Why Live in Florence
Florence is a small coastal town situated where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean, at the northern end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Known for its sand-dune off-roading and riverfront recreation, Florence attracts both retirees and seasonal visitors. The town features a mix of midcentury ranch-style homes, Craftsman-style cottages, and senior living communities. New construction includes Craftsman-style cottages and modern farmhouses in subdivisions like Three Mile Prairie. Florence offers numerous outdoor attractions, including North Jetty Beach, South Jetty Beach, and the Darlingtonia State Natural Site with its wooden boardwalk through dense forests. The town also boasts two public golf courses and Miller Park, which is popular for its playground, skate park, and paved paths. Old Town Florence, a historic commercial corridor, is home to local shops, bars, art galleries, and seafood restaurants, as well as the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum. The area hosts annual events like the Fourth of July Celebration and the Rhododendron Festival. Florence is connected to nearby towns via Highway 101, with Eugene 60 miles east. The town has low crime rates compared to the national average, and the Florence Police Department recently installed a traffic camera to further reduce incidents. Florence enjoys mild temperatures year-round, though it is susceptible to rare and mild tsunamis.
