The unpainted shingles make the three-story building look like a coastal inn. And in some ways, that's what it is. West-facing windows look out at the lighthouse and the vast Pacific Ocean. Director Gary Brink says he likes to keep a room or two empty so residents' families can come and spend the night. Heritage is an active place that takes advantage of its ocean site.
Residents walk on the beach, go fishing or crabbing.
Communal fish fries and crab feeds follow. Country rides, trips to the county fair, visits by horses and llamas are all part of the ongoing fun. The private apartments are bright and many offer wonderful ocean views. Warm and cozy Brookings, just six miles from the California border, is in a veritable Banana Belt, with temperatures often warmer than other areas in Oregon. The small town of 4,400 is a big draw for retirees, with around 30 percent of the population retired, according to the Brookings Chamber of Commerce.