Planning on moving to Southern Oregon in 2025? Choosing the perfect place to call home can be overwhelming, especially when your life stage and lifestyle needs are evolving. As someone who has lived here all my life and helped countless buyers find their ideal community, I’m here to share insights on the best areas to live in Southern Oregon based on different phases of life. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, empty nesters, or retirees, this guide will help you navigate your options with clarity.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Life Changes, and So Do Housing Needs
• Phase 1: Young Family Life — Living Near Rogue River Oregon
• Phase 2: Young Professionals & Dual-Income No Kids — Ashland Oregon
• Phase 3: Empty Nesters — East Medford Oregon
• Phase 4: Retirees — Central Point’s Twin Creeks Neighborhood
• Choosing Your Perfect Spot in Southern Oregon
• Ready to Find Your Southern Oregon Home?
• FAQs About Moving to Southern Oregon

Introduction: Life Changes, and So Do Housing Needs

I love where I live deeply — it’s where I grew up. It’s a place filled with memories and a sense of belonging that has shaped me. But as life evolves, so do our needs. What made perfect sense when it was just my wife and me doesn’t always fit when we have three young kids running around. The dynamics of family life bring new considerations and challenges. As your family grows or your lifestyle changes, the best location for you will change too. It’s not just about finding a house; it’s about finding a home that suits your current phase of life. In this article, I’ll walk you through the areas I would personally consider if I were moving to Southern Oregon right now, depending on my life stage and the unique needs that come with it.

Phase 1: Young Family Life — Living Near Rogue River, Oregon

Currently, my family and I live just about a mile outside the small town of Rogue River on roughly 2 acres. This location offers the charm of a small town with essentials like a grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, and more — everything you need close by.

We love having ample outdoor space for our kids to play and a strong sense of community. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, and exploring the Rogue River. Plus, friends and family are nearby, which makes it feel like home.

Homes here range widely in price — from around $300,000 for smaller properties to over a million for larger acreage or riverfront estates. You’ll find everything from senior communities like Brookside Village to sprawling 100+ acre properties.

Downside: The biggest challenge for us is the 30-minute drive to Medford. With kids involved in activities like karate, football, and dance, we make multiple trips daily, which adds up quickly in time and fuel costs. Also, Rogue River doesn’t offer much nightlife or a bustling downtown vibe, which might not suit everyone.

Phase 2: Young Professionals & Dual-Income No Kids — Ashland Oregon

If you’re a young professional or a dual-income household without kids, you might crave a more energetic downtown vibe with bars, restaurants, and shops. For that lifestyle, I recommend Ashland.

Ashland boasts a thriving downtown scene with numerous restaurants, parks, vineyards, and endless outdoor activities. You can mountain bike on nearby trails, hike in Lithia Park, ski at Mount Ashland, or enjoy Immigrant Lake — the outdoor recreation options are truly abundant.

Property prices are higher here. Smaller two-bedroom homes start around $400,000, but estates with acreage or vineyards can reach several million dollars. You’ll find a variety of properties from condos and bungalows near Southern Oregon University to craftsman homes and brand-new construction with stunning views.

Downside: Ashland is expensive, with a median home price around $650,000. The cost of living is higher, partly due to taxes aimed at tourism. The town can get busy during tourist seasons, and its progressive policies may not appeal to everyone. It’s a fantastic place for date nights and visits but may feel too lively for those seeking quiet or retirees.

Phase 3: Empty Nesters — East Medford

For empty nesters seeking peace and quiet with great access to healthcare, golf, and amenities, East Medford is an excellent choice.

This area offers proximity to hospitals and specialists, multiple golf courses like the Country Club and Centennial, shopping, restaurants, and newer developments featuring low-maintenance homes designed with empty nesters in mind. The roads are wide and easy to navigate, and the neighborhood is active with people hiking, biking, and walking their dogs.

East Medford is also close to vineyards and is known for its beautiful valley views. Home prices range from around $400,000 to over $2 million, with a median closer to $600,000 due to a mix of single-level homes, larger estates, and new construction.

Downside: East Medford is popular and busier than some other Southern Oregon areas. While not heavy traffic, you’ll experience some congestion and ongoing construction as the area continues to grow.

Phase 4: Retirees — Central Point’s Twin Creeks Neighborhood

Retirees looking for a balanced community with convenience and options for senior living should consider Central Point, specifically the Twin Creeks neighborhood.

Twin Creeks offers a variety of single-family homes with low maintenance, townhomes, apartments, and several retirement homes providing different levels of care as needs evolve. The community includes families and kids, making it lively yet comfortable. It also features amenities like a coffee shop and wine bar.

Homes here range from the mid $300,000s to $800,000, with the development starting in the early 2000s and continuing with brand-new construction. Yard sizes are generally smaller, which keeps prices moderate.

Downside: Twin Creeks doesn’t offer as immediate access to outdoor activities like hiking or river recreation, and dining options in Central Point are more limited compared to Ashland or Jacksonville. However, Medford and Jacksonville are only a short drive away.

Choosing Your Perfect Spot in Southern Oregon

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best place to live when moving to Southern Oregon in 2025. Your ideal location depends on your lifestyle, family stage, and what you value most in your daily life.

From the quiet acreage near Rogue River for young families, to the vibrant downtown energy of Ashland for young professionals, the convenience and community of East Medford for empty nesters, and the balanced, low-maintenance lifestyle in Twin Creeks for retirees — Southern Oregon has something for everyone.

Ready to Find Your Southern Oregon Home?

If you’re thinking about relocating or just considering a change within Southern Oregon, it can be overwhelming to weigh all these options. That’s where expert guidance makes all the difference.

My team and I have helped buyers at every stage of life find their perfect community here. Reach out anytime— call/text , or email —and we’ll walk you through the options, help you understand the trade-offs, and find the place that truly fits the lifestyle you want to live.

Moving to Southern Oregon in 2025 can be an exciting new chapter, and I’m here to help make it as smooth and rewarding as possible.

FAQs About Moving to Southern Oregon

What are the most affordable areas to live in Southern Oregon?

Rogue River and parts of Central Point tend to offer more affordable options, with homes starting around $300,000. East Medford also has a wide range of prices, including newer developments that appeal to empty nesters.

Which Southern Oregon town is best for young professionals?

Ashland is the top choice for young professionals due to its vibrant downtown, nightlife, and extensive outdoor activities. Medford and Grants Pass are also good options but tend to be less lively than Ashland.

Are there good options for retirees in Southern Oregon?

Absolutely. Central Point’s Twin Creeks neighborhood and East Medford offer convenient access to healthcare, amenities, and low-maintenance living designed for retirees. Jacksonville is also popular but may be too small for some.

How important is proximity to Medford?

Medford serves as a regional hub with hospitals, shopping, and services. Being close to Medford is especially important for families with active schedules and retirees needing easy access to healthcare.

What outdoor activities are available in Southern Oregon?

Southern Oregon offers hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, skiing, and vineyard tours. Ashland is especially renowned for its outdoor lifestyle, but many towns like Rogue River and East Medford also provide easy access to nature.