Living and Retiring in Southern Oregon

January 4, 2013 Retiring in Southern Oregon

For active seniors searching America for a great retirement location with superior quality of life amenities such as rich cultural, recreational and social opportunities all in a safe, smaller-region area, then the Rogue Valley is your spot.  Southern Oregon is consistently ranked as one of the best places to retire as featured in numerous magazine’s surveys and studies.  Located only a few mile north of the California border, southern Oregon living is convenient, safe, clean, refreshing, fun and free of sales taxes.

Enjoy the Weather

The rainfall in southern Oregon is significantly less than the areas further north such as Eugene, Portland and Seattle.  The average yearly rainfall for the area is somewhere around 20 inches compared to more than double this amount for the northern cities. This allows residents a dryer region for fun and outdoor recreation.

International Airport

For those inevitable trips out of town, Rogue Valley-Medford International Airport provides direct flights aboard major carriers to Denver, San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles, and other major cities.  Connecting flights are available to just about any other national or worldwide destination.    The airport has recently undergone an extensive remodeling and upgrading.  Boarding flights and making your way through security at the Medford International Airport is typically convenient, quick and easy.

Entertainment in Southern Oregon

From the premier Oregon Shakespeare Festival with its multi-theater, 8 month long season to several other playhouses throughout Ashland and Talent, live theatre is alive and well in Southern Oregon.  Some other theaters and cherished events in Southern Oregon include the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater, the Rogue Valley Symphony, Chamber Music Concerts and the Medford Jazz Jubilee.  The yearly summer outdoor Britt Festival in Jacksonville brings top-name acts and symphonic concerts under the stars to the region.  Medford is the location of the yearly Jackson County Fair featuring big-name performances at the Lithia Motors amphitheater.

Art Lover’s Paradise

The art and craft scene in southern Oregon is thriving with more galleries popping-up on a regular basis.  You’ll find more than 30 art galleries in the Rogue Valley; many offering comprehensive classes in drawing, painting and various art techniques along with art appreciation. If you are looking to expand your art awareness or wish to hone your skills, southern Oregon will embrace and fulfill your artistic nature.

Abundant Wineries

For the wine connoisseur, there are over 50 vineyards and wineries throughout the popular Rogue Valley wine region.  All of the wineries are separated by as few as a few minute up to three-hour scenic drive of each other.  Given the fine soil, rolling hillsides and temperate weather, the area is poised to quickly become another Napa Valley.

Recreational Activities

Combine the above amenities with the finest in sightseeing and recreation spots such as the marvel of nature that is Crater Lake, world-famous salmon fishing on the Rogue River, the exciting Mt Ashland Ski area, the colorful and enormous caverns of the Oregon Caves, the awe-inspiring Oregon Coast and numerous trout-filled mountain lakes. Southern Oregon residents enjoy a combination of recreational activities that include hiking, cycling, mountain biking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, sailing, recreational boating, and jet-boat rides along the remote and scenic Rogue River.

Golf in Southern Oregon

If you like to spend your leisure time playing golf, then the Rogue Valley and the greater Medford area are your ticket to a plethora of challenging courses.  There are no fewer than nine courses in the immediate southern Oregon area.

Listing of Facilities

Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of art galleries, wineries and golf courses in the southern Oregon area.  The list is not complete as some of these facilities come and go, but you can get a good idea of the growing list of things to do in what is quickly becoming the retirement Mecca known as southern Oregon.  Please feel free to address any errors or add your facility by emailing us at this link.

Art Galleries in Ashland, Oregon

Art Galleries in Medford, Phoenix and Jacksonville Oregon