Phoenix: A valley town with orchards, wineries and restaurants
Phoenix has sprawling vineyards and fruit orchards in the Rogue River Valley. In 2020, the Alameda Fire damaged many of its homes. However, Phoenix rose from the ashes and has recovered due to the community's overwhelming support. With outdoor recreation and diverse restaurants, this bedroom community, between Medford and Ashland, has much to offer in the heart of Oregon's wine country. "Phoenix is a fun town with wineries and cool restaurants like the Phoodery, where all the locals like to get together," says Adam Rutledge, an area local and principal broker at eXp Realty. "We are in a valley surrounded by lakes and mountains, so there are a ton of trails and outdoor activities."
Urban forest living with mountain views
Phoenix’s residential areas are in an urban forest, with flower gardens and fenced-in lawns shaded by mature trees. The Siskiyou Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop, particularly on the streets southeast of downtown, with homes nestled in the hilly terrain. Phoenix features Craftsman, New Traditional and ranch-style homes. Most homes are between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet. While the 1970s and 1990s were popular decades for construction, many homes are from the 21st century. Home prices range from $220,000 to $850,000. Townhouses go for $270,000 to $340,000. Manufactured homes cost between $30,000 and $460,000.
Phoenix is prone to wildfires, which can affect the local air quality. The Alameda Fire occurred in 2020, damaging approximately 2,500 structures. “Phoenix rebounded well,” Rutledge says. “They did a good job supporting the locals and rebuilding as efficiently as possible.”
Artsy Main Street with unique local restaurants
Main Street is a tree-lined thoroughfare home to art stores, bakeries and wine shops. Phoenix has multiple Mexican restaurants, like Los Tres Potrillos, known for its burritos and salsa bar. Clyde's Corner serves wood-fired pizza and cocktails in a space with outdoor seating. One of the community's trendiest staples is the Phoodery, a courtyard with five restaurants, a rooftop bar and picnic tables on the lawn. The area's supermarket is Ray's Food Place, and Fred Meyer is a grocery store in Medford, about 4 miles north. The Village at Medford Center features national chains, box stores and a movie theater within 5 miles of Phoenix.
Golf, boating and swimming below the mountains
Blue Heron Park has a community garden and playground on a foam surface. It sits along the Bear Creek Greenway, a paved 18-mile trail connecting Phoenix to Ashland, Talent and Medford. Colver Park has a basketball court and an off-leash dog park with an obstacle course. About 2 miles north, the Centennial Golf Club features an 18-hole course on a former pear orchard surrounded by mountains. There are also hiking trails and lakes within a short drive in areas, such as Emigrant Lake County Park, which has a blue lake below the mountains with boating access and a swimming cove, around 15 miles south.
Programs and environment in Phoenix-Talent School District 4
Phoenix Elementary School earns a C from Niche and has a well-established bilingual immersion program incorporating English and Spanish. Talent Middle School also has a C, encouraging a positive academic and social environment. Phoenix High School receives a B-plus and is the only high school in southern Oregon with a peer-mediation program focusing on communication skills.
Farmers markets and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
About 10 miles south, Ashland is a metropolitan area with events and festivals. The Growers Market is open on Saturday mornings from May to October and Tuesday mornings from March to November. It includes vendor booths with locally grown produce, flowers and handmade goods on Main Street. Established in 1935, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from May to October. It features a diverse range of theatrical plays celebrating the legacy of William Shakespeare and other award-winning shows performed in one of three local theaters.
SR-99 to Medford and the Rogue Valley airport
The Rogue Valley Transit Transportation District (RVTD) is a public bus system serving Phoenix along the Route 10 line. State Route 99 is the local highway along Interstate 5, connecting major cities along the West Coast. Medford is approximately 5 miles north on SR-99, and Ashland is about 8 miles south. Rogue Valley International Medford Airport offers passenger flights, roughly 10 miles north.
