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Naomi Garcia
housing
Cheapest neighborhoods in Medford?
Not sure if this has been asked before, but There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I wrong here?
14 upvotes
23 Replies
Emily
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Isaac R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
Natalie M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Asher Hall
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much affordable but now it's excellent.
35 upvotes
Hudson Parker
I'm a electrician and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Julian Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
tucsonnative2026
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much competitive but now it's pretty good.
28 upvotes
Lawrence G.
I've lived in Old Town for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Hannah Smith
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Asian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
26 upvotes
John Castillo
hard disagree but ok
26 upvotes
Anthony M.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Gianna Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely challenging and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Uptown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely challenging and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Uptown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
18 upvotes
Lily Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Matthew W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Nashville about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Nashville about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Robert Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Ryan Cox
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
16 upvotes
indy_melanie
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
mountain_sarah97
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in East area are decent. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
William Richardson
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Ronald R.
yep
5 upvotes
Andrea K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
eleanor_guy
preach
0 upvotes
Emmett Martin
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
0 upvotes