Living in Medford, Oregon

Medford is the urban heart of Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley. The area is mostly known for agriculture, but it is an amazing outdoor recreation hotspot as well, and it comes in an affordable small-city package. While it’s less artsy than Ashland and less rural than Grants Pass, it offers a practical mix of city services, shopping, and jobs, all surrounded by natural beauty.

It’s a place where locals go rafting in the morning and hit Target or the mall in the afternoon. With the Rogue River, Crater Lake, and the Siskiyou Mountains all nearby, Medford makes a solid home base for people who want access to the outdoors without giving up city convenience.

Life in Medford is shaped by the Rogue Valley’s seasons and scenery. Outdoor activities are part of the culture — from summer hikes in Prescott Park or tubing the river, to fall apple picking and spring wildflower trails. The Bear Creek Greenway bike path runs through town and connects many of Medford’s parks and neighborhoods.

Culturally, the city has grown in recent years. Downtown Medford has been revitalized with local breweries, coffee shops, and a few music venues, like Pear Blossom Park’s event space. You’re also 20 minutes from Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival and several wineries in Jacksonville and Talent.

Shopping is easy here (for a small metro) with Rogue Valley Mall, national chains, and plenty of local boutiques. People are generally friendly and politically moderate. There’s a mix of blue-collar tradition and recent transplants, especially from Northern California.

Medford’s economy is anchored by health care, agriculture, tourism, and regional retail.

• Asante Health System and Providence Medford are two of the largest employers.
• Harry & David, the gourmet food and gift company, is headquartered here.
• Agriculture, especially pear orchards and wineries, plays a big role.
• A growing number of people work remotely or run small service businesses that cater to the outdoor tourism sector.

Jobs are stable but not booming — many people find work in health care, logistics, education, or small business. There’s not a huge tech scene, but the pace of life and cost of living are a draw for remote workers.