Why Smart Buyers Are Choosing Three Mile Prairie for Coastal Living in 2025
7 min read
December 10, 2025
Why Smart Buyers Are Choosing Three Mile Prairie for Coastal Living in 2025
Updated: December 2025 | 5 min read
The Oregon Coast real estate market has shifted into buyer-friendly territory, and savvy purchasers are taking notice. With inventory up year-over-year and median prices beginning to stabilize, there’s rarely been a better moment to secure your piece of coastal paradise.
At Three Mile Prairie in Florence, Oregon, we’re seeing unprecedented interest from buyers who want modern, efficient coastal homes without the half-million-dollar price tag that often comes with traditional builds.
The Oregon Coast Market Reality Check
What’s Really Happening in 2025-2026
Florence’s median home price hovers around $485,000, but here’s the secret: you don’t need half a million dollars to own a beautiful coastal home. While many conventional stick-built homes linger on the market for 46+ days, new homes at Three Mile Prairie are moving quickly in the $349,000–$400,000 range—offering the same coastal lifestyle at a far more approachable price.
Market indicators working in your favor:
A large share of Florence homes now close below asking price
Average days on market have climbed to 46 (up from 28 last year)
Overall inventory has grown, giving buyers real negotiating power
Interest rates are finally stabilizing after 2024’s volatility
In short: buyers have options again—and leverage.
Who’s Actually Buying at Three Mile Prairie?
Forget the stereotypes about “coastal communities.” Our buyers are clear-eyed, numbers-driven, and lifestyle-focused.
The Remote Work Revolution
Tech professionals, creatives, and consultants who discovered they can work from anywhere—and chose somewhere beautiful. With Florence’s strong internet options and homes designed to accommodate a dedicated office or flex space, you get big-city connectivity with Pacific Ocean energy.
Strategic Second-Home Buyers
Portland and Seattle residents who ran the math: why pay $4,000/month to rent a beach house when you can own a modern coastal home at Three Mile Prairie for less? Plus, you’re just about 2.5 hours from Eugene and roughly 3 hours from Portland—close enough for spontaneous weekend escapes, far enough to actually feel like you’ve gotten away.
Early Retirees and Active Seniors
Not the shuffleboard stereotype—think kayakers, hikers, golfers, and road-trippers. Florence’s significant active-adult population supports excellent medical facilities, restaurants, and services that cater to those who want to make the most of their time on the coast.
Smart Long-Term Investors
With so many Florence buyers also searching in higher-priced markets like San Francisco and Los Angeles, demand for quality coastal rentals stays strong. While rules around short-term rentals vary by neighborhood, long-term rental potential remains solid thanks to coastal workers, retirees, and seasonal residents.
Why Three Mile Prairie Wins on the Details
Modern, Precision-Built Construction
Let’s address the elephant in the room: these homes are not old-school trailers or temporary units. Homes in Three Mile Prairie are:
Built in a controlled environment – No rain-soaked framing, no weather delays during construction
Precision-engineered – Computer-designed for efficiency, strength, and smart use of space
Energy-efficient – Enhanced insulation, tight building envelopes, and modern windows help keep utility bills in check
Quality-controlled – Inspected at multiple stages of the build process, not just at the end
You get the benefits of off-site construction and the permanence of a traditional home in the neighborhood you want.
Location Without Compromise
At Three Mile Prairie, you’re:
About 5 minutes from Old Town Florence restaurants and shops
Around 10 minutes from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Roughly 15 minutes from world-class fishing on the Siuslaw River
This isn’t remote, middle-of-nowhere coastal living. It’s a connected community with nature, recreation, and daily conveniences right nearby.
The Numbers That Matter
Starting prices around $349,000 vs. a $485,000 median in Florence
Floor plans in the 1,400–2,000 sq ft range
3–4 bedrooms with open-concept living areas
Two-car garages and smart storage options
Premium finishes like quartz countertops, quality cabinetry, and stainless appliances in many homes
You’re not giving up comfort or style to get affordability.
Your Coastal Buying Checklist
1. Insurance Intelligence
FEMA’s newer flood-risk methodology means insurance costs are more property-specific than ever. The good news: Three Mile Prairie’s elevation and distance from open water help keep flood risk—and corresponding insurance costs—manageable. Our team can help you review elevation information and get quotes up front so there are no surprises.
2. Short-Term Rental Reality
Thinking about Airbnb or seasonal rentals? Florence does allow short-term rentals in certain zones with proper licensing. We can connect you with local property managers who understand current regulations and demand so you can make an informed decision about rental potential.
3. Financing Advantages
Homes at Three Mile Prairie are designed to qualify for traditional real-estate financing, not high-rate personal property loans. With solid credit, buyers can often access competitive rates and terms similar to site-built homes, making monthly payments more predictable.
4. Future-Proofing Your Investment
Coastal properties that tend to hold value share a few traits:
Thoughtful view corridors and site planning
Modern, efficient mechanical systems
Resilient materials designed for coastal conditions
Active community management and pride of ownership
Three Mile Prairie was planned with these factors in mind, helping buyers feel confident about the long-term outlook.
The Hidden Advantages Nobody Talks About
Speed to Occupancy
Custom coastal builds can easily stretch to 12–18 months. Homes at Three Mile Prairie can often be ready in a fraction of that time, meaning you’re enjoying the coast sooner—not just driving by construction sites.
Potential Property Tax Savings
Because of the efficient construction methods and smart home sizes, many buyers see more favorable assessed values compared with oversized custom builds—translating into ongoing savings that add up year after year.
Community Without Chaos
Unlike tourist-only beach zones that empty out in the off-season, Three Mile Prairie offers year-round neighbors who actually know your name. Community pride, maintained common areas, and a sense of stability create the kind of coastal lifestyle you rarely see on social media—but feel every day you live here.
Making Your Move: Next Steps
This Month’s Opportunities
Model home tours available by appointment
Special pricing on select move-in-ready homes
Connections to lenders offering rate-assist and buy-down options
Design consultations for buyers who want to personalize finishes on upcoming homes
Questions to Ask During Your Visit
What’s included in the base price, and what counts as an upgrade?
Can I walk through completed homes to see construction and finish quality?
What are the monthly community fees and what do they cover?
Which homesites offer the best privacy, sun, or views?
What’s the typical timeline from contract to move-in?
The Bottom Line
The Oregon Coast market has shifted from seller’s paradise to buyer’s opportunity. At Three Mile Prairie, you’re not just buying a house—you’re securing attainable coastal living in a modern, precision-built home that can rival traditional construction at a significantly lower price point.
While others wait for “perfect” market timing, smart buyers recognize that more inventory, better selection, and stronger negotiating power make now an ideal moment to act.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Don’t let another season pass wondering “what if.” Whether you’re ready to buy or just coast-curious, we’d love to show you why Three Mile Prairie is one of the smartest paths to coastal homeownership on the Oregon Coast.
Take the next step:
📧 Email Katrina@wcresi.com
🏠 Schedule a tour at threemileprairie.com/contact
📍 Visit us at 5242 Nopal St, Florence, OR 97439
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Three Mile Prairie Team
Real Estate Team
