Along with a resource-based economy revolving around agriculture and timber products, Medford is becoming established as a retirement center. Some of the enticements are proximity to Ashland’s culture, Rogue Valley recreation, Cascade getaways, and rainfall totals that are half those recorded in the Willamette Valley.

All that summer heat is good for fruit production—the Rogue River Valley around Medford is a major center for pear production, and wine grapes are displacing dairy cows and berries on area farms.

Getting to Medford

A half-dozen buses dock daily at the Greyhound station (212 Barnett Rd., 541/779-2103), running along the I-5 corridor. Rogue Valley Transportation (3200 Crater Lake Ave., 541/799-2988, www.rvtd.org) provides connections to Jacksonville, Phoenix, White City, Talent, and Ashland.

Most buses depart from 6th and Bartlett Streets, with no service Sunday. Courtesy Yellow Cab (541/772-6288) has 24-hour service in the Medford area. A wheelchair van, senior-citizen discounts, and special rates on airport transfers are all available on request.

Medford/Jackson County Airport (1000 Terminal Loop Pkwy., 800/882-7488, www.co.jackson.or.us), airport code MFR, is the air hub for southern Oregon and is served by Skywest, United, Horizon, and Allegiant Air.