Medford

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 [1]’s culture, Rogue Valley recreation, Cascade getaways, and rainfall totals that are half those recorded in the Willamette Valley [2].

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 [3]) provides connections to Jacksonville [4], Phoenix, White City, Talent, and Ashland [1].

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 [5]), airport code MFR, is the air hub for southern Oregon and is served by Skywest, United, Horizon, and Allegiant Air.