Discover What It’s Like To Live in Jacksonville, Oregon

We’re proud to call Jacksonville, Oregon home. You may have heard about our quaint town before, or it may be completely new to you — but once you learn about its charm, you won’t be able to get the idea of living here out of your head. 

If you’re looking for more information on what living in Jacksonville, Oregon, is like, you’re in the right place. We’ll fill you in on where it is, what it’s known for, and what there is to do around this one-of-a-kind town.

Where Is Jacksonville, Oregon?

Jacksonville is located in Southern Oregon, just a few miles west of Medford and a one-hour drive from the Northern California border. It’s a tiny blip on the map, but its history, heart, and culture are anything but. 

Even though Jacksonville is one of Southern Oregon’s most quiet and serene pockets, it’s still accessible to all the major cities in Southern Oregon. The town may make you feel like you’re worlds away from cities like Medford and Ashland, but you’re always only a few miles away. This is a huge perk for residents who want a gentle, small-town lifestyle but still want to enjoy convenient city amenities like:

• Award-winning healthcare facilities
• Great places to work and opportunities to start new businesses
• Top-ranked educational institutions
• Countless indoor and outdoor attractions
• Entertaining arts and culture expeditions

What Is Jacksonville, Oregon, Known For?

Jacksonville has been recognized as one of the best small towns in America by numerous real estate, travel, and lifestyle publications — including Architectural Digest and Frommer’s.

Why, you ask? It’s a historic small town with a big heart, plenty of character, and undeniable charm. A snapshot of Southern Oregon’s past, Jacksonville has the power to take anyone back to slower, more friendly ways of life. 

A Brief History of Jacksonville, OR

In 1851, the peak of the Gold Rush era, settlers discovered gold in Jackson Creek. Soon after, Jacksonville was founded and became an economic and cultural hub featuring wealthy individuals, commercial brick buildings, and luxurious Victorian homes. 

When the Oregon-California Railroad chose to bypass Jacksonville in 1884 and run through Medford instead, Jacksonville’s prominence faded. Residents quickly fled to Medford, and the town was largely left untouched. In 1966, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

After all these years, Jacksonville has remained similar to how it was back in the 1800s and retained much of its charm. Thanks to early Oregonian settler and photographer Peter Britt, reservationists have restored the entire town. Today, Jacksonville residents take pride in their quaint, nostalgic ambiance and deep historical roots.

Things to Do in Jacksonville, Oregon

You’ll never run out of things to do in or near Jacksonville, OR. Its distinctive culture offers a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. From culinary delights to one-of-a-kind shopping centers, here’s a list of our favorite things to explore in our beloved town.

Fantastic Food

As a whole, Oregon is known for its unmatched farm-to-table cuisine. Jacksonville coffee shops, bistros, saloons (yes, you read that right), and fine dining restaurants put their own local twist on that passion.

Some of our favorite Jacksonville eats are from:

• Bella Union
• Back Porch Bar & Grill
• Restaurant at Jacksonville Inn
• Coming Soon: Cowhorn Kitchen & Wine

Marvelous Music

The Britt Music and Arts Festival is the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor music event, with dozens of concerts every year. The venue is in a naturally-formed amphitheater on the hillside estate of 19th-century settler, photographer, and Jacksonville founder Peter Britt. 

No matter what genre of music you enjoy, the Britt Festival has it all — classical, jazz, bluegrass, world, pop, country, you name it. There’s also a good selection of local, regional, and national big-name performers. 

Outstanding Outdoor Recreation

Jacksonville, OR, is surrounded by endless outdoor adventures. Its stunning landscape doesn’t just make for good views; it also makes for fantastic hobbies. From fishing in the Rogue River to skiing the Siskiyou Mountains, there’s something for everyone every season. 

One of our favorite outdoor activities is the 16-mile Jacksonville Woodlands trail network. It runs through some of the most beautiful parts of the town and has plenty of access points to jump in, start, and end where you’d like. 

Note: Here’s a helpful guide if you’re looking for other hiking areas in Jacksonville.

Sensational Shopping

Jacksonville’s Main Street has the stores, boutiques, galleries, spas, and saloons you need to shop until you drop. 

What’s one thing it doesn’t have? Chain stores. It’s just something else that adds to that small-town charm. If you do need a chain store, you can quickly head to Medford, Ashland, or another nearby city.

Immerse Yourself in a New, Amazing Lifestyle. Build Your Dream Home at Stage Pass

There’s no doubt about it: Jacksonville is one of Oregon’s most underrated treasures — filled with historic shopping centers, amazing views, plenty of delicious wine, and fun-filled outdoor recreation. It’s the perfect town to call home, and there’s no better community here than The Vineyards at Stage Pass. 

To learn more about life in Jacksonville and life at Stage Pass, get in touch with our team today.