Cresswind at Lake Harris
Tavares, Florida
Medford, Oregon
What It Is Like to Retire in Medford
Medford is the regional center in south central Oregon. It sits in the Rogue Valley, which tends to be drier and hotter than other regions of Oregon. Nearby are other towns that also attract active adults in retirement, such as Klamath Falls and Grants Pass. The city has had an excellent development plan to attract new residents. Downtown Medford is a vital place and features a restored Ginger Rogers Craterian Theatre, many restored buildings, an urban plaza, and an active library. More urban renewal projects are underway. The economy is quite vital with several large companies. Harry and David, the famous fruit direct marketers, are based in Medford. The area is a vital agricultural region for fruit and wine. Recreational opportunities are outstanding. The town seems well run and the tax structure is friendly. Photo of Welcome sign near the north end of Medford courtesy of Wikipedia and ZabMilenko (public domain), photo of the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater from Vogel Plaza in Medford, courtesy of Wikipedia and Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives (public domain).
Where to Retire in Medford and Home Prices
The median home value in late 2023 was $394,067 , according to Zillow.com. There are several active adult communities in the area. There are also many home options to choose from in and around town - from town homes to small farms with orchards.
What Is Special about Medford
Strong local economy and a busy, vital downtown. There are many great places for active adults to live. Attractions include Alba Park, the Commons (urban renewal project), and Vogel Square - host to festivals like Art in Bloom. There are 3 wonderful golf courses close by: Eagle Point, Stone Ridge, and Centennial Bluffs (which is within the city limits). Medical care in Medford is first rate.
What Is Not Special about Medford
It is at least 200 miles to the nearest good-sized city (Portland). Unemployment is high and the city's trend has not been positive.
Who Will Like Retirement in Medford
People who move to Medford tend to be outdoors people or who like living in a laidback but busy town.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Health care, Construction, wine, fruit
Climate and Physical Environment
Medford is in the Rogue Valley which sits between the Cascade and the Siskiyou Mountains. This produces a weather shadow which means Medford is drier and hotter than much of the rest of Oregon. Rainfall between June and Sept. is less than 1" per month. Medford experience frequent temperature inversions in winter which can produce a cold fog in the valley.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The Ginger Rogers Craterian Theatre is the hub of local culture, along with an arboretum, and a Carnegie Library. The Rogue Community College has an extensive downtown campus.
Crime
The crime rate is just slightly above the national average.
Medical facilities
Rogue Valley and Providence Medford are the two local medical centers.
Transportation
Rogue Valley International is 3 miles away.
Comments on "Medford"
Brian H. says:
My wife and I absolutely love Medford. Visited it a few times. We were planning on retiring there. However, the wildfires scared us away. We will definitely go back and visit.
Admin says:
Brian, Wildfires didn't seem to be such a big concern until recently. But I can understand how they could influence a decision about where to retire. Good luck, and keep us posted on where you retire.