What Is Living in Gearhart, Oregon Like?
Gearhart is located in Oregon Coast and is known for being Oregon's oldest beach resort community and its exclusive residential character. With a population of approximately 1600, it offers Oregon living 79 miles from Portland.
Gearhart is home to Gearhart Golf Links, established in 1892 — the oldest golf course in Oregon and one of the oldest west of the Mississippi. The quiet beach town is one of the few Oregon coast communities without a single traffic light, preserving its unhurried character.
Whether you're relocating for work, retiring to Oregon, or simply looking for a change of pace, Gearhart offers a compelling combination of natural beauty, community character, and Oregon lifestyle. Read on for everything you need to know before making the move.
Thinking about buying a home in Gearhart?
Get pre-approved in minutes — no obligation, no pressure.
Buying a Home in Gearhart? Start Here.
The most important first step is knowing your budget. Getting pre-approved puts you in a stronger position with sellers and helps you move fast when the right home comes along in Gearhart.
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.
Gearhart at a Glance
How Much Do You Need to Live in Gearhart?
Use this calculator to find out exactly how much income your family needs to live comfortably in Gearhart, Oregon — whether renting or buying. Then compare with nearby cities.
Cost of Living Calculator — Gearhart, Oregon
Select your family size and whether you plan to rent or buy.
| City | Distance | Income Needed |
|---|
Ready to see what you qualify for in Gearhart?
Talk to Todd — free, no obligation.Gearhart Neighborhoods
Gearhart 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.
🌊 North Gearhart
The quiet residential heart of Gearhart — beautiful Pacific Northwest beach homes and direct dune and beach access.
⛳ Gearhart Golf Links Area
Homes adjacent to the historic Gearhart Golf Links (one of the oldest golf courses in the western US) — a premier residential address.
🏖️ Del Rey Beach Area
South Gearhart's beach access neighborhood — slightly more modest homes with the same stunning beach.
☕ Downtown Gearhart
A small but beloved commercial strip with the iconic Gearhart Hotel Shallon Winery and Pacific Way Bakery & Cafe.
🐚 Beach Loop
Direct oceanfront properties along Gearhart's stretch of beautiful uncrowded beach — the most coveted addresses.
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 Gearhart
Every city has trade-offs. Here's an honest look at what residents love — and what they'd warn you about — before moving to Gearhart.
✅ Pros of Living in Gearhart
- Oregon's most exclusive and quiet beach community
- Uncrowded beach — far less tourist traffic than Seaside
- Historic Gearhart Golf Links
- Only 79 miles from Portland
- Very walkable within the village
- Extremely peaceful residential character
⚠️ Cons of Living in Gearhart
- Very small — only 1600 residents
- Limited services — nearly everything requires a drive to Seaside or Astoria
- One of the pricier coastal communities in Oregon
- Very limited rental housing supply
- Seasonal — can feel very quiet in winter
.jpg)
Thinking About Buying in Gearhart?
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 Gearhart, Oregon
Families moving to Gearhart will find quality public school options through the Seaside School District. The district serves K–12 students across Gearhart and surrounding communities.
🎓 School District
Seaside School District
Ranked #65 in Oregon (Niche 2026) with a Niche grade of B-. View on Niche →
🏆 Graduation Rate
The 4-year high school graduation rate for Seaside School District is approximately 84% — compared to Oregon's statewide average of ~80%.
📚 Higher Education
Portland (79 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 Gearhart, Oregon
Gearhart's economy reflects the character of Oregon Coast — here's a look at the key industries and employers that define the local job market.
🏨 Tourism & Golf
The Gearhart Golf Links (Oregon's oldest golf course) and coastal tourism drive hospitality employment in this small beach community.
🏗️ Construction & Trades
Luxury coastal vacation home construction and maintenance provide active trades employment.
🛒 Boutique Retail
Small shops, restaurants, and galleries serve the affluent beach community and seasonal tourism.
💻 Remote Work
Gearhart attracts high-income remote workers and early retirees — the city has strong broadband infrastructure for coastal living.
🏥 Healthcare
Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria (12 miles) is the primary healthcare employer for Gearhart residents.
🌊 Outdoor Recreation
Surf lessons, beach recreation, and coastal guide services provide seasonal employment tied to the natural environment.
Distances from Gearhart
Here's how far Gearhart is from key Oregon cities — helpful context whether you're commuting for work or planning weekend trips.
Things to Do in Gearhart, Oregon
Gearhart offers a variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. Here's a taste of what you'll find:
- Gearhart Golf Links
- Pacific Way Bakery & Cafe
- Uncrowded beach access
- Del Rey Beach
- Seaside Outlet Center (2 mi)
- Astoria Column (18 mi)
- Fort Stevens State Park
FAQs About Moving to Gearhart, Oregon
What is Gearhart Oregon known for?
Gearhart is Oregon's oldest beach resort community — established in the 1890s as a summer retreat for Portland families. It's known for its quietly exclusive character uncrowded beaches and the historic Gearhart Golf Links (one of the oldest golf courses west of the Mississippi).
What are home prices like in Gearhart Oregon?
Gearhart commands premium prices for the Oregon Coast. Expect $600000–$1.2M+ for most homes with oceanfront properties going considerably higher. It's one of the most expensive coastal markets in Oregon.
Is Gearhart Oregon worth it compared to Seaside?
For buyers who want peace and quiet an exclusive community feel and uncrowded beaches — yes absolutely. Seaside has more services and entertainment but far more tourist traffic. Gearhart is for those who want the Oregon Coast without the crowds.
What golf is available in Gearhart?
Gearhart Golf Links is one of the oldest golf courses in the western United States — established in 1892. It's a traditional links course right on the Oregon Coast with a historic character that's rare in American golf.
How do I get a mortgage for a home in Gearhart, 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 Gearhart, Oregon
Exploring other Oregon cities? Here are communities near Gearhart — each with its own character and lifestyle. Click to explore any of them.
Helpful Links for Moving to Gearhart
Ready to Make Gearhart 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.