I'm Brian Simmons with Buying Southern Oregon, and this downtown Medford Oregon tour is the kind of honest, on-the-ground walkthrough I do for people thinking about moving here, exploring the area, or just curious about what life looks like in the heart of Jackson County. In this piece I'll take you to the exact streets I drive every day, point out the key landmarks, restaurants, parks, and practical details about traffic, development, and the local vibe. If you like real, practical tours — this downtown Medford Oregon tour is for you.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Downtown Medford Oregon Tour
• Highway 99 / Northgate Shopping
• Court Street / Central Street (Entering Downtown)
• McAndrews Street
• Jackson Street and Lithia Motors Headquarters
• Medford Downtown: Shops, Theaters, and Community Buildings
• Riverside Avenue
• Main Street
• Oakdale, City Hall, and New Playground
• Crater Lake Highway and the Northern Gateway
• Biddle Road and East Side Development
• Jackson Street / The Village Shopping Center & Hawthorne Park
• What I Noticed About Homelessness and Public Safety in Downtown Medford Oregon
• Traffic, Parking, and Practical Driving Tips in Downtown Medford Oregon
• Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Lifestyle
• Restaurants, Breweries, and Local Favorites in Downtown Medford Oregon
• Why This Downtown Medford Oregon Tour Matters for Buyers and Visitors
• Community and Growth: What to Expect Next
• Key Takeaways From This Downtown Medford Oregon Tour
• FAQs About Downtown Medford Oregon
• Conclusion

Introduction to Downtown Medford Oregon Tour

Welcome to a full downtown Medford Oregon tour. I started this drive from Crater Lake Highway where you cross over I‑5 — the main gateway most people use when they arrive in Medford. In this downtown Medford Oregon tour you’ll see the big shopping centers, the downtown core, the county offices, the neighborhood pockets on both sides of I‑5, and a few local gems I always tell people to check out. Throughout the tour I ask viewers to pay attention to two things: homelessness and visible drug activity. I want to be transparent about what the city looks like today and let the streets speak for themselves.

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Highway 99 / Northgate Shopping

Right off the I‑5 interchange you hit Highway 99/Pacific Highway and the Northgate Shopping Center. This is one of the biggest, newest commercial hubs in the area and it really sets the tone for what’s available near downtown. Stores and services you'll find in this area include REI, Public Lands, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Trader Joe’s, Petco, Vitamin Shoppe, and a variety of restaurants like Five Guys, Chipotle, Chick‑fil‑A, and the In‑N‑Out nearby at the Rogue Valley Mall entrance.

Northgate is popular for a reason: it’s modern, convenient, and still expanding. There’s some construction and infill happening, so expect this intersection to grow even more in the coming years. If you’re doing this downtown Medford Oregon tour for the first time, Northgate is the easiest place to orient yourself — big parking lots, familiar stores, and easy freeway access.

Court Street / Central Street (Entering Downtown)

As we head off Crater Lake Highway and take Court Street, which becomes Central Street, you start to feel the denser downtown rhythm. Court/Central is one of the two main spine streets that run through downtown; the other main artery is Riverside. These streets are short, legacy routes that thread through older commercial buildings, theaters, local pizza spots, and community institutions.

On this stretch you’ll notice a mix of older storefronts and a handful of newer renovations. Downtown Medford has been getting steady attention: a few newer buildings, a growing number of restaurants, and institutional anchors that keep the area relevant.

McAndrews Street

McAndrews is a one‑way street that funnels traffic toward West Medford and farther west toward the Rossanley area — the location of the new Rogue X Convention Center. If you take McAndrews and turn toward Sage Road you’ll eventually reach the convention center, which has been a big addition for events and regional gatherings. For our downtown Medford Oregon tour, McAndrews is the quick connector that shows you how downtown ties into broader Medford traffic patterns.

Two quick notes about traffic: one, downtown traffic is typically light. Even on a Monday afternoon the streets feel relaxed. Two, the local street network makes it straightforward to reach West Medford, Central Point, and other pockets without getting stuck.

Jackson Street and Lithia Motors Headquarters

Jackson Street is what I consider the start of downtown proper. One of the most obvious landmarks is the Lithia Motors headquarters — a big, modern office building that dominates the downtown skyline. Lithia is a major employer, publicly traded, and a huge part of downtown’s identity. It’s not hyper‑urban anywhere in Medford, but Lithia gives downtown a recognizable commercial anchor.

Jackson Street also opens into the core of downtown activity — shops, the courthouse, and a number of restaurants. As part of this downtown Medford Oregon tour, the Jackson St. intersection is the natural place to pause and get oriented.

Medford Downtown: Shops, Theaters, and Community Buildings

Downtown Medford has a mix of long‑standing local businesses and newer eateries. You’ll find the Craterian Theater , the Elks Lodge, the old Woolworth building, and multiple pizza spots that the locals love. The Jackson County Library is close by and Rogue Community College operates a downtown building that anchors daytime activity.

Walking these blocks, you can feel a downtown that’s not trying to be something it’s not. It’s community‑oriented, convenient, and approachable. Restaurants like Jackson Creek Pizza and breweries like Beerworks add to the downtown dining scene, while small shops and dispensaries reflect both the city’s culture and commercial mix.

Riverside Avenue

Riverside is the other main downtown spine and it runs as a one‑way that paired with Central/Court forms the downtown loop. Riverside takes you past some of the older blocks and gives you a clear sense of downtown's fabric: some renovated storefronts, some older buildings waiting for the next facelift, and a few pockets of revitalization.

Along Riverside you’ll see practical businesses and services that have served the community for decades. It’s downtown in a practical sense — functional, accessible, and a hub for local commerce.

Main Street

Main Street is the pedestrian‑facing, retail part of downtown where the city tried to make things a little friendlier with curbside parking, bike lanes, and updated sidewalks. The city scaled Main Street down from three lanes to two to add parking and better support walkability. That change can feel confusing at first — especially with a new bike lane on the left — but people adapt, and the street feels more compact and usable now.

Main Street also leads to the county courthouse and other civic functions. Near here you’ll find public parking, a parking garage a half‑block over, and a steady stream of people on foot during lunch hours and evening events.

Oakdale, City Hall, and New Playground

I swung past Oakdale to show City Hall and the county office cluster. The city has invested in public spaces here — there’s a newer playground near City Hall that’s been redone nicely. It’s the kind of civic improvement that tells you the city is thinking about families as well as commerce.   

These civic buildings — City Hall, county offices, and related facilities — keep downtown relevant during weekday hours and bring steady traffic to nearby restaurants and services.

Crater Lake Highway and the Northern Gateway

Back out on Crater Lake Highway you get a broader view of regional Medford: car dealerships, large retail stores like Fred Meyer, the Rogue Valley Mall, and tiny local icons. Crater Lake Highway eventually leads out toward White City and Eagle Point, connecting Medford to the valley and beyond.

If you're following this downtown Medford Oregon tour, Crater Lake Highway is the reminder that Medford is both a downtown and a regional center with big‑box retail options and a hub for nearby towns.

One local favorite I always mention is Luigi’s — a small, hole‑in‑the‑wall sandwich shop you can spot from Crater Lake Highway. Places like that are the hidden gems you discover when you do a thorough downtown Medford Oregon tour.

Biddle Road and East Side Development

Crossing to the east side of I‑5 onto Biddle Road shows a different picture. This side has seen a bit more renovation and new construction, including new bank buildings, Market of Choice (a great grocery option akin to a smaller Whole Foods), and shopping centers like Bear Creek Shopping Center. The right‑lane trick on Biddle helps you roll through synchronized traffic lights, which is handy to know if you commute this route.

Biddle gives you a sense of the more suburban, newly invested parts of Medford. While I wouldn't call this "downtown" in the strictest sense, it's an important commercial spine that complements downtown activity.

Jackson Street / The Village Shopping Center & Hawthorne Park

We finish this downtown Medford Oregon tour at the Jackson Street commercial cluster often called The Village. This shopping center includes a movie theater (Tinseltown), Red Robin, Cold Stone, TJ Maxx, and a number of casual dining and retail options. Hawthorne Park is across the street — a big city park that recently received major upgrades including a reworked playground.

The Village is a family‑friendly node with evening and weekend draws, and its proximity to downtown makes it easy to combine errands with a night out.

What I Noticed About Homelessness and Public Safety in Downtown Medford Oregon

During this downtown Medford Oregon tour I asked you to watch for signs of homelessness and drug use. Here’s what I want to be clear about: you will see homeless people in Medford — as you will in many towns — but during this tour I did not witness open injection activity or the kind of chaos some comments online describe. Homelessness in Medford is visible in certain pockets, and there are neighborhoods and sidewalks downtown where people congregate, but the overall downtown felt functional and active with local businesses operating normally.

If you’re considering relocation or investment, I encourage two things: first, visit in person and at different times of day; second, talk to local business owners or residents about trends. They’ll give you a more nuanced view than a single drive‑through. This downtown Medford Oregon tour is intended to be practical and realistic, not a glossy highlight reel — I show the good and the parts that clearly need more investment.

Traffic, Parking, and Practical Driving Tips in Downtown Medford Oregon

Two practical points I made on the tour:

• Traffic downtown is generally light. Even at busier times you don't get stuck in long congestion like big cities. That makes downtown convenient for daily errands and short commutes.
• On Biddle Road, staying in the right‑hand lane often helps you move through the lights more smoothly. Locals use that approach to avoid repeated stops, especially when lights are staggered.

Public parking exists downtown, including a parking garage a half‑block from Main Street. Main Street itself was reconfigured to prioritize parking and walkability, so plan to use curb parking or the garage for extended visits.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Lifestyle

Medford is not just asphalt. A huge outdoor asset is Roxy Ann Peak (visible from parts of the downtown area), which offers hiking and great views over the valley. Hawthorne Park and smaller playgrounds near City Hall are great for families. The walking/bike path along some corridors is also a nice feature for casual cyclists and walkers.

If you like to be outside, the downtown Medford Oregon tour will show you how easy it is to combine city convenience with quick access to trails and parks.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Local Favorites in Downtown Medford Oregon

Downtown and its nearby shopping centers have a healthy mix of dining options, from pizza joints to craft breweries. Some names worth noting:

• Jackson Creek Pizza — a highly recommended pizza spot on Main Street.
• Beerworks and Common Block Brewing — local breweries with good food and outdoor seating.
• Luigi’s Sandwiches — a small, highly recommended hole‑in‑the‑wall for hot Italian‑style sandwiches near Crater Lake Highway.

For grocery runs you have Market of Choice, Fred Meyer, and Trader Joe’s close by. These options make everyday life easy, whether you live downtown or in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Why This Downtown Medford Oregon Tour Matters for Buyers and Visitors

When you're looking at property in Medford or just checking whether the city fits your lifestyle, a realistic downtown Medford Oregon tour like this helps you answer questions like:

• What’s the walkability and street life downtown?
• Where are the parks and civic institutions?
• How easy is it to access grocery stores, retail, and freeway connections?
• What is the development trajectory — is downtown improving, static, or declining?

From my perspective, downtown Medford is practical, anchored by employers like Lithia, and surrounded by growing retail nodes. It isn't a major metropolitan downtown, and that’s part of its charm: manageable traffic, local flavor, and a community feel while still offering the amenities people expect.

Community and Growth: What to Expect Next

Medford is growing. I noted a roughly 3% growth rate that was part of the conversation when I filmed this downtown Medford Oregon tour. That growth shows up in residential demand, reinvestment in commercial blocks, and new retail. Where growth goes next will depend on infrastructure, affordable housing, and how the region manages public needs like homelessness services and downtown upkeep. For buyers and investors, growth means activity — opportunities for both residential and commercial real estate.

Key Takeaways From This Downtown Medford Oregon Tour

• Downtown Medford is accessible and practical — it’s easy to navigate and the traffic is generally reasonable.
• There’s a visible mix of old and new: historic buildings and newer developments coexisting.
• Retail nodes (Northgate, The Village, Biddle/Bear Creek) give you full grocery and shopping options within minutes.
• Public investments like playgrounds, library services, and civic buildings help maintain downtown as a functional center.
• Homelessness is present in parts of downtown, but the area still functions as a busy commercial and civic center.

FAQs About Downtown Medford Oregon Tour

Is downtown Medford safe?

Like most downtowns, Medford has areas with more visible homelessness and social issues. During this downtown Medford Oregon tour I did not observe overt drug use on the street, and the core downtown felt functional and safe for daytime activities. As always, visit at different times and speak to locals for the most complete picture.

How busy is downtown traffic?

Traffic is generally light. Even during peak times you’re unlikely to encounter long, stop‑and‑go commutes through downtown. Streets like Biddle can be more active, but overall it’s manageable.

Where should I park when visiting downtown?

There are curbside parking spots on Main Street and a public parking garage about a half‑block off Main. The Village and Northgate shopping areas have large parking lots if you’re headed to those destinations.

What are the best local food spots to try?

For downtown choices, Jackson Creek Pizza and Beerworks are local favorites. Near Crater Lake Highway, Luigi’s Sandwiches is a small but beloved stop. The Rogue Valley Mall area and The Village also have a variety of chains and local eateries.

Is downtown Medford walkable?

Yes — downtown has a compact core with shops, restaurants, and civic buildings within walking distance. Improvements to Main Street were intended to enhance walkability and parking access.

Does downtown Medford have good access to outdoor recreation?

Absolutely. Roxy Ann Peak is visible from much of the city and offers hiking and panoramic views. Hawthorne Park and other neighborhood parks provide family‑friendly options near the core.

Conclusion

This downtown Medford Oregon tour is an honest snapshot of what the city feels like today: a mix of practical amenities, long-standing local businesses, and steady investment. Medford isn’t trying to be a dense metropolitan center — it’s a regional hub with a friendly, approachable downtown and surrounding commercial corridors that meet daily needs. If you’re considering a move or just exploring, take the time to walk the streets, try the pizza, hike Roxy Ann Peak, and see how the neighborhoods feel at different times of day!

If you enjoyed this downtown Medford Oregon tour or want to dive deeper into neighborhoods, listings, or what it’s like to live here, reach out — I’m Brian Simmons with Buying Southern Oregon, and I love showing people what this area has to offer. Whether you’re ready to buy a home in Medford or anywhere in Southern Oregon, or just starting your search, call or text me at 541-954-7758 or visit our website www.buyingsouthernoregon.com to explore your options and make an informed move!

Thanks for coming along on the downtown Medford Oregon tour — I’ll see you on the next drive!