Great Places: The Rogue Valley Manor

According to graphic maps, Medford is often depicted by one “landmark.” If you’d like to guess the landmark, here’s a hint: it’s not a natural feature, but rather a building, constructed in 1961.

And this landmark is…the Rogue Valley Manor! Originally incorporated by three local churches in 1955, the Manor is now managed by Pacific Retirement Services (PRS), which specializes in continuing-care retirement community management. The manor campus, which sits at the top of Barneburg Hill, is home to nearly 1,000 residents. With on-site healthcare, and over a hundred interest groups and activities, the Rogue Valley Manor is probably the most well-known retirement center in Southern Oregon.

On closer inspection though, the Rogue Valley Manor is more than just a noticeable site along the freeway—or even a luxury retirement spot. The Manor’s economic impact on the Rogue Valley is huge; in addition to providing nearly five hundred jobs, including professional healthcare positions, the facility brings tourists to the valley. On average, sixty-five to seventy percent of residents at the Rogue Valley Manor are coming to Southern Oregon from outside the region, bringing with them visiting friends and family who fall in love with the area’s nice weather, accessibility, and high-end art scenes. Some of those friends and relations even end up moving to the Rogue Valley, bringing with them their businesses and skillsets.

According to Sarah Lynch, Vice President of Administration at PRS, amenities at the Manor include: ”almost everything!” With nearly 700 acres of campus, including two golf courses, multiple fitness centers, a bistro, boutique shopping, a library, tennis courts, an auditorium, woodworking shops, and more—the Manor is reminiscent of a cruise-ship. On land! Residents at the Manor are also frequently involved in the Southern Oregon community. Many are board members of local companies and non-profits, others advocate for housing and opportunity, and some even take classes at SOU (Southern Oregon University). With programs like OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), retirees have the options to learn from university classes (without the stress of tests)!

Pacific Retirement Services has continuing-care communities in five other states (Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, and Wisconsin). However, one of the most unique parts of the Rogue Valley Manor is that residents can choose from a variety of floorplans. Whether one-bedroom apartments, or independent cottages down the road, residents can access all the campus amenities, as well as healthcare in equally diverse amounts. The Manor even recently introduced a rental program that makes residency at the Rogue Valley Manor an even more affordable option.

“The Manor really is a premier retirement destination,” said Lynch in conclusion. “It’s a great community—within a great community.”

Photos credited to Rogue Valley Manor. 

Strategy 5.2.4 Champion Placemaking Projects that Create Community Amenities for Residents.