Relocation to Medford, OR (apartments, rentals, credit rating)

[Puddin' Tang]

Though not exactly sure just yet, it does look probable @ this point that my wife & I will be relocating to Medford in mid-September to assume the pastorate of a church. Just a few quick (typical newbie ) questions:

(1) We will likely rent a home for the first year (no apartments) & was wondering what area of the city is simultaneously the safest & most cost efficient? Looking for an area where my wife can stay @ home if I have to be out of town & feel safe when I'm gone.

For this, we've been told that we want to look in the Eastern or Northern portion(s) of the city (?). From what I can tell, for a decent 2 BR/2BA rental home, we're looking @ about $1,400/Mo. !? Would also need something that allows 2 small dogs.

(Relevant note: We have a decent credit score, excellent rental history & a gross income of about $4,000/Mo. - I'm also an Army veteran.)

(2) Where should we look online to rent a home? Craigslist, a rental agency? Currently searching on HotPads.

(3) Is electricity, water & gas exorbitant in Medford? Are deposits required for each of these?

(4) As an aside, what are the gun laws in OR regarding owning a gun in the home? Need license?

Thank you in advance for all of your assistance (I imagine y'all get weary w. answering the same ol' questions) !

[Terryj]

Originally Posted by Puddin' Tang

Though not exactly sure just yet, it does look probable @ this point that my wife & I will be relocating to Medford in mid-September to assume the pastorate of a church. Just a few quick (typical newbie ) questions:

(1) We will likely rent a home for the first year (no apartments) & was wondering what area of the city is simultaneously the safest & most cost efficient? Looking for an area where my wife can stay @ home if I have to be out of town & feel safe when I'm gone.

For this, we've been told that we want to look in the Eastern or Northern portion(s) of the city (?). From what I can tell, for a decent 2 BR/2BA rental home, we're looking @ about $1,400/Mo. !? Would also need something that allows 2 small dogs.

You might also want to look in the Southwest section of Medford, south of Stewart and east of Columbus. This is a well established area of Medford will very few apartments, mostly single family homes.

The rental market in the valley is pretty tight, your best bet would be contacting a property management company.

(Relevant note: We have a decent credit score, excellent rental history & a gross income of about $4,000/Mo. - I'm also an Army veteran.)

(2) Where should we look online to rent a home? Craigslist, a rental agency? Currently searching on HotPads.

(3) Is electricity, water & gas exorbitant in Medford? Are deposits required for each of these?

Utilities are not exorbiant, you may be ask to put down a deposit depending on your credit rating.

(4) As an aside, what are the gun laws in OR regarding owning a gun in the home? Need license?

No, you do not need to have your firearm licensed, if you have a CC permit you will need to have it redone for Oregon, Oregon does not recognize other state CC permits. It is a good idea to have your firearms registered just in case of thief.

Thank you in advance for all of your assistance (I imagine y'all get weary w. answering the same ol' questions) !

Welcome to Medford

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by Puddin' Tang

Though not exactly sure just yet, it does look probable @ this point that my wife & I will be relocating to Medford in mid-September to assume the pastorate of a church. Just a few quick (typical newbie ) questions:

(1) We will likely rent a home for the first year (no apartments) & was wondering what area of the city is simultaneously the safest & most cost efficient? Looking for an area where my wife can stay @ home if I have to be out of town & feel safe when I'm gone.

For this, we've been told that we want to look in the Eastern or Northern portion(s) of the city (?). From what I can tell, for a decent 2 BR/2BA rental home, we're looking @ about $1,400/Mo. !? Would also need something that allows 2 small dogs.

(Relevant note: We have a decent credit score, excellent rental history & a gross income of about $4,000/Mo. - I'm also an Army veteran.)

(2) Where should we look online to rent a home? Craigslist, a rental agency? Currently searching on HotPads.

(3) Is electricity, water & gas exorbitant in Medford? Are deposits required for each of these?

(4) As an aside, what are the gun laws in OR regarding owning a gun in the home? Need license?

Thank you in advance for all of your assistance (I imagine y'all get weary w. answering the same ol' questions) !

1. Can't help you with rentals, but in your price range anything will be safe.

2. Any water bill owing will have to be paid before the city will turn the water on, but that's between you and the landlord. Call the city. Gas is provided by Avista and electricity by Pacific Power and Light (Pacificorp). Call them for account information. Rates are reasonable, electricity probably cheaper than most areas of the US.

3. Concealed carry requires a permit. The permit requires completion of an NRA certified training course. No permit is required for purchase or open carry. A background check is required for all firearm purchases, public and private. A CCP will accelerate the background check process, but you will still have to go through it.

[Heidi60]

There are also some growing nearby communities you might want to consider.

Have you been to Medford for house hunting? The NW area is growing, the SE area is quiet and settled with an older house stock. I'm not sure where the new casino might located, if approved, but that is also something to consider depending on how you feel about it.

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by Heidi60

There are also some growing nearby communities you might want to consider.

Have you been to Medford for house hunting? The NW area is growing, the SE area is quiet and settled with an older house stock. I'm not sure where the new casino might located, if approved, but that is also something to consider depending on how you feel about it.

If it is approved - and it is far from a sure thing - it would be on Hwy 99, north of the Harry & David offices/plant. North of the sports complex/ball fields.

There really isn't a lot of new single-family housing going in (some at the VERY highest end), most of it is apartments and townhomes.

The rental market is pretty ugly at the moment - a lot of competition for small rental houses in nice areas (ie: the mid-priced stuff). Looking up on Craigslist, I see about 12 house rentals in East Medford, going from about $1,350-$1,700 a month (I think that includes a rental office and maybe 5-6 of those houses aren't actually in East Medford). Not all of East Medford is a great area, either. There are about another 5 houses in the $2,200-$3,000 range, which is higher end for Medford.