Southern Oregon Living

head_left_image

Medford Oregon's Birthday - 125 Years Old

Medford Oregon's Birthday - 125 Years Old.  Medford Oregon offically celebrated its 125th Birthday on February 24, 2010.  Medford Oregon became incorporated as a City on February 24, 1885.  Since that time, this sleepy little town with original dirt roads became the largest city in Southern Oregon. 

Since it's origin, Medford Oregon was primarily dependent on timber and agriculture for sustainability.  Now, Medford Oregon is a thriving regional trade center with a growing residential population, expanding medical facilities, increasing tourism and abundant recreational opportunities.

Happy 125th Birthday Medford Oregon! 

Happy Valentine's Day from Harry & David - Medford Oregon

Happy Valentine's Day from Harry & David - Medford Oregon.  One of my favorite places to shop in Southern Oregon for chocolates and other yummy gift ideas is Harry & David - Medford Oregon.  America's most wonderful gift company for over 75 years, Harry & David offers delicious Valentine's Day gifts including fresh flowers, gift towers, and gourmet chocolate gifts.  A great way to say "I Love You," Harry & David offers a yummy assortment of classic chocolates with a variety of flavors and fillings, making perfect Valentine's Day gifts for everyone of your favorite Valentines.  Voted Money Magazine's winner over both Godiva and boutique brands, Harry & David's chocolate gifts are sure to impress.

Valentine's Day Gifts From Harry & David Valentine's Day Gifts From Harry & David - MEDFORD OREGON

Looking for more romantic Valentine's Day gifts?  Sweep loved ones off their feet with Harry & David's Classic Valentine Rose Bouquet.  Red roses are one of the most timeless Valentine's Day gifts and this stunning arrangement is no exception.  Featuring twelve perfect, red rose blooms, cut with sprays of greenery and your choice of vase, this gift will make a big impression.

More great Valentine's Day gifts include the Tower of Sweet Valentine Gifts and the Valentine's Gift Basket.  These packages include both cookies and chocolate gifts and will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth!  The Tower of Sweet Valentine Gifts includes an assortment of classic chocolate gifts and fun treats.  Five heart-shaped boxes are filled with Bing Cherry Chocolates and heart-shaped yogurt pretzels, as well as gummies, cookies, and a delicious Chocolate Truffle.  The Valentine's Gift Basket comes with all of Cupid's favorites.  

 Happy Valentine's Day from Harry & David - Medford Oregon

Dutch Bros Coffee - Southern Oregon Canned Food Drive

Dutch Bros Coffee - Southern Oregon Canned Food DriveDutch Bros Coffee - Southern Oregon Canned Food Drive.  Grants Pass-based Dutch Bros Coffee Company plans its annual Dutch Love "Cans for Coffee" food drive to benefit ACCESS Inc.  Coffee lovers can receive a free cup of their favorite Joe (today) in exchange for bringing 3 cans of food to any of the 19 Dutch Bros coffee locations in Jackson County Oregon.

Last year's Dutch Bros Coffee - Southern Oregon Canned Food drive raised 9,522 pounds of food for ACCESS, Inc.  The ACCESS Food Share Pantry (22 pantries in total) provide food for more 7,200 people each month in Southern Oregon.

Best Buy Store comes to Medford Oregon!

Best Buy Store comes to Medford Oregon!Best Buy Store comes to Medford Oregon! 

Southern Oregon's first Best Buy electronics store will set up shop at the former site of Joe's Sporting Goods in the busy Poplar Square shopping center in Medford.  Finally, Southern Oregon will have a place to shop for electronics.  Now, if only we could score a Trader Joe's!

Best Buy Store will open sometime this summer in Medford Oregon.  Best Buy will likely employ an estimated 100 people. 

Jackson County Oregon Home Sales Rise

Jackson County Oregon Home Sales RiseJackson County Oregon Home Sales Rise.  Existing home sales rose in Jackson County Oregon for the 11th straight month in December.
 
In 2009, 1,800 homes sold in Jackson County Oregon, up from 1,300 the previous year.  The median price for a home in Jackson County fell $39,000 to $186,000, compared to 2008, according to statistics from the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors and Southern Oregon Multiple Listing Service.
 
In January of 2009, distressed homes, which includes Jackson County Oregon foreclosures and short sales, made up half of the market.  Since then, the number has dropped about 10 percent.
 
The good news is, non-distressed home sales are starting to increase, and the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, which expires at the end of April, will continue to boost sales for the first quarter of 2010.

Southern Oregon Weather

Southern Oregon Weather2009' finished the year as the fourth driest calender year on record for Medford Oregon since 1928.  Unfortunately, that means less water in rivers and streams, which may spell disaster for fire season in the summer months.  Perhaps El Nino isn't finished with Southern Oregon yet.   

Here are the five driest calendar years in Southern Oregon since 1928, and the five wettest years in Southern Oregon, based on data collected by the National Weather Service.  Average annual rainfall is 18.37 inches for the 30 years from 1971 to 2000.

Driest Years in Medford, OregonDriest Years in Medford Oregon

1959 - 10.42 inches

1985 - 10.69 inches

1933 - 11.09 inches

2009 - 11.27 inches

1930 - 11.67 inches

Wettest Years in Medford, Oregon

1996 - 31.41 inches

1983 - 30.15 inches

1964 - 29.98 inches

1956 - 28.78 inches

1950 - 28.57 inches

Porters Restaurant in Medford Oregon

Porters Restaurant in Medford OregonPorters Restaurant in Medford Oregon.  The city of Medford was born in the late 1800s when the Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad pushed south through a town called ‘Middleford' in the Rogue Valley. By 1910 Medford, renamed by a railroad engineer, was a rapidly growing, prosperous community and Jackson County had become one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. In February of 1910 ground was broken for a new brick railroad depot to replace the older, wooden structure located south of Main Street. This new passenger depot was completed and dedicated in October of the same year, a mere nine months from start to finish. After just two glorious decades passenger rail service declined due in part to the Great Depression and the increasing popularity of automobile travel.

Porters Restaurant in Medford OregonFrom 1955 to 1996 the depot was used only as a freight office. Now, after extensive renovation as a restaurant and bar, Porters Restaurant in Medford Oregon is designated as a National Historic Landmark.  This true gem of Southern Oregon architecture once again proudly serves the community. While enjoying your visit and award winning cuisine, take a moment to observe and appreciate the numerous original and still functioning features of this historic building: over 350 squares of midwest red tile roofing, hand chiseled exterior granite corbels and massive wooden beams. Ninety year old ‘railroad graffiti' adorns much of the hand-hewn brick work. Indoors one finds authentic golden painted radiators that heat the building in the winter months, craftsmen style chandeliers (reproduced from a 1914 photograph) radiating their own warmth and ambiance and all the windows are original, having been recased and rehung.

Porters Restaurant in Medford OregonThe original railway Passenger Ticket counter now serves as the curved center section of the ‘Loose Caboose Bar' and even the special ‘banquet-party room' was once the sole domain of the Station Master, who no doubt held a party or two of his own there.

Porters Restaurant in Medford, Oregon is nostalgically named in honor of all the men and women who work professionally aboard passenger trains bringing food, drink, courtesy and a warm smile to their traveling patrons. 

The Blind Side - A Heart-Warming Story

The Blind SideThe Blind Side - A Heart-Warming Story.  Based on a true story, "The Blind Side" is a movie about a homeless African-American youngster, Michael Oher, who is taken in by the Tuohys, a well-to-do white family who helps him fulfill his greatest potential. 

This is truly a triumpant story about a young man who is blessed with an opportunity to rise above his unfortunate circumstances and go all the way to the top to become an All-American offensive left tackle, and eventually a round one draft pick in the NFL.

I am not usually a big fan of sports-type movies, but this heart-warming, inspirational story will literally hit you on your blind side and will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.  A must see movie.  Be prepared though, "The Blind Side" can be a tear-jerker, so don't forget to bring the Kleenex!  

Short Sale - Pre-Foreclosure - 450 Midway Rd #22, Medford, Oregon 97501

Short Sale - Pre-Foreclosure - 450 Midway Rd #22, Medford, OR 97501Short Sale - Pre-Foreclosure - 450 Midway Rd #22, Medford, Oregon 97501.  Just when you think you couldn't afford to buy a home...

This wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1182 s/f Medford townhome was built in 2005 and presents itself with a great floor plan, granite counter tops in the kitchen, appliances, and all the modern conveniences of home.  Nicely landscaped with private patio in backyard, and plenty of storage area.  HOA $100/per month, which includes water, sewer and trash.

Why wait any longer to buy a home in Medford, Oregon?  Interest rates are still low and you may qualify for the First Time Home Buyers Tax credit!

MLS# 52908346  -  $85,000.

Southern Oregon - A Beautiful Place to Visit and Live!

 Southern Oregon - A Beautiful Place to Visit and Live! 

Medford, Oregon

Medford, Oregon is the center of the Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon's largest and most diverse City where you can shop tax-free and experience nature at its best!  Start your day off golfing, fishing, rafting the Rogue River, hiking the Table Rocks, exploring the Oregon Caves and Crater Lake, or enjoying a scenic wine or agricultural tour.  In the evening, take in a premier live performance at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater, sit under the stars and enjoy the Britt Music Festival, and feast on a culinary delight from one of Medford's fine dining establishments.  

Southern Oregon - A Beautiful Place to Visit and Live!