Medford & Grants Pass (Ashland, Rogue River: home, school district, restaurants)

[DianaJ]

Can you please advise on the difference in weather between the two places?
Summer temps? Rain? Snow?

[freedom]

Originally Posted by DianaJ

Can you please advise on the difference in weather between the two places?
Summer temps? Rain? Snow?

Grants pass is generally cooler by a few degrees in summer (not a big difference). Has a few more inches of rain, and Snow really depends on what elevation your at, some parts of Medford are at the same elevation as GP, so if the storm passes over the whole area, then it will be about the same. Yet overall I think we get a bit more snow, and it is prettier with all the trees. GP has more pines and firs than Medford. The snow rarely stays on the ground for more than a couple days, but in the 15 yrs. I have been here we have had at least 3 yrs, where it stayed for over a week or two in the woods and on the side of the roads.

freedom

[AtomicSilicon]

You would think the name "Grants Pass" might indicate that the town is at a high elevation - actually on average it is lower than Medford by a few hundred feet.

As you travel I-5 from Grants Pass to Ashland you will be slowly climbing upwards with Ashland being just a bit lower than 2000 feet, Medford lower than 1000 feet and Grants Pass the lowest of them all.

Now, Grants Pass also happens to be right on the edge of the mountains again, so you can climb elevation pretty fast if you head North on I-5 or to the coast.

Freedom is right that Medford is the hottest of the towns in the summer. I think that is mainly due to the lack of trees. Nearly all the other towns are near forests, so they get that cooler micro-climate.

Snowfall rarely goes below 2000 feet. Maybe a couple times a year at the most, and it is typically light. In 2006 we had an unusually large snowfall over the entire valley that lasted a few days. Naturally Ashland had the most with Medford next. But normally it is the mountains near the towns that get the snow. At this very moment the peaks above Ashland are snowcovered, yet the town itself is rainy and wet.

[DianaJ]

Thank you both so much for your replies and info! My family and I will be visiting Oregon next July. We wanted to check out the Medford area as a possible relocation spot. I'm happy that "trees" were mentioned. My family and I love trees. So, Medford doesn't have alot of trees? GP is surrounded in trees? Are housing prices about the same in Medford and GP?

[freedom]

Housing is on average more expensive in Medford, Yet there are areas in GP that are quite a bit more based on location of course. River, view, school district.
There is so much on the market, I would be surprised if you could not find something that suites you all.

freedom

[DianaJ]

Freedom,

What restaurants would you recommend in GP?

[freedom]

"Musashi" for sushi
"Miranda Mae's" for lamb and piano bar atmosphere
"115 Broiler" for steaks
"Wild River" for wood fired pizza and home brew
"Matsukazi" for Japanese
"Vinnies" for Italian
"Rivers Edge" for fine dining (Surf and turf)

Is there anything in particular?

freedom

[DianaJ]

Hi Freedom!
Thank you. I think you covered everything. We love steaks and the boys love pizza. I viewed a picture of GP that you recently posted. How beautiful! Do you have anymore to post? I love pictures. The scenery is breathtaking.

Happy Holidays

[freedom]

McMansion we sold this year with heavenly backdrop.


I think I posted this one before. 6th st. bridge over the Rogue River looking west.

[/IMG]
wood surfboards in water feature.


Took this afternoon. We've had about 1-2" of snow.

[DianaJ]

Yeah!!! Thank you so much! I can't wait to see the area in person. I really appreciate you posting these. What a beautiful area.