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Oregon is pushing hard to become more affordable and livable for senior citizens. Gov. Tina Kotek unveiled a sweeping plan to ease housing burdens for older residents and the AARP recently announced Oregon鈥檚 inclusion in its list of 鈥渁ge-friendly states.鈥�

And while the Oregon coast may be best known for its rugged coastline, dense forests and popular king tides, one town offers a quieter, gentler experience that best suits someone looking to settle down and retire.

Coos Bay was recently named by travel website World Atlas as the best small town in Oregon for seniors based on its easy coastal access, lower housing costs and proximity to essential services.

Coos Bay, located in southern Oregon, is the state鈥檚 largest coastal city with around 16,000 residents.

鈥淢ore than two out of every five residents are older adults, a proportion that places it well outside the national norm and subtly shapes how everything goes there,鈥� World Atlas stated.

While Coos Bay is technically a city, it still carries small-town energy and is one of the most affordable places to live on the coast.

Here鈥檚 what to know about Coos Bay and why it is considered the best small town in Oregon for seniors.

What makes Coos Bay an affordable place to live on the Oregon Coast?

Homes prices in Coos Bay are significantly lower than in larger Oregon cities, including Portland and much of the central coast. Median home prices are around $350,000 and rental options also tend to be more accessible, giving retirees flexibility as they plan long-term housing.

鈥淩ecent listings show three-bedroom houses hovering near $300,000, a figure that would barely secure a starter home in the suburbs surrounding Portland,鈥� World Atlas stated. 鈥淥ne-bedroom rentals typically land near $925 per month, and it is not uncommon for utilities like power or water to be included.鈥�

Additionally, costs of assisted living and other care services often are below statewide averages. Monthly costs for assisted living 鈥渁verage around $4,144, making it the most affordable option in Oregon,鈥� according to World Atlas. 鈥淭hat figure sits well below Portland鈥檚 $4,831 and under Salem鈥檚 $4,398, with the gap widening further when compared to Eugene鈥檚 steeper $5,430.鈥�

Coos Bay鈥檚 relatively low cost of living is also a key attraction. Overall expenses there are around 6 percent below the U.S. average and roughly 12 percent below Oregon鈥檚 statewide average, according to World Atlas.

What makes Coos Bay an easier place to live for seniors?

There are several reasons Coos Bay is a draw for seniors. Access to health care is one of them. The city is home to Bay Area Hospital, a regional medical center that serves much of the southern coast, allowing many residents to receive care locally rather than traveling inland.

鈥淢any services are handled locally, including specialized treatments and advanced procedures, reducing the need for long-distance travel during emergencies,鈥� the publication stated. 鈥淭hat convenience carries real value as priorities shift with age.鈥�

Another major draw is how accessible different businesses are. Coos Bay offers a mix of national retailers and local businesses that allow for minimal traffic and short travel times.

The city features a range of restaurants, grocery stores and essential services located within a relatively small area, making day-to-day life manageable and daily errands quick and easy, especially for those who have limited mobility or prefer not to travel long distances.

How accessible are outdoor areas and beaches in Coos Bay?

There is direct access to Oregon鈥檚 coastline, with nearby beaches, state parks and forested areas.

The surrounding region includes destinations like Bandon and Florence, both within driving distance, offering additional recreation and coastal views without the congestion seen in more heavily populated parts of the state.

Coos Bay鈥檚 climate, including its mild winters and cool summers, helps create an environment without extreme weather conditions, giving seniors and retirees year-round comfort and reducing health risks associated with heat waves, severe cold and natural disasters.

Editor鈥檚 note: This article first appeared in The Statesman Journal and then was distributed on the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.