Laid-Back Luxury in Gearhart: Why This Oregon Beach Town is a Hidden Gem

Discover Gearhart: Coastal Luxury Without the Crowds

If you're dreaming of a luxury beach lifestyle without the crowds, let us introduce you to Gearhart—the Oregon Coast’s best-kept secret. This charming town blends classic coastal elegance with peaceful, small-town vibes. Here, beachfront cottages and sweeping dune views meet world-class golf and refined living. Whether you’re retiring, investing, or relocating, Gearhart offers that rare combination: laid-back living with upscale appeal.

The Gearhart Lifestyle: Timeless, Tranquil, and Tasteful

Gearhart isn’t just a beach town—it’s a way of life. Locals trade rush-hour traffic for bike rides to the bakery and evening strolls along the shoreline. It’s common to see couples walking dogs at sunrise or families digging for razor clams during a minus tide.

This peaceful pace of life draws buyers who crave authenticity, privacy, and charm—without compromising comfort. Think of it as the Nantucket of the Northwest—stylish but grounded, elegant yet unpretentious.

Luxury Real Estate with Character

The homes in Gearhart are as unique as the town itself. Whether you’re looking for a shingled beach cottage with vintage touches, a custom-built estate nestled in the dunes, or a modern retreat with ocean-view decks, Gearhart delivers.

Popular features in Gearhart’s luxury homes include:

• Ocean or golf course views

• Large lots with privacy

• Vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and wraparound porches

• Timeless architecture with coastal finishes

Pro tip: Inventory in Gearhart moves fast—especially in the $900k+ range.  It is important to align yourself with a local realtor who is an expert in the market dynamics to secure the right property at the right price.

Spotlight on The Reserve at Gearhart

For those seeking privacy, quality, and a well-maintained neighborhood near both the beach and golf,  The Reserve at Gearhart is a true standout. Tucked along the northern edge of town, this thoughtfully planned community borders preserved coastal woodland and a protected butterfly habitat, creating a rare sense of peace and space. On the western edge of the development is the greens of the Highlands Golf Course, a public course where residents can enjoy a round of golf year round.

A two minute drive down Highlands Lane grants you direct access to Del Rey Beach, where it’s still possible to drive to the perfect sunset spot on the beach or walk straight onto the sand.

The neighborhood’s architectural standards help preserve its charm and character, making it ideal for full-time living, weekend escapes, or multigenerational retreats.  Enjoy green spaces and quiet, well maintained streets in this coastal enclave.

One exceptional home currently available in The Reserve is   5399 Drummond Drive, a beautifully updated five-bedroom property with soaring ceilings, modern finishes, and a backyard that opens to nature. It’s the perfect blend of refinement and retreat—truly a must-see for discerning buyers.

Golf, Galleries & Gourmet

While Gearhart is calm and quiet, it’s far from boring. The Gearhart Golf Links is one of the oldest courses west of the Mississippi—and a major draw for those who love teeing off with ocean air with easy access to McMenamins Sand Trap Pub and the Sand Bar.

You’ll also enjoy:

• Boutique galleries featuring regional artists

• Daughters Wine Bar -- a gathering place that celebrates local producers, great wine, and good company.

• Locally-owned shops for home goods, antiques, and garden plants and more

Just 15 minutes north, Astoria offers wine bars, museums, art walks and stunning views of the Columbia River—the perfect weekend escape, even for locals.

Why Buyers Are Eyeing Gearhart Now

In a competitive coastal market, Gearhart has become a standout for luxury buyers seeking:

• Underrated value compared to Cannon Beach or California’s coast

• Quiet community with low tourism traffic

• Long-term equity in a town with limited development and high charm

• Easy access to Portland (just 90 minutes away)

Whether you're looking for a peaceful vacation home or a full-time residence, Gearhart’s real estate offers beauty, exclusivity, and long-term value.

Ready to Find Your Beach Retreat?

The perfect coastal property might be closer than you think.  Schedule a  New Client Consultation with Andrea Mace,  Oregon Coast expert and top producing local agent.  Interested in tracking the real estate market in Gearhart, Oregon?  Sign up here for your own personalized market data updates.

Gearhart: Where You Come for the View, and Stay for the Life

Whether you're drawn to the quiet beaches, the rhythm of coastal life, or the charm of a small-town community that still feels like a hidden gem, Gearhart offers a timeless kind of magic. It’s the kind of place you don’t just visit—you imagine building a life here. And maybe, just maybe, you do.