Hi — I’m Brian Simmons with Buying Southern Oregon, and I’ve lived and worked here for years. If you’re researching living in Medford Oregon, this is a deep dive into why this area has become my home and why many others decide to relocate here. In this post I’ll walk you through 15 reasons I love living in Medford Oregon, from the unbeatable climate and outdoor access to the neighborhoods, schools, and surprisingly strong healthcare. Throughout, I’ll share specifics, practical tips, and a few personal stories so you can picture what your life could look like living in Medford Oregon.

Table of Contents

• Reason #1 - The Climate
• Reason #2 - Cost of Living
• Reason #3 - Outdoor Recreation
• Reason #4 - Sports
• Reason #5 - Location, Location, Location
• Reason #6 - Medical Care
• Reason #7 - Retirement-Friendly
• Reason #8 - Culture
• Reason #9 - Politics (it’s pretty balanced)
• Reason #10 - Neighborhoods
• Reason #11 - Education
• Reason #12 - Fun!
• Reason #13 - Family Friendly
• Reason #14 - Growth
• Reason #15 - The Airport
• Conclusion — Is Medford Right for You?
• FAQs About Living in Medford Oregon
• Want Personal Help With Living in Medford, Oregon?

Reason #1 - The Climate

Weather is often the first thing people ask about when considering living in Medford Oregon. Our climate is one of the major draws: warm, dry summers and cool, but not brutal, winters. On average Medford sees about 200 days of sunshine a year. That stat gets repeated for a reason — it changes your daily routine. You go from planning around rain and gloom to planning hikes, garden projects, backyard gatherings, and weekend road trips.

Yes, we get hot days — temperatures can break 100°F occasionally — and we get cold snaps where thermometers dip into the 20s or teens, but extremes are relatively rare. That balance makes living in Medford Oregon comfortable for people who want four-season variety without the harsh extremes of high desert or the perpetual gray of the coastal rainforest.

If you’re coming from a wetter part of Oregon or from the Pacific Northwest’s rainy belt, the sun here feels like a breath of fresh air. If you’re moving from desert or scorching inland valleys, you’ll appreciate that summer heat is typically dry and nights cool off nicely.

Reason #2 - Cost of Living

One of the top practical reasons people consider living in Medford Oregon is cost. Compared with major California metros and even parts of Washington and Oregon (think LA, Bay Area, Seattle, Portland, Bend), housing and day-to-day expenses are much more reasonable here. While “affordable” is relative — home prices have risen everywhere — you can still find newer homes in the mid-$400,000s that are comparably expensive in coastal or big-city markets.

That affordability attracts folks selling homes in expensive markets and relocating with cash proceeds, retirees looking to stretch their retirement income, and families who want more yard and space for their money. The lower sales tax and a different state tax environment than California’s high-income tax regime are additional considerations for many movers.

Important to remember: affordability is comparative. Locals who have lived here for a long time remember much lower prices in the past. If you’re used to decades-old rents or mortgage rates, the market will feel different. But in the context of West Coast living, the value proposition is strong.

Reason #3 - Outdoor Recreation

If you love being outside, living in Medford Oregon feels like getting a season pass to nature. We’re minutes from trails, rivers, lakes, and national forests. Hiking routes like the Table Rocks are local favorites because they reward short drives and a moderate effort with panoramic views. But that’s only the start.

• Whitewater rafting and river floats on nearby rivers.
• Winter skiing and snowboarding within a few hours’ drive.
• Camping, hunting, bass and steelhead fishing seasons that bring locals together.
• Mountain biking and trail running on diverse terrain.

I recently went winter steelhead fishing with a buddy and landed two fish — he caught one. That’s the kind of local bragging-rights story you’ll hear over coffee around town. The point is: outdoor options are nearly limitless, which is a huge part of why people choosing living in Medford Oregon feel energized and active.

Reason #4 - Sports

Sports in Medford aren’t just about spectating — they’re about participating. We have city leagues for softball, basketball, volleyball, and more. For racket-sport fans, pickleball scenes are booming. Road and mountain biking communities are active year-round. Golf courses and running clubs round out fitness options.

If you prefer watching, Southern Oregon University (SOU) brings college-level athletics into the mix — football, baseball, basketball, softball — offering local entertainment and community pride. Semi-pro teams like the Medford Rogues (baseball), semi-pro football, and hockey teams add game nights and casual fan culture to life here. That combination of participant and spectator sports helps make living in Medford Oregon feel connected and social.

Reason #5 - Location, Location, Location

Real estate people love saying “location, location, location,” and Medford’s location is one of its strongest selling points. We’re roughly 25 miles north of the California border, positioned between national forests and public lands. Interstate 5 runs straight through the city, making north-south travel convenient. Nearby routes let you head west to the Oregon Coast or east toward the high desert and lakes.

Within three hours you can be on the coast, in four hours you could reach Portland (yes, it’s a long drive but doable), and in about five hours you can roll into the Bay Area or head to Lake Tahoe — a route my family uses often for skiing and mountain weekends. That kind of accessibility is ideal for people who want both a regional base and the ability to do weekend escapes.

For many considering living in Medford Oregon, the combination of easy interstate access and proximity to vastly different landscapes — coast, mountains, desert — is irresistible.

Reason #6 - Medical Care

Quality healthcare is non-negotiable for most families and retirees. Medford’s medical scene is stronger than many expect. Asante Health dominates the local system and has consistently ranked among the top health systems nationally. Rogue Regional Medical Center serves roughly 600,000 people across Southern Oregon and Northern California, and it’s renowned for cardiac care.

Recent investments include a large new facility with a children’s hospital, an updated birthing center, and the region’s only Level III neonatal intensive care unit. For anyone worrying that living in Medford Oregon means giving up quality healthcare, the data and local improvements should ease your concerns.

Reason #7 - Retirement-Friendly

Retirees consistently cite several reasons for choosing living in Medford Oregon: mild climate, accessible healthcare, affordable cost of living relative to coastal or big-city alternatives, and an active outdoors lifestyle. Whether you want trails and vineyards or a neighborhood with easy amenities, Medford fits a lot of retirement lifestyles.

Plus, local culture — festivals, galleries, small-town events — gives retirees plenty of daytime activities and social outlets without the noise and pace of large cities.

Reason #8 - Culture

Don’t let the “small town” label fool you — Southern Oregon punches above its weight culturally. Ashland, about a 20-minute drive, hosts the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival and a lively arts scene. Jacksonville has galleries and historic charm. Live music, theater, galleries, and a developing craft-beer and wine scene give people who value culture good reasons for living in Medford Oregon.

Vineyards and tasting rooms dot the landscape, and local festivals — from music to pedestrian arts to the Pear Blossom Festival — provide seasonal highlights that create a strong sense of community and identity.

Reason #9 - Politics (it’s pretty balanced)

One of my favorite social features of living in Medford Oregon is how politics are lived here — quietly. Jackson County leans conservative (just over 50% last election), while Ashland is very liberal. The result is a region where you can usually find neighborhoods and communities that match your values without being confronted constantly by municipal-level politics.

People tend to focus on community and lifestyle rather than partisan vigor. If you’re worried about moving to a place where you’ll feel out of place politically, rest assured that many people I meet say the area feels welcoming and pragmatic.

Reason #10 - Neighborhoods

Medford offers a mix of neighborhoods — something for different tastes and budgets. East Medford (Eagle Trace, Saddle Ridge) and areas near Jacksonville and Ashland tend to be higher-end with large lots and newer builds. West Medford is more budget-conscious and offers value. Old East Medford and the Bear Creek area mix beautiful vintage homes with properties that might need renovation.

North Medford near Springbrook and Cedar Links has seen a lot of development, and South Medford near King’s Highway and South Stage Road is growing fast. Whether you’re after a roomy suburban lot, an older character home, or a newer subdivision, neighborhoods support many lifestyle choices for people living in Medford Oregon.

Reason #11 - Education

Jackson County has nine school districts, 24 public elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and nine public high schools, along with charter and private options. That variety matters because families have choices — from traditional public schools to private or charter alternatives.

Personally, my wife and I chose Grace Christian School for our kids because of its alignment with our beliefs and the sense of safety and community it provides. I went through public schools locally and had a great experience as well. Alongside K–12 options, Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University provide post-secondary opportunities close to home, helping make living in Medford Oregon practical for students and lifelong learners.

Reason #12 - Fun!

Medford works hard to be fun. Recent investments like the Rogue X community complex (a new aquatics and event center) are examples of local commitment to family-friendly recreation. There are bowling alleys, family fun centers with arcades and go-karts, parks, bike paths, and a steady calendar of events: art and bloom festivals, the Pear Blossom Festival, craft brew fests, car shows, expos, and concerts.

For parents and young adults, those amenities make living in Medford Oregon feel lively without being overwhelming. There’s usually something on the weekend to get the family out of the house.

Reason #13 - Family Friendly

Raising kids in Medford hits a lot of boxes: low violent crime relative to many urban areas, parks and trails for outdoor play, many school choices, and community events that welcome families. One of our favorite family activities is piling into the Jeep for a day trip: sleds and cocoa in winter, swimsuits and a swim hole hunt in summer. These small adventures are what make raising a family here feel relaxed and rooted in outdoor discovery.

If you want your kids outside playing instead of in front of screens, living in Medford Oregon supports that lifestyle really well.

Reason #14 - Growth

Medford is growing — fast. It’s been one of the fastest-growing cities of size in Oregon, attracting retailers and employers. You’ll see big names like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods open here. Amazon built warehouse operations in nearby Central Point. National and regional chains like In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A have chosen to open locations, reflecting confidence in the market.

Growth has its trade-offs: more traffic in certain corridors, construction, and higher demand for housing. But growth also brings jobs, more services, and greater retail and entertainment options — factors that many people consider when evaluating living in Medford Oregon.

Reason #15 - The Airport

Medford’s Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) is an underrated convenience. Despite the “international” name, it mostly operates domestic flights, but the hub connections are excellent: direct service to Seattle, Portland, Denver, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. From those hubs, you can connect worldwide.

The airport’s real advantage is convenience: short lines, quick security, and an easy drive. If you’re used to arriving three hours early at a big-city airport, the contrast when living in Medford Oregon is a pleasant surprise. For frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike, MFR’s accessibility is a quality-of-life win.

Conclusion — Is Medford Right for You?

So there you have it: 15 reasons I love living in Medford Oregon. From long sunny seasons and mountains nearby to a strong medical system, reasonable cost of living compared to West Coast metros, and a community that balances outdoor lifestyle with cultural amenities — Medford offers a blend that matches a lot of different life stages.

If you prioritize access to nature, a grounded community, options for families, retirees, or remote workers, and a location that keeps big-city travel within reach, living in Medford Oregon is worth serious consideration.

FAQs About Living in Medford Oregon

Is Medford a good place to raise a family?

Yes. Medford offers parks, trails, multiple school choices (public, charter, private), recreational centers, and year-round activities that make it an attractive place for families. The combination of outdoor access and community events supports an active family life while keeping costs reasonable compared to major West Coast cities. Living in Medford Oregon gives families opportunities to spend weekends outdoors together and engage with a tight-knit community.

How expensive is living in Medford Oregon?

Relative to national averages, Medford is affordable compared to major West Coast metros like the Bay Area, LA, Seattle, and even Portland. You can find newer single-family homes in the mid-$400Ks in many neighborhoods, though prices vary with neighborhood, size, and condition. Utilities and everyday expenses are comparable to similar-sized cities. If you’re moving from a very expensive market, your purchasing power will likely increase when living in Medford Oregon.

What’s the job market like?

The region supports a mix of retail, healthcare, education, logistics, and service-industry jobs. Growth has brought distribution centers, big-box retail, and more local hospitality and service businesses. For specialized careers, commuting or remote work arrangements may be common, but the local healthcare system and education institutions are significant employers. If you’re planning to relocate for work, consider the local industry mix and remote-work options while evaluating living in Medford Oregon.

How far is Medford from bigger cities and attractions?

Medford is well-placed for regional travel: the Oregon Coast is about three hours away; Portland is roughly four to five hours by car; the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe are about five hours. These drives make weekend trips realistic, and the local airport offers direct flights to major hubs for farther travel. The location is ideal if you want central access to mountains, coast, and urban centers while enjoying a quieter home base for living in Medford Oregon.

How is the healthcare in Medford?

Healthcare is strong for a city this size. Asante and Rogue Regional Medical Center provide comprehensive services, including specialty cardiac care and a Level III NICU. Recent facility investments have improved capacity and services, making medical care a positive factor for people considering living in Medford Oregon.

Is Medford politically conservative?

Jackson County tilts conservative overall, but political views vary by community. Ashland leans liberal, rural areas are more conservative, and Medford as a whole is pragmatic. People frequently note that local interactions are civil and community-focused, which helps make living in Medford Oregon comfortable for a broad range of political perspectives.

Are there good schools in Medford?

Yes. Jackson County’s mix of nine school districts, charter schools, and private schools gives families options. Southern Oregon also has Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University for higher education. The variety supports different educational philosophies and needs for those living in Medford Oregon.

What about outdoor activities near Medford?

Direct access to hiking, fishing, rafting, skiing, mountain biking, and camping makes outdoor activity one of Medford’s major draws. Trails like the Table Rocks are local icons, and regional rivers and forests support an active outdoor culture. Living in Medford Oregon puts you close to an array of outdoor pursuits year-round.

Want Personal Help With Living in Medford, Oregon?

If you’re seriously considering living in Medford, Oregon and want a guided look at neighborhoods, schools, commute times, or real estate listings, I’m happy to help. I’ve been living and working here with Buying Southern Oregon for years and love showing people the possibilities this valley offers.

Reach out any time at 541-954-7758 or visit our website www.buyingsouthernoregon.com —I’ll help you make an informed choice that fits your lifestyle!