If you’re considering living in Medford OR or just curious about what makes this Southern Oregon city so special, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who has called Medford home for years, I’m excited to share with you the top 15 reasons why I absolutely love this area. From the incredible climate to the vibrant culture and outdoor activities, Medford offers a unique lifestyle that blends natural beauty with affordability and community spirit.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a retiree looking for a peaceful yet active place, or a family searching for a great environment to raise kids, Medford has something to offer. Let’s dive into the reasons that make this city a hidden gem in Oregon.

Table of Contents

• 1. The Climate: Sunshine and Mild Weather Year-Round
• 2. Cost of Living in Medford OR
• 3. Outdoor Recreation: A Playground for Nature Lovers
• 4. Sports: Endless Options to Play or Watch
• 5. Location: The Perfect Spot for Exploring Oregon and Beyond
• 6. Medical Scene: Quality Healthcare That Doesn’t Suck
• 7. Retirement-Friendly: A Place to Enjoy Your Golden Years
• 8. Culture: More Than Just a Small Town
• 9. Politics: A Welcoming, Balanced Community
• 10. Neighborhoods: Something for Everyone
• 11. Education: Diverse School Options for Families
• 12. Fun: Plenty of Activities and Events Year-Round
• 13. Family-Friendly: Great Place to Raise Kids
• 14. Growth: A City on the Rise
• 15. International Airport: Easy Travel Access
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Medford OR

1. The Climate: Sunshine and Mild Weather Year-Round

One of the biggest draws to living in Medford OR is the fantastic climate. Unlike the rainy, overcast conditions you might find in Portland or Seattle, Medford boasts approximately 200 days of sunshine every year. That means more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re walking your dog, gardening, or just soaking up the sun.

The summers here are warm but not unbearably hot, with occasional days breaking 100 degrees. Winters are cool but mild, rarely dipping below the 20s or teens. This moderate climate strikes a perfect balance — warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities most of the year, but not so hot or cold that it becomes a challenge.

For those who come from desert areas or the rainy Northwest, this climate is a breath of fresh air and a major reason to consider relocating here.

2. Cost of Living in Medford OR

The cost of living in Medford is another compelling reason people fall in love with the area. Compared to places like Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Seattle, or even Portland and Bend, Medford offers significantly more affordable housing and lower taxes.

People moving from California, for example, often describe their previous experience as feeling “robbed” by sky-high housing prices and heavy income taxes. Here, you can find a nice, newer home in the mid $400,000s — a price that’s quite reasonable compared to other West Coast metros.

Now, locals might argue that housing isn’t “cheap” because prices have risen in recent years, but in the grand scheme, it’s still a great value. If you’re looking for a place where your paycheck stretches further and your housing costs won’t break the bank, Medford OR is a fantastic choice.

3. Outdoor Recreation: A Playground for Nature Lovers

If you love spending time outdoors, you’re going to feel right at home in Medford OR. This city is like Disneyland for outdoor enthusiasts — minus the long lines and pricey snacks.

There’s hiking, of course, with beautiful trails like the Table Rock Trails that offer stunning views of the Rogue Valley. But that’s just the beginning. You can enjoy whitewater rafting, skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains, camping, hunting, and fishing. Just recently, I went winter steelhead fishing with a friend and had a blast catching a couple of fish — great memories made!

The outdoor opportunities are so abundant that I had to give sports its own category.

4. Sports: Endless Options to Play or Watch

Sports lovers will find plenty to keep them busy here too. Whether you prefer mountain biking, road biking, golfing, pickleball, or even running (yes, I’m counting it as a sport), Medford offers a wide variety of activities. There are numerous city league sports like softball, basketball, and volleyball for those who want to participate.

If you’re more into watching sports, Southern Oregon University in Ashland has a great athletics program including football, baseball, basketball, and softball. Plus, Medford hosts semi-pro teams in baseball, football, hockey, and more, giving fans plenty of local games to enjoy.

5. Location: The Perfect Spot for Exploring Oregon and Beyond

Location, location, location — it’s the golden rule of real estate, and Medford scores high here. Situated in Southern Oregon, about 25 miles north of the California border, Medford is surrounded by natural beauty including national forests and parks.

Interstate 5 runs right through the city, making travel easy. Highway 99 takes you west to the Oregon Coast, while Highway 140 heads east into the high desert areas of Oregon. Within three hours, you can be enjoying fresh clam chowder on the coast or exploring sand dunes. Four hours gets you to Portland, and five hours can take you to the Bay Area or the stunning Lake Tahoe region.

My family and I love taking weekend trips to Lake Tahoe for skiing and fresh mountain air. The drive is scenic and manageable, passing through Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

6. Medical Scene: Quality Healthcare That Doesn’t Suck

Let’s be honest — medical care can be a mixed bag anywhere. But in Medford, it’s surprisingly good. The Asante Health System, which includes Rogue Regional Medical Center, is ranked among the top 15 health systems in the country. Rogue Regional serves about 600,000 people throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California.

The hospital is especially known for cardiac care but offers a wide range of services. They recently opened a new 323,000-square-foot building featuring advanced technology, a children’s hospital, a birthing center, and the region’s only Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This level of medical infrastructure is a huge plus for anyone considering living in Medford.

7. Retirement-Friendly: A Place to Enjoy Your Golden Years

If you’re thinking about retirement, Medford ticks off many boxes. The mild climate, abundance of outdoor activities, affordable cost of living, and excellent medical facilities make it a top spot for retirees.

Whether you want to relax in nature, stay active, or enjoy community events, Medford provides a balanced lifestyle that appeals to retirees looking for comfort and engagement.

8. Culture: More Than Just a Small Town

Don’t let the “little old Southern Oregon town” stereotype fool you — Medford and its surrounding areas have a vibrant cultural scene. Ashland, a nearby college town, is a cultural hotspot thanks to Southern Oregon University and the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Catch a world-class play, attend a concert at the Britt Festival, or explore art galleries in Jacksonville and Ashland. Southern Oregon is also known for its wine scene, with numerous vineyards and tasting rooms scattered throughout the region. What’s better culture than sipping a glass of local wine while soaking in breathtaking natural beauty?

9. Politics: A Welcoming, Balanced Community

Politics might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Medford, but it’s worth mentioning because this area is refreshingly moderate. Jackson County leans slightly conservative, with just over 50% voting Republican in recent elections, but it’s not extreme.

Ashland tends to be more liberal, while rural parts of Jackson County skew conservative. Overall, the community here is tolerant and welcoming. People don’t preach their politics or ask about yours, which means you can feel comfortable no matter where you fall on the political spectrum.

10. Neighborhoods: Something for Everyone

Medford’s neighborhoods offer a range of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. On the east side of town, areas like Eagle Trace and Saddle Ridge are more upscale, as are nearby Jacksonville and Ashland.

West Medford tends to be more budget-friendly. Then there are mixed areas like Bear Creek and Old East Medford, where you’ll find a mix of beautiful older homes on large lots alongside properties that may need some updating.

North Medford, including Springbrook and Cedar Links, has seen a lot of new development, as has South Medford near King’s Highway. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s likely a neighborhood in Medford that fits your needs.

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11. Education: Diverse School Options for Families

Jackson County is served by nine school districts, offering 24 public elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and nine high schools, plus charter and private schools. This variety means families can find schooling options that align with their values and needs.

On a personal note, I attended public schools in the Rogue School District and had a great experience. My wife and I have chosen to send our kids to Grace Christian School, a private K–8 school affiliated with Cascade Christian High School, because it aligns with our beliefs and offers a safe, secure environment.

For higher education, Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University provide excellent opportunities locally.

12. Fun: Plenty of Activities and Events Year-Round

With all the good weather and friendly people, Medford has plenty of fun things to do. The Rogue X Community Complex is a brand-new aquatics and event center that’s great for families and fitness enthusiasts.

Nearby Central Point offers a family fun center with arcade games, mini golf, batting cages, and go-karts. Lava Lanes bowling alley is another popular spot. Additionally, Medford hosts numerous events like the Art and Bloom Festival, Pear Blossom Festival, craft brew festivals, car shows, and concerts throughout the year.

There’s never a dull moment here!

13. Family-Friendly: Great Place to Raise Kids

Medford is an excellent place for families, boasting low crime rates, great parks, and diverse school options. The abundance of outdoor activities means kids can spend less time staring at screens and more time exploring nature.

One of our favorite family pastimes is piling into the Jeep and heading up to the mountains. Whether it’s sledding and drinking hot cocoa in the winter or swimming in cool mountain holes in the summer, there’s always a new adventure to be had.

It’s a safe, welcoming community that encourages kids to get outside and be active.

14. Growth: A City on the Rise

Medford is the fastest-growing city of its size in Oregon, recently surpassing 99,000 residents. Southern Oregon overall has about 312,000 people, making Medford the largest city in the region.

This growth has attracted major companies like Amazon, which is building a warehouse in nearby Central Point. Retailers such as REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, In-N-Out, and Chick-fil-A have all opened locations in the area over the past decade.

With more businesses and amenities coming in, Medford is becoming an even more attractive place to live and work.

15. International Airport: Easy Travel Access

Medford has an airport officially designated as an “International” airport, although it doesn’t currently offer international passenger flights. If anyone knows why, please leave a comment!

Despite that, the airport offers direct flights to major hubs like Seattle, Portland, Denver, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. From these hubs, you can connect to destinations worldwide.

The best part? The airport is small and efficient. Security lines rarely take more than five minutes, making air travel hassle-free compared to larger airports like LAX or Seattle-Tacoma.

Conclusion

Living in Medford OR offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, affordability, community, and opportunity. From the sunny weather and outdoor adventures to the growing economy and welcoming neighborhoods, this city has earned its reputation as a hidden gem in Southern Oregon.

Whether you’re looking to retire comfortably, raise a family in a safe environment, or simply enjoy a more relaxed pace of life with access to world-class recreation, Medford should definitely be on your radar.

If you want to learn more or need help with real estate in Southern Oregon, I’m always happy to connect and share what I know. Welcome to Medford — a place I’m proud to call home.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Medford OR

Is Medford a good place to raise a family?

Absolutely. Medford offers low crime rates, excellent schools (both public and private), plenty of parks, and abundant outdoor activities that encourage kids to stay active and engaged.

What is the weather like in Medford OR?

Medford enjoys a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters. It receives around 200 days of sunshine each year, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.

How affordable is housing in Medford OR?

Compared to major West Coast cities, Medford is very affordable. You can find newer homes in the mid $400,000s, which is much lower than housing prices in places like Los Angeles, Seattle, or Portland.

Does Medford OR have good healthcare facilities?

Yes. Medford is home to the Asante Health System and Rogue Regional Medical Center, ranked among the top health systems in the U.S., offering a wide range of medical services including specialized cardiac care and neonatal intensive care.

What kinds of outdoor activities are available in Medford OR?

Medford is a paradise for outdoor lovers with hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting, camping, hunting, mountain biking, and more.

Is Medford OR politically conservative or liberal?

Medford and Jackson County lean slightly conservative but are generally moderate and welcoming to all political views. The community is known for being tolerant and non-confrontational about politics.

How accessible is Medford OR for travel?

The Medford International Airport offers direct flights to several major hubs and destinations like Las Vegas and Phoenix. The airport is small, efficient, and easy to navigate.