The Oregon coast holds some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Although too frigid to swim throughout most of the year, the view of vast rock structures partially submerged in the Pacific Ocean and occasional whale sightings make it among the most sought after vacation real estate markets in the Pacific Northwest. When it comes to coastal property, it doesn’t get much more picturesque than the small town of Florence. Read on to learn a little more about the cute ocean town and find out if it is a good fit to be your future home.
The city sits on the coast right at the mouth of the Siuslaw River. It has miles of coastal dunes, landmarks like the Heceta Light House and Sea Lion Caves, plus a beautiful freshwater lake. Like most regions of Oregon, the outdoor activities are endless.
Amazing Seafood
When you are eating out do you find yourself constantly ordering clam chowder or fish and chips? Welcome to your dream destination. Oregon has some of the freshest seafood in the country. Here are the top seafood restaurants in Florence. It wouldn’t be a trip to the coast without hitting an old standby like Mo’s. The Waterfront Depot has an amazing seafood jambalaya if you are curious about a less common dish. Craving crab? You can’t miss Novellie’s Crab and Seafood LLC. The Bridgewater Fish House and Zebra bar is perhaps the best-hidden gem and can be found a few blocks from the waterfront. Try the fish and chips!
Outdoor Activities
Florence features a multitude of hikes with stunning views, including the always popular walk to the Heceta Light House. If you don’t mind the tourist crowd, check out all of the unique wildlife at the Sea Lion Caves. The Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park has over 350 extremely cool campsites along a lake with an overlooking an enormous sand dune. Speaking of sand dunes, the most extreme activity in Florence is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Here you can take Dune buggy tours and even go “sandboarding.”
Education
For a town with a population of just about 8,947 people, Florence features a multitude of different public school options. Your child can go to Siuslaw Elementary, Siuslaw Middle School, or Siuslaw High. You can also look into the Ocean Dunes High School south of town, the Bright Beginnings Pre School, or Shoreline Christian School.
Housing Market
The median home cost in Florence is around $237,100 and usually rises the closer you get to beachfront property. The median age of homes in the area is around 24 years old. Whether you are in the market for a vacation home, or your permanent residence, Florence could be the perfect spot for you. If you want to start your search today, make sure to contact your local Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate office located on 19th street off of Highway 101.
