The Oregon Mountain Town So Affordable, Retirees Are Calling It A Dream
December 11, 2025
By Isla Davenport
Tucked away in eastern Oregon’s high desert, Baker City has quietly become one of the state’s best-kept secrets for retirees seeking mountain living without the mountain-sized price tag.
This historic town offers something rare: affordable homes, stunning scenery, and a genuine small-town feel that makes newcomers feel welcome from day one.
For those dreaming of a retirement filled with outdoor adventures, cultural charm, and neighbors who actually know your name, Baker City might just be the answer.
Housing Prices That Make Sense
Real estate in Baker City won’t drain retirement savings the way coastal Oregon towns might.
The median home price hovers around $290,000, which sits comfortably below the national average and offers far more square footage than similar budgets would buy in Portland or Bend.
Many properties come with spacious yards, garages, and views of the surrounding mountains – luxuries that feel out of reach in pricier markets.