Living in Gearhart: What It's Really Like
Gearhart is a small city in Clatsop County, on Oregon's northern coast, sitting just north of Seaside along the Necanicum River estuary. It was incorporated in 1918, though the land itself traces back to an 1848 donation land claim by settler Phillip Gearhart, for whom the town is named. The city has a total area of about 1.9 square miles, nearly all of it land. Wikipedia
As of the 2020 census, Gearhart had a population of 1,793, and more recent American Community Survey estimates put the figure in the 1,870-1,980 range, depending on the data vintage used. The 2020–2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates put the population at 1,978. WikipediaHometownlocator
Notably, 49.3% of the total housing stock was vacant at the time of the 2020 census, a strong signal of how many properties in Gearhart function as second or seasonal homes rather than primary residences.
You'll find charming cottages sitting beside elegant custom homes, quiet residential streets shaded by shore pines, and wide beaches.
Gearhart's beach offers plenty of room for walking, beachcombing, clam digging and photography. The area from 10th Street, south to “Little Beach” the estuary area, is free of motor vehicles. The beach North of 10th Street allows vehicles with the primary access point for vehicles in Gearhart being 10th Street.
Downtown Seaside is only a few minutes away, with grocery stores, healthcare services, shopping, and restaurants. The shopping hub in Warrenton or Astoria’s abundance of dining and art galleries, is also an easy drive north. Portland is about 81 miles away, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes by car, making it workable for weekend trips, business travel, or airport runs.
You can’t talk about Gearhart and overlook the charm of the local downtown businesses. From By the Way gift and coffee shop, to Raven Gearhart, King Tide Bakery, Daughter’s Wine Bar, Ziggy’s Sweets and Treats, Pacific Crest Cottage, The Natural Nook and The Drifthaven at Gearhart for lodging.
Gearhart isn't built around nightlife or fast-paced living; it's a quiet, low-density coastal town centered on the beach and the golf course. For buyers looking for that slower pace on the North Oregon Coast, it's worth serious consideration.
Q: Is Gearhart, Oregon a good place to live?
A: That depends on what you're looking for. Gearhart offers a quiet, low-density coastal setting with historic character and a genuinely rare golf course, but limited commercial infrastructure and housing prices above the county median.
Q: How far is Gearhart from Portland?
A: About 81 miles, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes by car under normal driving conditions via Highway 26 and Highway 101.
What school district is Gearhart in?
A: Seaside School District 10, which also serves Seaside, Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, and parts of Warrenton. Gearhart no longer has its own school building; the former Gearhart Elementary School closed and was sold in 2020.
Q: Can I rent my Gearhart home short-term?
A: Only if it already holds a valid, non-expired vacation rental permit issued under the city's ordinance. New permits have not been available in residential areas since the original 2016 application window closed, and permits do not transfer with a property sale. In most cases angle family homes in Gearhart are not a candidate for short term rentals. Confirm current rules directly with the City of Gearhart.
Q: How old is Gearhart Golf Links?
A: It has operated continuously since 1892, making it the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River.
Q: Is Gearhart at risk of tsunami flooding?
A: Oregon's geology department has identified Gearhart's flat terrain as offering limited high-ground refuge, a factor cited in regional emergency planning decisions. Buyers should ask about flood zone status as well as tsunami risk and insurance requirements and recommendations for any specific property.
Q: What's the population of Gearhart, Oregon?
A: 1,793 as of the 2020 census, with more recent American Community Survey estimates in the roughly 1,870–1,980 range depending on the data year used.
Q: Is Gearhart the same as Seaside?
A: No. They're adjacent, share a school district and a zip code, but Gearhart is a separate, much smaller incorporated city with a distinct, lower-density character than Seaside's more built-up tourist core.
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