Port Orford's stands out for its natural beauty and unique placement
Less than 2 square miles in size, the little city of Port Orford is a small place with big features. The city is the westernmost incorporated place in the contiguous United States, jutting from the base of Oregon's southwestern mountains into the Pacific Ocean. "The main attraction is its beauty. It's absolutely gorgeous here," says Chris Speed, principal broker at Neath The Wind Realty Inc. and Port Orford resident for 26 years. "Public access points are all along the beaches, and seven state parks are nearby," she says. It's impressive for a town of only 1,000 people. According to the City of Port Orford's official website, there are no stop lights, fast food chains or strip malls, and residents describe the city as unspoiled and open-hearted. "I call us Port Awesome and think we're a very eclectic group of people," Speed says. "It's like the 1950s here, where people help people and look out for one another."
Homes for vacationers, retirees and newcomers
Home prices vary substantially in Port Orford, often depending on location, home size and acreage. Small cabins, Cape Cods, manufactured and ranch-style homes sell between $100,000 and $375,000. Larger styles on wooded, many-acre lots or along the coastline range from $400,000 to $1 million. "There are quite a few vacationers here, but it doesn't feel like a resort town," Speed says. There is also a higher-than-average number of retirees. According to the most recent census, the city has a median age of over 54 years, with fewer people under 18 and significantly more people over 65 than average. However, thanks to improving internet access, "We've been getting a lot more young people who work from home in the area," Speed says. "There are more families, too." Parcels for those wanting to build a custom home are priced between $75,000 and $900,000.
Enjoying the outdoors is a shared community trait
Sandy beaches, coves and bluffs line the shores, where residents enjoy kayaking, whale watching, deep sea fishing and SCUBA diving excursions. "The outdoors are a huge part of life here," Speed says. "There are hikes, biking trails and state parks with camping. The Bureau of Land Management also has some campgrounds around." Buffington Memorial Park has a skate park, a softball diamond, a disc golf course and a community garden. Members of the community made a miniature golf course at the park. Equipment for playing, as well as tennis rackets and basketballs, is in an unlocked wooden storage cubby. Fishing is a favorite pastime in the Sixes and Elk Rivers, and Garrison Lake is stocked with fish regularly.
Additional home insurance may be required
Winters are cool and wet with a lot of rain. Summers are mild and dry, with little rain and moderate temperatures. Speed describes that earthquakes aren't a significant issue, but that most homes require flood or tsunami insurance. While rare in the area, wildfires are also a risk. "A wildfire once broke out but barely reached an acre in size. Before it could grow, almost 50 people were there with buckets and shovels to put it out," Speed says.
The school district has grant-funded summer camps
From kindergarten through eighth grade, children learn at Driftwood Elementary School, rated C by Niche. Pacific High School is rated C-plus. Port Orford-Langlois School District offers summer enrichment camps for children entering kindergarten through ninth grade. The camps are grant-funded and have programs for rock climbing, horseback riding, volleyball and others.
Cozy, locally owned shops and co-ops
Cafés, gift shops, hardware stores, a bookstore and a garden center are along Oregon Coast Highway. The Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips has an indoor dining room with big windows and an outdoor seating space with picnic tables overlooking the southern-facing coast. Ray's Food Place and Port Orford Community Co-Op have produce and pantry staples, and Dollar General has housewares. North Bend is the nearest city with shopping centers, department stores and national retailers, 55 miles north.
Secluded and private with one road in and out
U.S. Route 101, or Oregon Coast Highway, is the only road in and out of the city. There are limited employers, and the main industries are fishing, logging and cranberry farming. "Cranberry farms are all around the coast, and Ocean Spray has a factory nearby," Speed says. The nearest airport with commercial airlines and international flights is Rogue Valley International Medford Airport, nearly 200 miles away by car. Curry General Hospital is 30 miles south, in Gold Beach, California.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
