Living in Medford, OR offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and small-town charm. Located in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Medford is known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving wine industry, and welcoming community. The city’s historic downtown area is a vibrant hub, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Craterian Theater and the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market.
Medford’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from farm-to-table dining to international cuisine. The city’s proximity to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in nearby Ashland and the Britt Music & Arts Festival in Jacksonville makes it a cultural center in Southern Oregon. The annual Pear Blossom Festival is a local favorite, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with parades, food, and family-friendly activities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Medford provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The nearby Crater Lake National Park, the Rogue River, and the Table Rocks offer stunning landscapes for hiking, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors. The city’s parks, including Prescott Park and Bear Creek Park, provide scenic spots for picnics, sports, and community events.
Medford is also known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Medford Cruise and the Jackson County Fair, which bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit. The local schools and educational institutions, such as Rogue Community College, make Medford an attractive place for families and students alike.
For those considering a move to Oregon, Medford offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and small-town charm. Whether you're drawn by its outdoor activities, cultural events, or welcoming atmosphere, living in Medford, OR provides a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Located in the state of Oregon, Medford is a mid-sized city with a population of 82,098 people. With a population density of 3,171 people per square mile, Medford is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (87% White). Given that fact, Medford could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Medford will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Medford is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Oregon, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, commute, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Medford and in the areas around Medford is a much easier task.
Medford, OR receives 77/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #68 in Oregon and #2,158 in the USA. Based on this score, Medford would be considered a very livable city! Medford has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Medford ranks very well for amenities (A-) and housing (B).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Medford, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Medford undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Harry & David's Tour, Medford Railroad Park, and Wonders of Wine.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Medford can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Medford is actually affordable. The median home price for Medford homes is $278,100, which is 12.5% higher than the Oregon average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Medford, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.3, which is 15.2% higher than the Oregon average.
| Statistic | Medford | Oregon | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.7% | 71.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.0% | 10.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 4.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.2% | 2.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 3.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.6% | 6.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Oregon
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Safest Cities In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Oregon