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Astoria, OR

Frequently asked questions

Astoria, OR

Astoria is a port city and the seat of Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1811, Astoria is the oldest city in the state and was the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. The county is in the northwest corner of Oregon, and Astoria is located on the south shore of the Columbia River, where the river flows into the Pacific Ocean. The city is named for John Jacob Astor, an investor and entrepreneur from New York City, whose American Fur Company founded Fort Astoria at the site and established a monopoly in the fur trade in the early 19th century. Astoria was incorporated by the Oregon Legislative Assembly on October 20, 1856.

The city is served by the deepwater Port of Astoria. Transportation includes the Astoria Regional Airport. U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 101 are the main highways, and the 4.1-mile (6.6 km) Astoria–Megler Bridge connects to neighboring Washington across the river. The population was 10,181 at the 2020 census.

During archeological excavations in Astoria and Fort Clatsop in 2012, trading items from American settlers with Native Americans were found, including Austrian glass beads and falconry bells. The present area of Astoria belonged to a large, prehistoric Native American trade system of the Columbia Plateau.

In 1846, the Oregon Treaty divided the mainland at the 49th parallel north, making Astoria officially part of the United States. As the Oregon Territory grew and became increasingly colonized by Americans, Astoria likewise grew as a port city near the mouth of the Great River that provided the easiest access to the interior. The first U.S. post office west of the Rocky Mountains was established in Astoria in 1847 and officially state incorporation in 1876.

Astoria attracted a host of immigrants beginning in the late 19th century: Nordic settlers, primarily Swedes, Swedish-speaking Finns, and Chinese soon became larger parts of the population. The Nordic settlers mostly lived in Uniontown, near the present-day end of the Astoria–Megler Bridge, and took fishing jobs; the Chinese tended to do cannery work and usually lived either downtown or in bunkhouses near the canneries. By the late 1800s, 22% of Astoria's population was Chinese. Astoria also had a significant population of Indians, especially Sikhs from Punjab; the Ghadar Party, a political movement among Indians on the West Coast of the U.S. and Canada to overthrow British rule in India, was officially founded on July 15, 1913, in Astoria.

Astoria has served as a port of entry for over a century and remains the trading center for the lower Columbia basin. In the early 1900s, the Callendar Navigation Company was an important transportation and maritime concern based in the city. It has long since been eclipsed in importance by Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, as economic hubs on the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Astoria's economy is centered on fishing, fish processing, and lumber. In 1945, about 30 canneries could be found along the Columbia River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.11 square miles (26.18 km²), of which 3.95 square miles (10.23 km²) are covered by water.

Astoria places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Columbia Memorial Hospital serves as a comprehensive healthcare facility, providing medical services to the community. You can enjoy a rejuvenating yoga session at Fire Station Yoga, Sacred Space Astoria, and Astoria Yoga, or indulge in beauty treatments at Blessed Beauty Bar. The Astoria Aquatic Center provides fun and fitness with its pool and other amenities. Those interested in fitness classes can check out Funky Bear CrossFit for a range of workout sessions.

Top sites in Astoria, OR are The Astoria Column, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Flavel House Museum, and Oregon Film Museum.

Population: 9,906 (2024). ZIP code: 97103. Area codes: 503, 971. Elevation: 118 ft (36 m). Area: 9.95 sq mi (25.77 km²).

FAQs

Why is Astoria, OR famous?

As the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, Astoria has close historical ties to the Lewis & Clark Trail. In 1811, John Jacob Astor, a New York financier, sent fur traders to the area and the trading post of Fort Astoria was established. Surrounded on three sides by the Columbia, Youngs, and Lewis & Clark rivers, the steep hillsides of Astoria exhibit beautiful Victorian and Craftsman homes. River, bay, and forested views abound. Art galleries, restaurants, microbreweries, eclectic shops, and the restored 1920s Liberty Theater reflect a revitalized, vibrant downtown.

Is it expensive to live in Astoria, OR?

The cost of living in Astoria, Oregon, is slightly higher than the national average but relatively affordable compared to many cities in Oregon. Housing costs play a significant factor in the higher cost of living in Astoria. The average home value in Astoria is around $475,000 today, making homeownership more attainable for those living in Astoria, Oregon, than in many cities in Oregon. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Astoria is around $1250 monthly.

Is Astoria, OR a good place to live?

Astoria, Oregon is a charming coastal city that offers a range of family-friendly activities and amenities. From its scenic parks to cultural attractions, there are plenty of options to entertain both children and adults in this vibrant community. It is indeed a wonderful place to live with its favorable tax environment, quality education opportunities, efficient public transportation, and charming neighborhoods. Whether you are drawn to its rich history or picturesque scenery, Astoria has something to offer everyone.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Astoria

Rentals

Living in Oregon

The Astoria Column 

Columbia River Maritime Museum 

Flavel House Museum 

Oregon Film Museum

Columbia Memorial Hospital

Fire Station Yoga

Sacred Space Astoria

Astoria Yoga

Blessed Beauty Bar

Astoria Aquatic Center

Funky Bear CrossFit

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.