From Shakespeare festivals to the foothills and mountain ranges of the Cascades and Siskiyou mountains, Southern Oregon holds charm for Realtor David Frye.

Ashland

"Ashland is the jewel of southwest Oregon, home of the Shakespeare Festival, Southern Oregon University, art galleries, and the natural beauty of the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges," boasts Frye. "Not only have average sales prices increased in Ashland, but median prices have also increased. This indicates that the market has bottomed out and the rebound in home sales has started. Sales in July are ahead of last year, with the average price $286,548- up 9% over last year."

Talent

"Just a few miles from the charm of Ashland and a few more miles from the amenities of Medford," says Frye, "Talent is a perfect community with a small town feel and small town prices. Talent is starting to creep up the pricing scale after the recent lifting of the water moratorium and Ashland's strong upward price movement. Average home sale year to date is $152,212."

Medford

"Medford is the regional center for industry, medicine, and services for southern Oregon, with a population of 59,000," explains Frye. "Number of listings are down a bit with prices slowly rising. Sales in both East and West Medford are down almost 20 percent year to date. Average saleprice East Medford is $181,145- up 4 percent. Average sale price West Medford is $121,916- up 5 percent.

Phoenix, Oregon

"Surrounded by foothills and orchards, Phoenix is a beautiful small town with two really good Mexican restaurants," says Frye. "Average year to date home sale price of $153,416 is up 8% over last year.

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Published: August 28, 2002

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