Medford area water/trails and other questions (Jacksonville: how much, houses)

[wx_surf]

I'm moving to Medford for a job transfer in October. My wife and I are looking at homes in the area now and seem to like the area on Hillcrest in the higher elevations east of Medford.

We like to go for short hikes and take our dog swimming. Is there a nearby place to do one/both of those? If not nearby, how far away? I see a lot of reservoirs and then the applegate river/rogue river nearby...do these have some trails or places where dogs/I can swim...that aren't really crowded?

Are there towns that these activities would be better/easier to access? Other than medford, we did look in ashland but thought the houses/lots were pretty cramped. Any options for a .2 acre lot, 1800sqft house for near 350K in ashland? Any spots in talent that are recommended? Jacksonville? We'd ideally like to be a neighborhood with a tight sense of community and younger families to do things with...at least a good mix of ages. What's the commute like from some recommended neighborhoods in grants pass to the medford airport...where I'll be working?

Next, what do people do to swim in Medford if they don't have their own pool? We heard there were plans to do a fitness center in the town with heated pool...but don't know what happened to that.

Finally, what's the plans I hear about building up the area on/near roxy ann peak with a resort? Just wondering how much development is planned for the area.

Thanks for your time!