Cresswind at Hammock Oaks
Lady Lake, Florida
Ocean Shores, Washington
What It Is Like to Retire in Ocean shores
Ocean Shores is a small coastal community in the state of Washington, which sits on Point Brown Peninsula, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor. The community is home to 6,715 residents (2020 census), with over 41% age 65 years and older. Ocean Shores’ six miles of beach and wildlife has made it a popular tourist destination for decades, with close to 4,000,000 visitors each year. In the late 1920's, the area was a sprawling cattle ranch, then was sold to Ocean Shores Development Corporation in 1961, which had planned to build a large California- style resort. Although the resort idea never materialized, plots were sold, roads were laid and Ocean Shores began to grow with a construction boom that included marinas, shops, hotels and a golf course. Pat Boone, a popular singer and movie star in the 1950's, bought into Ocean Shore Estates, from which he hosted his famous Celebrity Golf Tournaments. In 1969, Ocean Shores was declared "The Richest Little City" and had 900 permanent residents. Today, visitors flock here to enjoy the beach, bird watch, fish, and attend the many outdoor activities and festivals that Ocean Shores has to offer.
Where to Retire in Ocean shores and Home Prices
The median home value is $349,557 in early 2023, according to Zillow. Of course location matters, a home on the lake or an oceanfront home will cost much more.
What Is Special about Ocean shores
Ocean Shores is six miles of beach, fishing, open spaces, parks, wildlife areas, and is a favorite bird-watching spot with over 280 bird species. The community hosts many festivals and offers outdoor recreation of every kind. It is a popular tourist destination with many restaurants and art galleries, a golf course, and a casino.
What Is Not Special about Ocean shores
The tourist town attracts over 4,000,000 visitors each year, so it does get crowded. The average annual rainfall is about 70 inches, although most of that occurs in the winter. The nearest large airport is 125 miles away (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport).
Who Will Like Retirement in Ocean shores
Retirees who want to live in a coastal environment with a low cost of living, low crime rate, and love the great outdoors, would enjoy living here.
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is driven by tourism and education.
Climate and Physical Environment
With a mild climate and moderate temperatures, it is never too hot or too cold. The average January temperature is about 42 degrees and the average July temperature is about 60 degrees. The annual rainfall is approximately 70 inches, and it can occasionally snow.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Ocean Shores is an outdoor orientated community with a host of recreational and outside activities to prove it. There are a lot of restaurants, many of them seafood, and family-fun places to visit. The Coastal Interpretive Center offers hands-on learning while featuring the history of Ocean Shores. The Oyhut Wildlife Area, and Damon Point are both great for bird watching, and parks on Duck Lake offer boat launches and fishing piers. Ocean Shores is also home to the Stage West Community Theater which is a live theatre performing arts organization. If you like festivals and celebrations, then Ocean Shores is the place to be. With over 25 various events and programs scheduled each year, it is easy to see what the draw is as a tourist destination. The Sand and Sawdust Festival features master sand sculptors and woodcarver competitions. The Beachcombers Fun Fair is an annual event held in March with exhibits, seminars and a children's science fair. The Irish Music Festival is the West Coast's largest, and the Razor Clam Festival & Seafood Extravaganza celebrates the natural bounty of coastal life. The Associated Arts of Ocean Shores hosts an Arts and Crafts Festival which is one of Western Washington's largest, and is an end of summer annual event. And when it rains, there is always the casino.
Crime
Ocean Shores has a low crime rate, with most of the crimes being theft.
Medical facilities
Grays Harbor Community Hospital is about 15 miles away in Aberdeen.
Transportation
Ocean Shores is serviced by Grays Harbor Transit system. The town offers excellent biking with numerous bike trails, and there are bike lanes throughout the city. You can also bike from one side of the peninsula to to the other to enjoy the scenery. The nearest large airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, about 125 miles away.
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