Medford - Kid Friendly? (Portland, Ashland: sales, home, job market) - Oregon (OR) - City-Data Forum

gish · 09-05-2006, 03:36 PM

Hi,
My husband and I are considering a move to Washington or Oregon. From what I've read about Medford, I'm intriqued. I'd be curious to hear opinions on raising kids in that area.

We live in an area that is really pretty great right now. There are excellent schools, extremely affordable housing, good job market and lots of kid activities.

That said, it's definitely the midwest. While KC is a very pretty town (lots of trees and rolling hills, great parks)...we're not near the mountains or oceans. I'm wondering if we should risk a move. I used to live in the Seattle area and spent summers by Portland (for a couple years when I was a kid)- so I think I got spoiled in regards to beautiful scenery. I've always been interested in potentially moving back there. Things have changed quite a bit since then in regards to housing prices, however- so that will most likely be a big consideration, too.

PositiveG · 09-08-2006, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gish

Hi,
My husband and I are considering a move to Washington or Oregon. From what I've read about Medford, I'm intriqued. I'd be curious to hear opinions on raising kids in that area.

We live in an area that is really pretty great right now. There are excellent schools, extremely affordable housing, good job market and lots of kid activities.

That said, it's definitely the midwest. While KC is a very pretty town (lots of trees and rolling hills, great parks)...we're not near the mountains or oceans. I'm wondering if we should risk a move. I used to live in the Seattle area and spent summers by Portland (for a couple years when I was a kid)- so I think I got spoiled in regards to beautiful scenery. I've always been interested in potentially moving back there. Things have changed quite a bit since then in regards to housing prices, however- so that will most likely be a big consideration, too.

I grew up - and currently am again living in - Medford. It's a great town for a lot of things. Plenty to do and see outdoors (skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, etc) and it's close to Ashland where the Shakespeare Fest. and a lot of other neat little things are. A good place to grow up too, if you can afford to live in a decent side of town (east). You also might check out housing in the little bedroom communities around Medford - i.e., Talent, Eagle Point, White City, and so on.

Be prepared for a few straight weeks of soggy foggy weather in the winter and smoke from forest fires in the summer (though this year hasn't been too bad). It's one of the prettiest place,s IMO, you can live in this country, and a great place to raise children activity wise, not so sure about the schools, but hey, I went through the Medford skool districkt and luk hwo I turnd oot! LOL

gish · 09-11-2006, 09:23 PM

Thank you so much for your feedback. That was exactly what I was hoping for- someone who had grown up in the area and could share some opinions about their experience. I am kind of concerned about education options- but I think that ultimately they'll get the support they need to succeed from a number of different sources. Unless my husband gets an amazing job, we'll probably be looking around for awhile. I stay at home with the kids right now- and I have so much fun with them, I hate to have to get a job right away due to moving.

You have been most helpful- thanks again!!

DianaJ · 08-28-2007, 12:28 PM

Hi,
Can you please advise how far the coast is from Medford? We'll be visiting next summer. Thank you!

freedom · 08-28-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DianaJ

Hi,
Can you please advise how far the coast is from Medford? We'll be visiting next summer. Thank you!

Medford is 28 miles south of exit 55 in Grants pass, which is also Hwy 199, it takes about 2 hrs to get to Brookings from the I-5 off ramp, so you are looking at about a 2 1/2 hr. trip, it is a beautiful drive, in the spring there are waterfalls, and the River is full and rushing. Lush folage and scenery.

Enjoy your visit.

Be sure to take the time to see the Redwood forests

freedom

mdvaden · 08-28-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gish

Hi,
My husband and I are considering a move to Washington or Oregon. From what I've read about Medford, I'm intriqued. I'd be curious to hear opinions on raising kids in that area.

We live in an area that is really pretty great right now. There are excellent schools, extremely affordable housing, good job market and lots of kid activities.

That said, it's definitely the midwest. While KC is a very pretty town (lots of trees and rolling hills, great parks)...we're not near the mountains or oceans. I'm wondering if we should risk a move. I used to live in the Seattle area and spent summers by Portland (for a couple years when I was a kid)- so I think I got spoiled in regards to beautiful scenery. I've always been interested in potentially moving back there. Things have changed quite a bit since then in regards to housing prices, however- so that will most likely be a big consideration, too.

Can you partially define what you mean by "kid friendy"?

Do you mean does the area cater to kids? Or that it's a good place for raising kids.

What kind of activities do you need?

DianaJ · 08-28-2007, 11:06 PM

Thank you so much freedom! I'm so excited about this vacation! How does the coast differ in "looks" from Southern Oregon compared to Cannon Beach? Do you have any idea how far of a drive to Cannon beach it would be from Medford?

freedom · 08-29-2007, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DianaJ

Thank you so much freedom! I'm so excited about this vacation! How does the coast differ in "looks" from Southern Oregon compared to Cannon Beach? Do you have any idea how far of a drive to Cannon beach it would be from Medford?

Your most welcome.

Medford to Portland approx. 4 hrs.
Portland to Cannon beach about 1 1/2 hrs.
Driving the coast from Brookings to Cannon Beach, over 6 hrs.

Much depends on hwy. road work. Repairs are done in the summer and can slow things down a bit.
The entire coast is amazing, Rocky cliffs to sandy beaches, dunes in the middle near Coos Bay and Bandon.
I've never seen Cannon beach, but I hear it is great.

aaammmyyy · 09-04-2007, 09:23 PM

I don't know about Medford, but I know Coos Bay Oregon is about as kid friendly as youn can get. Enough fun things for kids to do, but not to big of a city that it's not safe to walk down the street alone, Coos bay is just right.

81bluewater · 09-05-2007, 03:17 PM

I love Medford. It is beautiful and everyone seems so friendly. I also was considering a move there and am also looking into Grant's Pass. I love the mountains but I think it may be less expensive in Grant's Pass.

The one down side I have heard about Medford is it's nickname: Methford, due to all the Meth addicts. I like the idea of no sales tax in Oregon, although surprised to hear Ashland charges it. I don't know about property taxes though.

We spent time there this summer and took my son white water rafting. What a blast! We can't wait to go back next summer and do it again. If your children out the outdoorsy type, you will love it there. We definetly are that type and look forward to moving there soon.