About Medford

Discover Medford

Medford, the city of pear blossoms, pear orchards and Harry and David is one of the fastest growing cities in Oregon. It is true this area is known for its sweet, juicy Comice pears and the iconic Harry and David factory and orchards, but there’s so much more. To start with, five great wineries have emerged in the area featuring award-winning wines. The eighth largest city in Oregon Medford offers both small town charm and big city living, and if one is into outdoor sports, there are fishing lodges, lakes less than an hour away, as well as the iconic Rogue River with rafting and fishing, just a half-hour’s drive to the north.

Medford is a great place to retire. Crime is low and traffic is minimal. The Rogue Valley Manor is southern Oregon’s premier retirement community but there are number of areas within west and east Medford that are suitable for those who wish to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle, close to parks, golf courses, restaurants and shopping centers. And it’s great for growing families too with 14 elementary, two middle, three high schools and St. Mary’s parochial - a short drive from most neighborhoods. Techie’s who are tired of over-priced, tiny apartments and long commutes will rejoice in this area, and the Small Business Administration and Chamber welcome entrepreneurs.

One of the most revered medical centers in the country Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center with state-of-the-art treatment for cancer and a new heart wing, has been named one of the top performing hospitals in the country for the ninth time. Another recognized regional health center, the oldest in Medford, is Providence, which was begun by three nuns in 1911.

There are older bedroom communities in West Medford, with tree-lined streets and lovely restored colonial-type, homes over 100 years old, and craftsman-style cottages with inviting front porches that beckon you to “sit a spell” and “eaved” rooves, a reminder of yesteryear.

Besides offering several lovely parks, West Medford has annex learning centers for Southern Oregon University and Rogue Community College, one of the finest community colleges in Oregon. Graduates often go on to the larger colleges such as Southern Oregon and Oregon State Universities or develop careers in human resources, as tradespeople or counseling. West Medford houses the downtown district which has been completely restored with boutique restaurants, coffee houses, wine bars, plazas and taverns.

In the heart of Medford is the 100-year-old Craterian Theater, formerly the Ginger Rodgers Theatre, started by the grand dame herself. Audiences come from California and all over Oregon to view the first-rate acts, musical revivals and classic musical groups. And every year the city sponsors the Pear Blossom parade and festival as well as the popular Medford Cruise. The whole town becomes a party for the Cruise, a 37-year-old tradition downtown which features some the most beautifully-restored, classic cars of the 40’s, 50’s, has raised over a half a million dollars for youth programs in Oregon. And there is a wonderful outdoor market too.