Residents of Medford, Oregon have no problem finding "an apple a day to keep the doctor away." The famous Harry & David fruit company is located here and is one of the largest employers in the region.
Serving as the Jackson County seat, Medford is one of the largest metropolitan centers in Oregon
Residents of Medford, Oregon have no problem finding "an apple a day to keep the doctor away." The famous Harry & David fruit company is located here and is one of the largest employers in the region.
Serving as the Jackson County seat, Medford is one of the largest metropolitan centers in Oregon. Do not worry if that apple doesn't do the trick. The health care industry is a major part of the economic environment here with a number of outstanding hospitals right in Medford. This Pacific Northwest community surprisingly calls Alba, Italy its sister city because of climate and other similarities. The valley location produces more of a mediterranean climate with not as much rain as other parts of the region. It does snow on occasion, but the snow bunnies must hop quickly to enjoy the white stuff before it melts away. A pleasant blend of relaxation and bustling activity can be found in this city in the Rogue River Valley. Beautiful community parks, walkable neighborhoods and one of the shortest average work commutes in the country are all perks that residents enjoy. Historic buildings from the late 1800s still exist, and Medford boasts an active community of artists. Picturesque Alba Park in the downtown area is the oldest, but Prescott Park has the most land with over 1700 acres. An amphitheater, skatepark, community garden and a dog park all grace beautiful Bear Creek Park. Ring, ring, Medford is calling!
The Indian tepees are long gone, but 18 separate neighborhoods make up Medford with a population of over 75,000. However, the overall number of people who call this metropolitan area home climbs to over 200,000. City apartments with early 1900s architecture can be found downtown, and there are newer townhouses and housing complexes available.
S Pacific Highway/Armory Drive: This long, narrow neighborhood runs along I-5 giving its residents easy access to other areas of Medford and quick work commutes. Availability of rental housing here is tight with most of the homes being owner occupied.
Hillcrest Road/Antelope Road: The largest community in Medford by far is this sprawling area at the north end of the city. Jackson County Sports Park is located here as well as a number of other public parks. There are some townhouses and apartments for rent, but start the search early if you want to live in this suburban area of Medford.
West Main Street/N Columbus Avenue: This urban neighborhood consists of many small apartment buildings. Studio and larger apartments are relatively easy to find in this established section near downtown. Demand can outweigh supply here so patience is a virtue when looking to find a home within this neighborhood.
Jacksonville Highway/Arnold Lane: Located to the west of downtown is this newer spot with a blend of renters and home owners. There are some high rise apartment buildings located here, but it can take some time before a unit becomes available. Patience, little grasshopper.
City Center: This neighborhood is diminutive, but packs a powerful punch for those who are relocating to Medford. Apartment rentals are numerous, and the rates are reasonable. It is also very bicycle friendly with many commuting to work on two wheels.
W Stewart Avenue/Orchard Home Drive: Fans of chasing that little white ball will enjoy the fact that Stewart Meadows Golf Course is located at the north end of this neighborhood. Home rentals can be difficult to find here, and the monthly rates are higher than in other parts of the city.
E Barnett Road/N Phoenix Road: This sprawling neighborhood has a number of large apartment complexes and high rise buildings. However, it is fairly quiet and laid-back with many single family residences.
Crater Lake Highway/E Vilas Road: Rental options in this Medford community consist of mostly small apartment buildings and some townhouses. A wide range of ages live here including college students giving the area a trendy atmosphere.
Delta Waters Road/N Foothill Road: Small lakes dot the landscape in this large community in central Medford. There are a lot of large single homes located here with few rental options available. This is a community with many residents working in professional fields.
Crater Lake Avenue/Roberts Road: Providence Medford Medical Center and Providence Hospital are big employers in this neighborhood. While there are affordable rentals here, finding a vacant unit can be difficult. Again, patience.
E Main Street/Highland Drive: Hawthorne Park provides peaceful green space for the residents of this central Medford community. Most of the structures here were built between 1940 and 1969, and rental properties are abundant.
Crater Lake Highway/Delta Waters Road: This newer neighborhood has some complexes and high rises with apartments usually available. Quite a few young people call this urban community home.
N Pacific Highway/Table Rock Road: Shopaholics will enjoy living in this community that includes the Northgate Marketplace. Numerous nationwide chains and outlets take up space in this haven of retail. This 40 acre shopping extravaganza employs many in the sales and service industries. Residents find they have a short commute, and many of them bike to work.
W Jackson Street/Summit Avenue: This small, but historic neighborhood has many older structures built prior to 1939 that have been converted into rentals. People who live here often bicycle to work, and most rent their homes.
S Columbus Avenue/Dakota Drive: Spiegelberg Stadium, home of the Black and Blue Bowl, is located within this small community. This multipurpose venue juggles a number of activities. Most rentals here are found in homes as opposed to apartment buildings.
Hillcrest Road/N Foothill Road: Tennis courts, picnic tables and quiet serenity surround visitors to Holmes Park in this Medford neighborhood. While most of the real estate is owner occupied, there are some apartment buildings and complexes.
E Mcandrews Road/Crater Lake Avenue: Residents here find convenient shopping at Bear Creek Plaza, and a place to relax at scenic Donahue Frohnmayer Park. Many here are employed in the service and sales industries and live in the neighborhoods many apartment complexes.
The original settlers to this area stayed because of the fertile land, great climate and the fact that the scenery wasn't too shabby either. Medford is an eclectic blend of outdoor fun and indoor culture. Sandwiched between two mountain ranges gives hiking enthusiasts plenty of opportunity to breathe in the clean air. Crater Lake is a day trip away and offers skiing in winter and fishing during the summer months. Music and performing arts are plentiful with the annual Medford Jazz Festival, the nearby Ashland Independent Film Festival and plays held at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Medford falls within the Rogue Valley Transportation District which provides bus service throughout the valley and downtown. Commuters in the city use personal automobiles, bicycles and the old shoe leather express to and from work. The city funds many recreation programs including swimming and tennis lessons, youth baseball leagues, adult sports programs and a lunchtime concert series. There's truly something for everyone's tastes.
Downtown Medford has a happening nightlife with dance clubs that feature live music and entertainment. Restaurants in the city run the gamut from relaxed burger joints and pizzerias to tapas bars and gourmet dining. In 2013 Forbes magazine named Medford one of the top places to retire in the US. Living well and playing hard sets this bustling Oregon city apart from others in the northwest region of the country.
