If you’re thinking about moving to Southern Oregon, there are a few must-dos before you pack the truck. I’ve lived in this part of the state for decades, and while there’s no secret handshake that gets you all the discounts and local clout, there are smart steps that will save time, money, and headaches. Below are six practical actions to take before moving to Southern Oregon so the transition feels like a welcome change instead of a surprise.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Must-Do #1: Visit Before Moving to Southern Oregon
• Must-Do #2: Get Your Job, Housing, and Family Plan Together
• Must-Do #3: Find the Right Realtor Before Moving to Southern Oregon
• Must-Do #4: Search Properties Across Southern Oregon
• Must-Do #5: Run the Numbers on Cost of Living in Southern Oregon
• Must-Do #6: Gather Honest Local Intel on Southern Oregon Towns
• Final Checklist Before Moving to Southern Oregon
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts on Moving to Southern Oregon

Introduction

Southern Oregon spans a huge, varied landscape — small towns, river valleys, high desert edges, and forested hills. That variety is one of the region’s biggest charms, but it also means “moving to Southern Oregon” can mean very different lives depending on the town, neighborhood, and property you choose. Treat this like a big purchase: test-drive the area, do the homework, and get the numbers right.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN SOUTHERN OREGON

Must-Do #1: Visit Before Moving to Southern Oregon

Come and visit. Nothing beats getting your feet on the ground. Smells, traffic, sunsets, local grocery runs, and talking with people in town all matter. A place can look great in photos and still feel off when you’re there in person.

Think of it like test-driving a car: spend a few days (or a weekend if you can) staying in different neighborhoods, timing your commute during rush hour, dining out, and walking around local parks. If you don’t like the vibe or even the way the air smells to you, that’s valuable to know before committing.

Must-Do #2: Get Your Job, Housing, and Family Plan Together

Get your stuff together. This is a practical feasibility check: do you have a job lined up or the ability to work remotely? Will you need to sell your current home first? How will the kids adjust—schools, sports, and extracurriculars?

Ask whether you’ll be isolated or already know people locally. If you’re used to a busy social life, moving somewhere remote without a plan to meet people can be harder than it looks. Make a checklist of must-haves: job, housing logistics, schooling, and social support.

Must-Do #3: Find the Right Realtor Before Moving to Southern Oregon

Find a good realtor before you move to Southern Oregon. Jackson and Josephine counties combined cover about 4,444 square miles — bigger than Delaware and Rhode Island together — with roughly 300,000 people scattered across that area. That means neighborhoods and property types vary wildly.

Look for an agent who:

• Knows the area — not just one town but the breadth of the region.
• Has transaction experience — quantity of closed deals matters more than years in the business.
• Understands your property type — rural acreages with water rights are very different from new builds or investment properties.

An agent who can point you to neighborhoods that match your priorities will save you from wasting trips and money. Ask about zoning, water rights, and any restrictions that could impact hobbies like gardening, keeping livestock, or building additions.

Thinking about a move or want personalized help planning a visit, running the numbers, or finding the right realtor? Call or text me at 541-827-8767  and we’ll get you pointed in the right direction. I’ll walk you through neighborhood options, property types, and the real costs so you can make a confident decision.

Must-Do #4: Search Properties Across Southern Oregon

Do a big search for properties. Use online listings to cast a wide net. Even if you’re set on one town, browse surrounding cities to compare size, price, and what your money buys. You might find a better match a short drive away.

Filter by lot size, property type, price, and key features. Save examples that excite you and keep track of neighborhoods that feel right. If everything in your price range looks awful, that’s an important signal before you decide to move.

Must-Do #5: Run the Numbers on Cost of Living in Southern Oregon

Run the numbers. Figure out what your monthly cost of living will look like after moving to Southern Oregon. Use tools like bestplaces.net to compare your current city to Medford, Grants Pass, or other target towns.

Few facts that often surprise people:

• Many West Coast cities are significantly more expensive; Medford and some Southern Oregon towns are only about 6% above the national average for cost of living, which is often much lower than the bigger coastal metros.
• Look at property taxes, transportation costs, utilities, and potential changes in income if you change employers or locations.
• Plug in realistic purchase prices (for example, what a $450,000 house entails locally) and calculate property taxes and insurance to see the monthly impact.

Number crunching early prevents surprises later and helps compare whether moving to Southern Oregon improves your financial picture or not.

Must-Do #6: Gather Honest Local Intel on Southern Oregon Towns

Gather honest local intel. There’s a lot of regional nuance that doesn’t show up in listings or stats. Seek out resources that discuss pros and cons of towns like Ashland, Medford, Central Point, Grants Pass, and Eagle Point so you can weigh trade-offs.

Look for frank write-ups about traffic patterns, seasonal market cycles, local amenities, and the worst parts of different towns. Getting the honest side of a place helps you decide whether moving to Southern Oregon is a smart fit for your lifestyle.

Final Checklist Before Moving to Southern Oregon

1. Visit the region and stay in multiple neighborhoods.
2. Confirm job or remote-work arrangements.
3. Decide what to do with your current home.
4. Find a realtor experienced with the exact property type you want.
5. Search listings broadly and save examples you like.
6. Run the cost-of-living and mortgage/property tax math.
7. Collect honest local insights about pros and cons for each town.

VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN SOUTHERN OREGON

FAQs

Is Southern Oregon more affordable than big West Coast cities?

Generally yes. Many Southern Oregon communities are significantly less expensive than major West Coast metros. Medford and nearby towns often hover close to the national average (Medford around 6% above the national average), so moving to Southern Oregon can lower housing and daily living costs compared to places like the Bay Area, Seattle, or Portland.

Can I work remotely if I’m moving to Southern Oregon?

Often yes, but check internet reliability and speeds in the exact town or rural area you’re considering. Remote work is a common reason people choose moving to Southern Oregon, but confirm employer policies and local connectivity first.

Do I need special water rights or zoning for a rural property?

Possibly. Rural and agricultural properties often involve water rights, irrigation setups, and specific zoning for livestock or crops. Ask an experienced local realtor about the exact parcel’s zoning, water access, and any restrictions before buying.

How do I find the right realtor for moving to Southern Oregon?

Interview agents with specific experience in your target property type and the wider region. Ask how many transactions they close per year, whether they handle rural land, new construction, or investment properties, and for references. Prefer full-time agents with a track record of local deals.

What’s the quickest way to learn the downsides of a town?

Read frank local write-ups and neighborhood guides that list pros and cons. Talk to people who live in different parts of the region and ask about seasons, traffic, shopping, and community vibes. Honest intel helps balance promotional materials.

Final Thoughts on Moving to Southern Oregon

Moving to Southern Oregon is an exciting possibility, and with a little research you can make it a smart, smooth transition. Visit first, line up practical details, find the right realtor, search broadly, run the numbers, and gather honest local insight. If you treat the move like a big purchase and plan ahead, moving to Southern Oregon can be one of the best decisions you make.

READ MORE: Buying Land in Southern Oregon: Costly Mistakes to Avoid Before You Buy