Medford, Oregon

Medford, the county seat of Jackson County, is located in southern Oregon, 273 miles (439 kilometers) south of Portland, and 307 miles (494 kilometers) north of Sacramento and 363 miles (584 kilometers) north of San Francisco. With an average growing season of 170 days, it's no surprise that agriculture is a major force in the economy. Main crops include pears, peaches, and grapes – and therefore numerous wineries are also found in the area. The city is also a regional center for retail and services, including healthcare.

At an elevation of 1,382 feet (421 meters) above sea level, Medford enjoys a warm climate, with January average highs at 47F (8C) and July/August average highs at 90F (32C). The community receives 18 to 20 inches (45 to 51 centimeters) of rain per year, with three to four inches (eight to 10 centimeters) of snow falling in the valley, but much more in the mountains. (And speaking of mountains, Mount Ashland Ski Area is only about 14 miles, or 23 kilometers, south.)

Jackson County borders California to the south and is surrounded by the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain ranges. Medford itself is surrounded by national forests: Rogue River and Siskiyou National Forests are to the south and west, Klamath National Forest is to the south, Umpqua National Forest is to the north, and Fremont-Winema National Forests are located to the east. And spectacular Crater Lake National Park, with its famous deep blue, six-mile-wide (10-kilometer-wide) caldera lake, formed about 7,000 years ago, is located only 75 miles (121 kilometers) northeast.

If you're too overwhelmed to think of where to start in the great outdoors, how about something more sedate? Medford has one private and several public golf courses to enjoy, and there are an additional 32 in the Southern Oregon Region.

Or perhaps you want something more cultural than natural? Take in performances by groups like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (located 13 miles, or 21 kilometers, south in Ashland), Rogue Opera, or Rogue Valley Symphony Association. And as summer approaches, see what's coming up at the Britt Festival, which provides musical performances for many tastes.

Got kids? No problem! There's plenty to keep them entertained at nearby places like Rogue Valley Family Fun Center (with mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, and more), the ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum, and the Oregon Vortex & House of Mystery!

Fresh food, family fun, and outstanding outdoors – make a move to Medford!

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