What Is Living in Astoria, Oregon Like?
Astoria is located in Oregon Coast and is known for being Oregon's oldest American settlement and its Victorian architecture. With a population of approximately 9500, it offers Oregon living 97 miles from Portland.
Astoria is Oregon's oldest city and the filming location for The Goonies (1985) and Kindergarten Cop (1990). The 125-foot Astoria Column sits atop Coxcomb Hill with panoramic views of the Columbia River, and the city is home to the longest continuous truss bridge in the world — the 4.1-mile Astoria-Megler Bridge.
Whether you're relocating for work, retiring to Oregon, or simply looking for a change of pace, Astoria offers a compelling combination of natural beauty, community character, and Oregon lifestyle. Read on for everything you need to know before making the move.
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Todd Davidson
Executive Loan Officer · Rocket Mortgage · NMLS #2003696
- Specializes in Oregon home buyers & relocators
- Lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans
- Some buyers starting with first-year rates under 5% — up to $500/mo savings
- FHA, VA, Conventional & Jumbo loans available
- Fast pre-approvals — often same day
Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Rocket Mortgage NMLS #3030. Rate offers subject to qualification.
Astoria at a Glance
How Much Do You Need to Live in Astoria?
Use this calculator to find out exactly how much income your family needs to live comfortably in Astoria, Oregon — whether renting or buying. Then compare with nearby cities.
Cost of Living Calculator — Astoria, Oregon
Select your family size and whether you plan to rent or buy.
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Ready to see what you qualify for in Astoria?
Talk to Todd — free, no obligation.Astoria Neighborhoods
Astoria has several distinct neighborhoods — each with its own character and appeal. Here's a breakdown to help you narrow down where to focus your home search.
🏛️ Uppertown
Astoria's historic hilltop district with beautifully preserved Victorian homes and panoramic views of the Columbia River.
🎭 Downtown
A lively mix of restaurants galleries coffee shops and the iconic Liberty Theatre — Astoria's creative and commercial hub.
🌊 West End
Quieter residential area with ocean and river views closer to Fort Stevens State Park.
🏠 Uniontown
Historic working-class neighborhood near the waterfront undergoing revitalization — great value for buyers.
🌳 Shively Park Area
Family-friendly neighborhood with easy access to Shively Park trails and a quieter pace of life.
Want to see what's for sale in these neighborhoods?
Sign up for listing alerts — get notified when homes hit the market.Pros & Cons of Living in Astoria
Every city has trade-offs. Here's an honest look at what residents love — and what they'd warn you about — before moving to Astoria.
✅ Pros of Living in Astoria
- Stunning Columbia River and Pacific Ocean setting
- Rich history — Oregon's oldest American settlement
- Vibrant arts and food scene for its size
- Growing tourism economy with unique character
- Proximity to Fort Stevens and Ecola State Parks
- Charming Victorian architecture throughout
⚠️ Cons of Living in Astoria
- Very isolated — Portland is 97 miles away
- Persistent rain and fog (66+ inches of rain)
- Limited job market and lower wages
- Housing market tightening as remote workers arrive
- Small-town limitations on services and shopping
Thinking About Buying in Astoria?
Todd Davidson has helped buyers across Oregon navigate the mortgage process — from first-time buyers to retirees relocating to the coast. A quick conversation can save you thousands.
Schools in Astoria, Oregon
Families moving to Astoria will find quality public school options through the Astoria School District. The district serves K–12 students across Astoria and surrounding communities.
🎓 School District
Astoria School District
Ranked #68 in Oregon (Niche 2026) with a Niche grade of B-. View on Niche →
🏆 Graduation Rate
The 4-year high school graduation rate for Astoria School District is approximately 85% — compared to Oregon's statewide average of ~80%.
📚 Higher Education
Portland (97 mi) offers additional college and university options for students continuing beyond high school.
🌐 Online Learning
Oregon State University Ecampus and University of Oregon Online offer fully accredited online degrees for remote learners statewide.
Job Market in Astoria, Oregon
Astoria's economy reflects the character of Oregon Coast — here's a look at the key industries and employers that define the local job market.
🐟 Fishing & Seafood Processing
Astoria sits at the mouth of the Columbia River — commercial fishing, crab processing, and seafood distribution are core industries with deep roots going back to the 1800s.
🏥 Healthcare
Columbia Memorial Hospital is Astoria's largest single employer, providing a wide range of medical and support positions.
🏛️ Government & Port
The Port of Astoria, Coast Guard Station, and city/county government are major local employers.
🎬 Film & Tourism
Astoria is a popular filming location (The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop) and draws significant tourism — supporting hospitality and retail jobs.
🏭 Manufacturing & Marine
Boat building, marine repair, and coastal manufacturing support the working waterfront economy.
🌲 Timber & Logging
The surrounding Coast Range supports timber-related employment in logging, trucking, and wood products.
Distances from Astoria
Here's how far Astoria is from key Oregon cities — helpful context whether you're commuting for work or planning weekend trips.
Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon
Astoria offers a variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. Here's a taste of what you'll find:
- Astoria Column
- Columbia River Maritime Museum
- Fort Stevens State Park
- Ecola State Park
- Liberty Theatre
- Astoria Riverfront Trolley
- Local brewery scene
FAQs About Moving to Astoria, Oregon
What is Astoria Oregon known for?
Astoria is Oregon's oldest American settlement founded in 1811. It's known for its stunning Victorian architecture the Astoria Column the Columbia River Maritime Museum and its role as the filming location for The Goonies. The Astoria-Megler Bridge is one of the longest continuous truss bridges in North America.
What are home prices like in Astoria Oregon?
Astoria offers relatively affordable coastal living. Homes typically range from $300000–$500000 with Victorian fixer-uppers available at lower price points and waterfront/view properties going higher.
Is Astoria a good place to live year-round?
Yes — though you need to love rain and fog. Astoria has a passionate community strong local arts scene and a growing food culture. Many remote workers have discovered it as an affordable coastal alternative to Portland.
What is the job market like in Astoria?
Tourism maritime services healthcare and retail are the main employers. The Port of Astoria and commercial fishing industry provide blue-collar employment. Many residents commute to Portland or work remotely.
How do I get a mortgage for a home in Astoria, Oregon?
The first step is always getting pre-approved. Todd Davidson (Executive Loan Officer, Rocket Mortgage, NMLS #2003696) specializes in Oregon home buyers with a current offer of lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans — potentially saving up to $500/month.
Cities Near Astoria, Oregon
Exploring other Oregon cities? Here are communities near Astoria — each with its own character and lifestyle. Click to explore any of them.
Helpful Links for Moving to Astoria
Ready to Make Astoria Home?
Whether you're buying your first home, relocating from out of state, or retiring to Oregon — Todd Davidson will walk you through every step of the mortgage process and make it easy.