A Postcard from Florence, Oregon
And then there’s Florence. Sitting in the bedroom of this vintage property we bought for our second home, the terrace overlooks a garden, lush with Oregon trees and a waterfall. With the wide river just on the other side of us, I wonder, What world am I in? Such impeccable beauty.

 

About Florence, Oregon
The creativity of man and nature is no where more evident on the Oregon coast than here in Florence. The wide and serene Siuslaw river is flanked by huge sand dunes as it wends its way through town and out to the ocean. Further upstream, the river bounces over rocks and rapids, and leads back into exquisite green mountains. There are more fresh water lakes and access to ocean here than in any other region on the coast.

The “old town’ in Florence feels very much alive, with lovely shops and a nice selection of excellent restaurants, many with views and seating right on the riverfront. Perhaps it’s called “old’ because this town has opted to preserve character and charm rather than opt for shopping malls and chain stores. In any case, the effort to preserve charm has created a town that just draws you to stay awhile. That may explain why Florence is the fastest growing city on the Oregon coast. Second homes for Californians to escape the summer heat have created a growing real estate market.  The combination of lakes, sand dunes, river and ocean bring people seeking recreation and relaxation here in a steady stream of vacation home buyers.

The climate is milder than further north up the coast and the benefits of a major city is an easy one-hour drive east to Eugene. A safe community, the central coastal location offers access to the dune recreation area heading south, and the dramatic coastal views heading north. In short, nothing’s missing in this little treasure of a town, except possibly you, if you haven’t yet bought your own vacation home.

An Average Lifestyle in Florence
Florence has a settled feeling rather than a one-night tourist stop. Many generations of families have lived here, raising their children and grandchildren. There is a strong commitment to community, with money generously used to support a new school, a new community center and other civic endeavors. The original buildings in the town have been lovingly preserved and restored, reflecting the commitment to the past and the future. In the midst of this, people move here for a comfortable retirement life, or summer vacation. When you buy a home here, you feel like all the searching and running around can finally come to an end. It’s time to enjoy a good life.

Housing
Median price (Census 2000) $121,000
Prices are steadily appreciating here but still very reasonable. Perfect second home condos just built were pre-sold at $140,000 for only 800 square feet, overlooking the river. A vintage, restored bed-and-breakfast was listed at $370,000. Beautiful lakeside homes start at $240,000 and ocean, dune and river view estates can be found for $600,000. In short, there’s a wide variety of good value here.

Things to Do in Florence
• Explore lakes and waterfalls at Siltcoos Lake
• Kayak and canoe on rivers
• Fish in lakes, rivers and ocean for salmon, trout and warm-water fish like perch and bass
• Horseback ride across the dunes like Lawrence of Arabia
• Take a Paddlewheel cruise up the Siuslaw river
• Golf off 60-foot high sand dunes in nationally acclaimed Sandpines, or Ocean Dunes Golf Links
• Visit Heceta Head State Scenic View Point and Light House
• Observe sea lions raising their young at Sea Lion Caves
• Go Huckleberry picking
• Waterskiing, sailing and white water rafting
• Drive your dune buggy over the dunes
• Walk on 41 miles of beach at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area 

Near-By Excursions
• Explore Eugene, Oregon, one hour away

Cultural Activities in Florence
• Concerts at Florence Event Center
• Theater at Florence Event Center
• Rhododendron Festival
• Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra performances
• Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

Location
Middle of the Oregon Coast in Lane County
Distance to other major cities:
Astoria, Oregon: 185 miles
Coos Bay, Oregon: 50 miles
Newport, Oregon,: 50 miles
Crescent City, California: 185 miles
Eugene, Oregon: 65 miles
Portland, Oregon: 146 miles

Getting To Florence, Oregon
By private plane into Florence Municipal Airport;
Commercial flights into Eugene, then a one-hour easy drive.

Weather in Florence
Mild coastal weather, with storms mostly December-February
Annual Average Temperature: low January 36, high September 70
Annual Average Rainfall: 70 inches

Population
7,460; 35% over 65
Median Age, 2000: 55.8
Total Population Within:
60 miles: Eugene, population 137,000 

Economics
Median Family Income: $36,784
Principle Industries: Education, Health, Services

Higher Education
Lane Community College