Seaside, OR

2 Apartments for Rent

Lewis and Clark set up camp in Seaside back in 1805 in order to build a salt cairn because the expedition party needed it to preserve meat for the trip home. Today, a replica of the salt cairn stands in the same spot as the original.

Imagine a movie where the main character drives across the country to the Pacific Coast and ends up in a small town, on a narrow road that deposits her right on the beach. That small town would be Seaside, Oregon, a picturesque gem of a place that looks like it was built for use as a movie set. Seaside is a tiny place with about 6,400 residents found right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean surrounded by the Clatsop State Forest and not much else. The closest towns of any significance are Astoria, 30 minutes to the north, and Cannon Beach, which is 13 minutes south and widely considered part of Seaside. It's all about the beach here, which is so flat and wide that you can drive your car on it in some locations. Seaside is a famous location for its sunsets. There's a long promenade you can walk on and a cute little one-street downtown full of shops, restaurants and taverns where you can easily while away the day. Many residents live here only part time, fleeing the cold and rain in winter, and it's no wonder those snowbirds return to Seaside each year.

Moving to Seaside

Despite being just 4.1 square miles, Seaside has plenty of options when it comes to apartment rentals. There are about 4,000 housing units and just about 25 percent of them are renter-occupied. There are a decent amount of vacancies throughout the year, leaving you free to move here at a time that suits you.

Renting the right apartment

The trick to finding an apartment for rent in Seaside is to begin your search four to six weeks from your planned moving day. You can find a one- or two-bedroom apartment pretty quickly, but it may not be exactly what you hoped to find. Don't limit your search just to the main residential part of town, which is the west side of Highway 101. There are a lot of great rental home options on the north side of town. The earlier you look the better chance you have of finding an apartment to rent in Seaside with charm and character. There are lots of privately-owned little gems around Seaside, so if you don't limit yourself to apartment complexes you'll have more choices.

Seaside's Neighborhoods

Other than Gearheart to the north, Seaside technically doesn't have any neighborhoods with proper names but each side of town has its own personality. These areas are divided into physical sections by Highway 101 and the Necanicum River.

Gearheart: The area next to Gearheart Ocean State Park on the north end of town has a good mix of individual homes, apartment complexes, duplexes and studio apartments. Gearheart Golf Links is here, as well as restaurants and shopping centers along Highway 101.

East: This side of town, which has Broadway Park, is split by Bear Valley with many single-family homes and apartment complexes to the west. On the east side you'll find apartment buildings and duplexes with some stand-alone homes as well. Providence Seaside Hospital is here.

Downtown: The most inhabited part of town is also the area with the most options. Lots of single-family homes, more than a few with studio cottages, interspersed with apartment buildings, duplexes and studio apartments. The Seaside Aquarium is here as well as a ton of hotels and resorts.

South: Another good mix of single-family homes, duplexes and apartment buildings. Cartwright Park is here along with Seaside Golf Course.

Things to Do Around Town

Seaside's economy is based on tourism, so there is a lot to do here when it comes to going out. You'll probably find yourself at Bigfoot's Steakhouse at some point, and your stomach will thank you. Bagels By the Sea is a good choice for breakfast, and Guido and Vito's Italian Cuisine is a favorite dinner spot of locals. Seaside is a laid-back town with a lot of outdoor activities to choose from, including boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, surfing and kite flying, a favorite local pastime. Other things to do include riding the carousel at the arcade downtown, feeding the seals at the aquarium and hunting for seashells on the beach. Take your time and explore Seaside. There is a lot to do here in your new home town!