Rockaway Beach boasts scenic vistas and a small business district
Rockaway Beach has over 100 years of history as a vacation destination, situated along the Oregon coast. “It’s a perfect little beach town with just enough shops and restaurants, so you’re not overwhelmed by the business and can just enjoy the beach but then have the opportunity to grab something good to eat or shop a little,” says Teasha Schmidt, a broker at Think Real Estate, who has over four years of experience. “The [U.S. Highway] 101 goes right through town […] On the west side of 101, all those houses will have an ocean view. On the east side, you start losing that ocean view, but then you get views of the coastal mountain range from those homes.”
Coastal-inspired homes between the sea and mountains
Single-family homes, including contemporary coastal cottages and multistory New Traditionals, are common in residential areas. Shake siding and large windows are common features. Depending on factors such as proximity to the water and home size, prices range from about $280,000 to $1.3 million. This area is low-lying, and residents are encouraged to research flood zones and acquire proper insurance.
Condos in the area also have a coastal character. Only three units were sold between March 2025 and October 2025, with prices ranging from approximately $310,000 for a one-bedroom condo to around $530,000 for a three-bedroom condo. “A lot of the properties will have a transferable short-term rental license, so if people are looking for an investment property, Rockaway is a good place to focus on,” Schmidt says. Mobile and manufactured homes are also available, with prices ranging from around $180,000 to $410,000.
Local beaches are popular for tide pooling, beachcombing and festivals
Tide pools form when the water recedes at Nedonna Beach and Barview Jetty. Driftwood and seashells wash up on Manhattan Beach, a public state recreation site with picnic tables. Rockaway Beach is open year-round and hosts annual events, including the Rockaway Beach Music Festival, which takes place one weekend in August, and the Rockaway Beach Kite Festival, a three-day event in September.
Outdoor recreation from lakes to forested trails and playgrounds
Lake Lytle is the area’s largest lake and includes a boat launch, which doubles as an access point for paddle boards and kayaks. The western region of the lake is home to the Lake Lytle Public Fishing Dock. Spring Lake and Smith Lake are also popular for fishing. The Phyllis Baker and Anchor Street parks have playgrounds. In the area’s central region, the Old Growth Cedar Trail winds through a nature preserve that is home to a tree over 800 years old. Tillamook State Forest spans over 350,000 acres and features dozens of miles of non-motorized trails, some of which are steep. Over 250 miles of off-highway vehicle paths are also in the thick forest.
U.S. Highway 101 is home to many restaurants, markets and shops
Various restaurants and shops, such as Little White Church Antiques, are clustered around US-101. Old Oregon Smokehouse is a counter-service seafood establishment, and just off the highway by the water, Sand Dollar Restaurant and Lounge has sunset views from its outdoor picnic tables. Rockaway Pronto Pup serves many deep-fried foods, such as its namesake. The Pronto Pup was invented one rainy day at a hot dog stand when the buns got soaked, and the owners wondered how to make an on-demand hot dog bun. They created one of the first corndog-like products and shared it with the world in 1941 at the Pacific International Livestock Exposition. Green Coast Market, a local grocery store, and Center Market, an Oregon-based convenience store business, are in the area.
Cultural and artistic experiences are near the highway
U.S. Highway 101 is the cultural and artistic center of Rockaway Beach. It is home to many galleries and the International Police Museum. Blue Water Fine Art Gallery showcases photographs, pottery and paintings; meanwhile, the Oregon Du Drops shop sells sculptures filled with drops of rain. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad depot is near the highway and hosts train rides through the region. During the journey, riders learn about local history and wildlife.
Open enrollment in Neah-Kah-Nie schools and transfer options
Rockaway Beach is within the attendance boundary of the Neah-Kah-Nie School District, which offers open enrollment and out-of-district transfer options. School placement is dependent on space availability. Students attending Nehalem Elementary School receive daily physical education instruction and participate in swimming lessons as part of the curriculum. Niche gives the school a B-plus grade. Garibaldi Grade School, another elementary institution, and the Neah-Kah-Nie Middle and High schools each earn a B-minus.
Drives to Tillamook, tsunami evacuation routes and Portland access
U.S. Highway 101 connects the area to Tillamook, which is home to the Adventist Health Tillamook medical center, located approximately 15 miles away. Tsunami risk is elevated along the Oregon coast, and as a result, Rockaway Beach has designated evacuation zones and routes that lead into the nearby mountains. Portland is about a 90-mile drive east, and the Portland International Airport is nearly 10 miles farther.
