County
Jackson County
The airport, the hospitals and most of the valley's jobs, with towns strung along I-5 and Highway 62.
Medford
The Rogue Valley's largest city, with the airport, two major hospitals and most of the shopping. The widest range of homes in the valley, from older central neighborhoods to the east hills.
Ashland
The south end of the valley, in the Siskiyou foothills. Home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Southern Oregon University and Lithia Park. Walkable downtown, and prices run higher than the rest of the valley.
Central Point
Just north of Medford off I-5, home of the Jackson County Expo and Rogue Creamery. Newer subdivisions and quick freeway access.
Eagle Point
Northeast of Medford on Highway 62, on the way to the Upper Rogue and Crater Lake. Golf-course neighborhoods in town, acreage outside it.
Jacksonville
The Gold Rush town whose whole downtown is a National Historic Landmark. Home of the Britt Music & Arts Festival, a short drive from Medford and at the door of the Applegate wine country.
Phoenix
On I-5 between Medford and Talent, along Bear Creek. Much of town has rebuilt since the 2020 Almeda Fire, so newer homes sit beside older ones.
Talent
Between Phoenix and Ashland on the Bear Creek Greenway, the paved trail that runs from Ashland to Central Point. A small-town center close to Ashland.
Rogue River
A small city on the river and I-5, between Grants Pass and Gold Hill. An easy drive to either Grants Pass or Medford, with river frontage and rural lots just outside town.
Applegate Valley
Small farms, vineyards and river frontage along the Applegate, from Murphy in Josephine County to Ruch in Jackson County. Wine country, with a river running through it.
Gold Hill
A small river town on I-5 between Grants Pass and Medford, with the Rogue running past downtown and rural land on both sides.
Shady Cove
On the upper Rogue along Highway 62. A river town known for drift boats and salmon and steelhead fishing, about 30 minutes from Medford.
White City
Unincorporated, north of Medford on Highway 62. Home to much of the valley's industry and the VA's Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center, with quick access to Medford and Eagle Point.
Sams Valley
Farm country north of the Rogue near the Table Rocks. Pasture, acreage and open views, about 25 minutes from Medford.
Before you buy
Buying in Jackson County
Jackson County's cities run on city water and sewer. Step outside city limits and wells, septic, farm zoning and fire insurance come into play, and the county's rules apply, not the nearest town's.