Florence, Oregon Real Estate & Home Financing Guide

Living in Florence

Discover Florence, Oregon — Gateway to the Oregon Dunes

Florence (pop. ∼9,000) sits at the mouth of the Siuslaw River in Lane County, 60 miles west of Eugene. It’s the gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area — 40 miles of towering sand dunes, the largest coastal dunes in North America. Old Town Florence is a charming historic district along the river with boutiques, galleries, and seafood restaurants.

The Siuslaw River Bridge (1936, Art Deco) is one of Oregon’s most photographed landmarks, and the proximity to Heceta Head Lighthouse — one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world — makes Florence a year-round destination for visitors and residents alike.

Florence Deep Dive

Florence, OR Real Estate Market

Florence appeals to retirees, remote workers, and Eugene-area buyers. Prices are moderate compared to the north coast. Ocean Dunes area properties offer oceanfront and dune-adjacent opportunities. Old Town condos and river-view homes are popular. A strong vacation rental market is driven by Oregon Dunes tourism and the area’s world-class attractions.

Florence Neighborhoods & Areas

Old Town Florence — Historic riverfront district with galleries, restaurants, marina, and boutiques in 19th-century buildings. River-view condos and homes with walkable access to everything Florence has to offer.
Ocean Dunes / Woahink Lake Area — Oceanfront and dune-adjacent properties with direct access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the beautiful Woahink Lake.
Dunes City / Westlake Area — Small communities on freshwater lakes (Woahink, Siltcoos) between Florence and the dunes. Lakefront properties with boating, fishing, and kayaking access.
Heceta Beach Area — Residential community north of Florence with oceanfront and ocean-view homes near the legendary Heceta Head Lighthouse.
South Florence / Three Rivers Area — Quieter residential neighborhoods south of downtown with easy highway access and more affordable pricing for buyers seeking full-time coastal living.

Things to Do

Explore Florence, Oregon

From ATV adventures on North America’s largest coastal dunes to whale watching from Heceta Head and Old Town’s charming riverfront shops — Florence delivers the full Oregon Coast experience.

Outdoor Adventures

Oregon Dunes ATV rides, Sea Lion Caves, Heceta Head trail, Cape Perpetua tidal pools & Honeyman State Park dune hiking on Cleawox Lake.

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Dining & Restaurants

Bridgewater Ocean Fresh Fish House, International C-Food Market, Spork & fresh Pacific seafood in Old Town along the Siuslaw River waterfront.

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Shopping & Gifts

Old Town boutiques, Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, local art galleries, antique shops & unique Oregon Coast gifts along Bay Street.

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Bars & Nightlife

Bridgewater’s Beachcombers Bar, Siuslaw Brewing, Waterfront Depot Bar & Florence’s laid-back Old Town evening spots on the Siuslaw River.

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Hotels & Lodging

Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B, Driftwood Shores oceanfront resort, Honeyman State Park campground & the Sandpines Golf Resort.

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Events & Festivals

Rhododendron Festival (May), Florence Farmers Market, Summer Concerts at Old Town Park & year-round Lane County coastal events.

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Must-See Florence

Florence’s Top Attractions & Highlights

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area 40 miles of North America’s largest coastal sand dunes. ATV riding, sandboarding, hiking, and birding across a spectacular landscape that inspired Frank Herbert’s Dune — one of Oregon’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
Sea Lion Caves America’s largest sea cave, home to a resident colony of Steller sea lions. An elevator descends 208 feet into the cave, where hundreds of sea lions haul out year-round. One of Oregon’s most iconic and beloved attractions.
Heceta Head Lighthouse One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, perched 205 feet above the Pacific. Now a B&B in the historic lightkeeper’s quarters. The lighthouse beam is visible 21 miles offshore on a clear night.
Siuslaw River Bridge A stunning 1936 Art Deco bascule bridge designed by Conde McCullough, one of five historic coastal bridges he designed along Hwy 101. A beloved Florence landmark and engineering masterpiece photographed by visitors from around the world.
Honeyman Memorial State Park One of Oregon’s most popular state parks, bordering Cleawox Lake and the Oregon Dunes. Swimming, paddleboating, hiking into the dunes, and one of the coast’s best campgrounds — a Lane County treasure.
Old Town Florence A charming historic riverfront district with 19th-century buildings housing galleries, restaurants, antique shops, and the famous Siuslaw Pioneer Museum — the heart of Florence community life and visitor activity.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area A spectacular USFS headland 23 miles north of Florence with tide pools, whale watching, Thor’s Well (a sea cave that appears to drain the ocean), and the highest viewpoint on the central Oregon Coast at 800 feet.
Darlingtonia State Natural Site A unique botanical wayside displaying the rare Darlingtonia californica (cobra lily), a carnivorous pitcher plant found only in a few Oregon and California bogs. A short boardwalk trail through an otherworldly bog — free and unforgettable.

Where to Eat

Florence Restaurant Directory

From classic chowder on the waterfront to global small plates in Old Town — Florence has a surprisingly rich dining scene anchored by the Siuslaw River and the freshest Pacific seafood.

Bridgewater Ocean Fresh Fish House & Zebra Bar Fresh Pacific seafood · Siuslaw River views · Old Town

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Florence’s most celebrated restaurant — locally caught seafood, chowder, and oysters on the banks of the Siuslaw River. A Florence institution since 1981.

International C-Food Market Seafood market & restaurant · clam chowder & fish & chips · Old Town waterfront

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A beloved waterfront seafood counter and market serving fresh clam chowder, fish and chips, and local crab from the Siuslaw River docks. A must-stop in Old Town.

Traveler’s Cove Family dining · American & seafood · Old Town

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A long-standing Florence family restaurant with generous portions of seafood, burgers, and American comfort food in a casual Old Town setting. Includes a full lounge on the bar side.

Spork Global street food · creative small plates · Old Town

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A lively small-plates restaurant bringing bold global flavors to Florence’s Old Town — creative dishes driven by local Oregon ingredients with an ever-changing menu.

Waterfront Depot Restaurant Pacific NW · riverfront dining · Old Town

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A converted 1914 railroad depot on the Siuslaw River waterfront serving upscale Pacific Northwest seafood and steak. Florence’s most romantic dining room.

Mo’s Restaurant Florence Oregon chowder chain · casual · Bay St

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The Oregon Coast chowder institution’s Florence location — reliable clam chowder, fish & chips, and bay shrimp on the Old Town waterfront.

Where to Stay

Florence Hotels & Lodging

From sleeping at one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses to oceanfront resorts and Oregon Dunes camping — Florence has lodging for every style.

Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B Historic lighthouse B&B · oceanfront · Heceta Head

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Sleep in the 1893 lightkeeper’s quarters at one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses. Six rooms, gourmet breakfast, and incomparable Pacific views — one of Oregon’s most unique lodging experiences.

Driftwood Shores Resort Oceanfront resort · full amenities · Heceta Beach

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Florence’s largest oceanfront resort — full-service amenities including a restaurant, indoor pool, and direct beach access at Heceta Beach, 4 miles north of Old Town.

Ocean Dunes Golf Links & Resort Golf resort · ocean-view · Ocean Dunes

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A full-service resort with golf, lodging, and ocean views adjacent to the Oregon Dunes. Ideal for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts wanting direct dune access.

River House Inn Boutique inn · Old Town riverfront · Old Town

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A boutique riverfront property in the heart of Old Town Florence with river views and walkable access to all Old Town restaurants and galleries.

Park Motel Classic motor lodge · budget-friendly · Hwy 101

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A well-maintained classic motel on Hwy 101 offering clean, comfortable rooms at budget prices — one of Florence’s most reliable value lodging options.

Honeyman State Park Campground State park camping · tent & RV · Cleawox Lake

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One of Oregon’s most beloved campgrounds on the shores of Cleawox Lake, steps from the Oregon Dunes. Book months in advance for summer stays.

Sandpines Golf Resort Golf resort · vacation rentals · Florence area

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A championship golf resort with vacation rental properties amid the coastal dunes — popular with golfers and families seeking a resort-style Oregon Dunes experience.

The Lighthouse Inn Budget motel · central location · Hwy 101

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A straightforward budget motel with easy highway access, convenient for Oregon Dunes day trips and Old Town dining.

Where to Drink

Florence Bars & Nightlife

Craft beer, Oregon wines & Florence’s easygoing Old Town evening scene on the Siuslaw River waterfront.

Beachcombers Bar (at Bridgewater) Waterfront bar · craft cocktails · Old Town

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The bar side of Florence’s iconic Bridgewater restaurant — craft cocktails, local beer, and live music on the Siuslaw River waterfront. Florence’s liveliest spot for an evening drink.

Siuslaw Brewing Company Craft brewery · taproom · Old Town

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Florence’s own craft brewery with house-crafted ales, IPAs, and stouts poured in a friendly Old Town taproom. A perfect post-dunes stop.

Waterfront Depot Bar Upscale cocktail bar · historic depot · Old Town

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The bar at Florence’s most romantic restaurant — craft cocktails and Oregon wines in an 1914 converted railroad depot on the Siuslaw River.

Travelers Cove Lounge Neighborhood bar · casual · Old Town

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The lounge side of Traveler’s Cove — a laid-back Florence neighborhood bar with cold drinks, pub food, and a genuinely local atmosphere. A good spot to wind down after a day in the dunes.

Living in Florence

Florence Lifestyle & Quality of Life

Everything buyers need to evaluate Florence as a full-time home, second home, or retirement destination.

Cost of Living

Near the Oregon Average

Florence tends to track close to the Oregon average, with housing the main variable. An older, retirement-heavy population shapes a market with strong second-home and downsizer demand.

Internet & Connectivity

Cable Citywide · Some Fiber

Spectrum cable broadband covers most of Florence (gigabit-class), with CenturyLink DSL nearly citywide and limited fiber (including Hyak) in parts of west Florence. Satellite serves outlying areas. Confirm options by address.

Weather & Climate

Mild Marine · Rarely Freezes

Average highs run from about 50°F in January to 68°F in August. The City’s long-term record puts annual rainfall near 69 inches. Cool, wet winters and mild, drier summers; snow is rare at sea level.

Retirement Friendliness

Excellent — Hospital In Town

PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center, a critical-access hospital and Level III trauma center, is right in Florence. With a median age around 61, Florence is one of the Oregon Coast’s most established retirement communities.

STR Investment Potential

License Required

Florence requires a city business license to operate a short-term rental, prohibits using accessory dwelling units as STRs, and applies a transient lodging tax. A more comprehensive STR ordinance has been in development — confirm the current rules with the City before buying for STR use.

Schools & Education

Siuslaw School District

Florence is served by the Siuslaw School District — Siuslaw Elementary, Middle, and High School. Lane Community College operates a Florence Center in town, providing local access to college courses and workforce training.

Getting to the Water

Florence Beach & Dunes Access

Florence sits at the mouth of the Siuslaw River amid the Oregon Dunes — with miles of beach, dune, and lake access just minutes from Old Town. Oregon law guarantees the dry-sand beach is public.

South
South Jetty — Oregon Dunes NRA — Just south of town off South Jetty Road, with miles of beach and dunes, multiple parking areas, OHV staging, a crab dock, and restrooms. The closest big-beach-and-dunes access to Florence.
South
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park — About three miles south, a beloved park with the freshwater Cleawox and Woahink lakes (swim beaches), towering dunes, and a large campground. A coastal classic for families.
North
Heceta Beach — A residential beach area northwest of town fronting the Driftwood Shores resort, offering a long, walkable stretch of sand and easy access from the north-side neighborhoods.
West
Siuslaw River North Jetty — River-mouth jetty access where the Siuslaw meets the Pacific — a favorite for fishing, watching boats cross the bar, and beachcombing along the river spit.
North
Baker Beach — A quiet, undeveloped beach in the Siuslaw National Forest north of Florence, known for its dunes and horse-friendly access — a peaceful alternative to the busier day-use areas.
North
Sutton Beach & Recreation Area — A Siuslaw National Forest beach and dune area north of town, with trails, the Sutton Creek estuary, and access to the nearby Darlingtonia bog. Wide, often-empty sand.

Off the Tourist Trail

Florence’s Hidden Gems

Heceta Head Lighthouse About 13 miles north, the most photographed lighthouse in Oregon stands 205 feet above the surf, reached by a short trail. The adjacent keeper’s house is now a bed-and-breakfast — a postcard-perfect stop.
Darlingtonia State Natural Site A small, free boardwalk preserve just north of town protecting the cobra lily (Darlingtonia californica) — a native carnivorous plant. One of the most unusual quick stops on the central coast.
Sea Lion Caves About 11 miles north, a privately operated sea cave — one of the largest in the world — where Steller sea lions haul out year-round. An elevator descends into the cavern for a close look.
Hobbit Trail A short, tunnel-like path through coastal salal and spruce near Heceta Head that emerges onto a secluded beach. The leafy, enclosed walk genuinely feels like stepping into another world.
Old Town Florence Riverfront The historic Bay Street district along the Siuslaw River — restored storefronts, galleries, restaurants, and the iconic Siuslaw River Bridge — is the walkable, photogenic heart of Florence.
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum A small local-history museum in Old Town chronicling the river, the lumber and fishing eras, and Native heritage of the Siuslaw region. A quiet, worthwhile rainy-day stop.

Coast Real Estate Insight

From the Blog

Dining, events, outdoor life, and what it’s really like to live in Florence — plus the full Oregon Coast blog and our coastal buyer’s guide.

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Financing a Home in Florence

What’s Different About a Coastal Mortgage

Coastal property raises financing questions most inland purchases never do. Sorting them out before you write an offer is what keeps a Florence purchase on track to closing.

Full-Time, Second Home, or Rental?

How you plan to use the home shapes the loan. Lenders treat a primary residence, a second home, and an investment property differently — and a home you plan to rent out short-term may not qualify as a second home.

Flood Zones & Insurance

If the home sits in a FEMA-designated flood hazard area, most loans require flood insurance. Check the flood zone and get an insurance quote early, because it changes your monthly cost.

Condos & Condotels

Some coastal condo projects — especially ones run like hotels with a rental pool — don’t meet standard lending guidelines. Confirm the project is eligible before you fall for the unit.

Vacation Rental Rules

Lane County and its cities regulate short-term rentals. If rental income is part of your plan, confirm the property can be licensed before you count on that income.

Wells, Septic & Rural Lots

Homes outside city limits often rely on a private well and septic system. Those may need inspection or testing before a loan can close, so build the time into your contract.

Pre-Approval Comes First

The right Florence home doesn’t wait. A pre-approval tells you what fits your budget and shows sellers you’re ready, before the listing you want comes up.

Get Pre-Approved Coastal Buyer’s Guide

Florence, Oregon Real Estate

Discover Florence, Oregon — Gateway to the Oregon Dunes

Florence, OR Real Estate Market

Florence Neighborhoods & Areas

Explore Florence, Oregon

Outdoor Adventures

Dining & Restaurants

Shopping & Gifts

Bars & Nightlife

Hotels & Lodging

Events & Festivals

Florence’s Top Attractions & Highlights

Florence Restaurant Directory

Florence Hotels & Lodging

Florence Bars & Nightlife

Florence Lifestyle & Quality of Life

Florence Beach & Dunes Access

Florence’s Hidden Gems

From the Blog

What’s Different About a Coastal Mortgage

Full-Time, Second Home, or Rental?

Flood Zones & Insurance

Condos & Condotels

Vacation Rental Rules

Wells, Septic & Rural Lots

Pre-Approval Comes First

Buying in Florence? Start With the Financing.