping trips, residents can head to Lincoln City Plaza, which includes lots of everyday retailers like Safeway and Rite Aid. For more retailers, residents can make a short five-mile drive to Lincoln City Outlets. Students in kindergarten through second grade may attend Oceanlake Elementary School, which received a C-plus rating from Niche. Taft Elementary serves third through sixth grade and received a C. The C-rated Taft Middle & High School, serving grades seven through twelve, includes athletic teams for sports like baseball, disc golf and track and field. Oregon Coast Highway, also known as Highway 101, runs along the northern edge of the neighborhood and serves as a significant connector to Newport, Tillamook and Lincoln Beach. The closest hospital is Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, located roughly two miles from Neotsu. The beachside city of Newport is a 29-mile drive southbound, while Oregon capital Salem is 55 miles east. Air travelers can use Pacific City State Airport, which is an 18-mile drive up north.

Though the name comes from a Native American word translating to “sea,” the word “wecoma” has also morphed into a salutation to welcome newcomers to this beachside neighborhood. Wecoma Beach is the first (as in northernmost) of the six “pearl” districts that fall in a vertical line in the Lincoln City string. Beginning with Wecoma Beach, six more districts fall neatly beneath. “It’s one of the more established areas in north Lincoln City. That’s where you have your shopping and banking, your community center, lots of restaurants and miles of sandy beaches,” says Dennis Regen, Principal Broker and owner of Taylor & Taylor Realty Company. Regen has been licensed since 1981 and has sold numerous homes in Wecoma Beach. “Everything west of the highway is walking distance to the beach.” Residents have multiple spots to explore the miles of Oregon coastline and the temperate coastal weather. At Lincoln City Beach Access and Oceanlake Access, flying kites, sitting around bonfires and exploring tidepools are all popular activities. Another popular recreational spot is Devils Lake where, according to Regen, lots of people like to do their jet skiing, fishing and kayaking. For non-water recreation, Dorchester Park includes tennis and pickleball courts and Wecoma Park’s playground is a great place to relax and play thanks to its basketball court and playground. The Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy is not only full of rhododendrons and azaleas but it’s also a pet-friendly spot and a tranquil space to soak in nature. Cottages run aplenty in Wecoma Beach, but condos, ranch-style homes and Craftsmans can also be spotted in residential areas. Many properties are single level, but some multi-story homes are available as well. Lots of homes include ocean views and easy walking distance to the beach. Prices can run between $200,000 to $600,000 and since 2023, average home values have plateaued around the $490,000 range. “The housing market is excellent. There’s short inventory and stable pricing,” Regen says. With its spacious wooden interior and large menu selection and salad bar, Gallucci’s Pizzeria has been serving the Wecoma Beach community for over 40 years. Traditional Mexican cantina Puerto Vallarta serves burritos, tostadas and more, and the Game Over Arcade is a bar, grill and home to several classic and new video games. Wecoma Beach also contains several local businesses. Little Antique Mall and Sea Hag Antiques sit conveniently near each other off Highway 101, offering multiple places to find secondhand treasures. Love Works Hippie Store creates hand-dyed apparel in fun vibrant colors and Lock & Key Adventurer’s Guild sells games and hosts events. Safeway and Grocery Outlet carry essential food items, and additional shopping can be done at both Lincoln City Plaza and Lincoln City Outlets. Students may attend Oceanlake Elementary School, which specializes in kindergarten through second grade and has a C-plus grade from Niche. Students can then move on to Taft Elementary School, which teaches grades three to six and has a C grade. Taft Middle/ High School includes ninth through twelfth grade, maintains a C-plus and offers athletic programs like boys’ and girls’ cross country and wrestling. Highway 101 – also known as Oregon Coast Highway- is a significant corridor in the region. “It’s one of the most heavily traveled highways in the state and a major artery of the Oregon Coast,” Regen says. Public transit is also available with Lincoln City Loop buses, which make stops along the Oregon Coast Highway. Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital is the nearest medical facility, and the neighborhood is about two miles north of downtown Lincoln City.