Rogue River is a small but growing community in southern Oregon
Rogue River borders its namesake waterway, famous for salmon runs and white-water rafting. Set in a valley, the small community has grown steadily over the years, and is currently home to just over 2,400 people. The relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle draws people from bigger cities like Medford, says lifelong local Shannan Alvis, a Realtor for eXp Realty. New developments like Rooster Park have accommodated the community's growth. "Everyone is trying to make everything nicer for kids, and people want to walk and hang out," Alvis says. The town's roots are in Oregon's gold rush era, when $70 million worth of minerals were panned from the Rogue River. The river has also been a backdrop in Hollywood films, including "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
Local parks are connected by bridges and trails
Anna Classick Bicentennial Park, home to the oldest log cabin in town, has sports courts and a picnic and play area. Its walking bridge crosses Evans Creek to connect with Palmerton Park, a 5-acre green space with over 80 tree species. The park’s pond is a quiet spot to reflect, and its pavilion hosts numerous weddings and birthday gatherings. The Rogue River Greenway connects to John F. Fleming Memorial Park, a riverside park devoted to veterans. One of the most popular boat ramps is around a half-mile away in the city of Grants Pass. Rooster Park opened in 2024, bringing a seasonal splash pad and game tables. Valley of the Rogue State Park is less than 4 miles away, with campsites and more places to boat and fish.
Some of the homes in the valley are on acreage
Situated in Rogue Valley, mountain ranges surround the town and provide scenic views to residents. The area has a mix of home styles, from cottages and log cabins to ranch styles, custom-built estates and manufactured homes. “You can have all of those within half a mile of each other. Some are on town lots, and then you can walk a quarter of a mile and somebody has 10 acres,” Alvis says. “Custom homes and log homes are at a higher price point because they are unique.” Usable land and waterfront views also figure into pricing, where the range begins around $250,000 to $500,000 for single-family homes and climbs to $1.4 million. Manufactured homes start around $23,000 to $82,000 and may reach as high as $130,000 to $425,000. Despite the town's name, a highway separates homes from the river. Waterfront properties instead surround creeks.
Rogue Valley’s quirkiest festivity
Rooster Park hosts the annual Rooster Crow Weekend, an over 70-year tradition that occurs in June. The event features parades, bands, art shows, car rallies and, of course, a crowing contest in which both roosters and humans impersonating them crow their hearts out.
Food variety in town, some local shopping and a mall in Medford
Shops and restaurants cluster downtown. BeeGees Diner is a popular breakfast and lunch spot serving comfort food and coffee, dishing up everything from cinnamon rolls to cobb salads and gourmet burgers. Paisano's Italian Kitchen, a favorite for their hot sandwiches with marinara, has been around for 15 years. Tarasco Mexican Restaurant serves classics, from fajitas to burritos and margaritas. Tailholt Coffee Co. is stocked with freshly baked goods. Retailers include Riverside Games, The Country Florist and the metaphysical store Janilou Creations. Ray's Food Place is the primary pit stop for groceries, and Rogue River Growers Market sells fresh produce every Sunday. Alvis says people head into Medford and Grants Pass for more major chains like Walmart.
A school district that supports hybrid learning
Students attend the Rogue River School District. Rogue River Elementary School earns a C rating on Niche. Rogue River Junior/Senior High School, covering seventh through 12th grades, scores a B-minus. South Valley Academy, covering third through 12th grades, is an alternative school offering a hybrid model. Students can learn on campus, remotely, or through a combination of both.
Major highways and public transportation
The Rogue River and Pacific highways pass through town. Josephine Community Transit provides bus services between Grants Pass and Medford, with stops in Rogue River upon request.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
