Talent, Oregon Community & Homes for Sale

Talent is a charming, growing town located in Oregon's beautiful Rogue River Valley, just off Interstate 5 between Ashland Oregon and Medford Oregon. Talent is a small community of a little over 5,000 residents, but they have their own performing arts theater and skateboard park. Because of its close proximity to Ashland, Talent residents do not have to travel far for all that Ashland has to offer. The elevation is 1,635' and temperatures vary from 20 to 65 degrees in winter, with occasional fog and snow. Summer temperatures are 65 to 110 degrees, with cool nights.

History of Talent

The story of Talent begins in 1852 with the arrival of the first recorded settler, Jacob Wagner. Jacob completed his homestead in 1853 and named his settlement "Wagner." In 1854, the military came from Yreka and set up a fort on Jacob's property. The fort was named "Fort Wagner," and was intended to protect the travelers and early settlers from the Indians who had lived in the Bear Creek Valley for many years. There was never any trouble from the Indians, so Fort Wagner became a center for social activities and religious services. Later, in 1889, A.P. Talent platted a townsite and named it "Talent." On November 2, 1910, Talent became an incorporated town.

Talent Community

In the past few years, Talent has been experiencing a period of residential and commercial growth. New subdivisions and apartment complexes are either under construction or have been completed. The Talent Industrial Park has attracted new businesses to give more opportunities for employment.

The Urban Renewal Agency and the Historical Society meet regularly to discuss ideas for further development, refurbishment of the town, and historical preservation.

Education in Talent

Talent Elementary School and Talent Middle School are part of the Phoenix-Talent School District. High school students attend Phoenix High School in Phoenix.

Real Estate

Talent Real Estate values have increased dramatically until the real estate meltdown of 2008-2009 knocked prices back considerably. Ashland Oregon Real Estate prices suffered as well but remain considerably higher than Talent, which in turn is more expensive than Medford. Rural Talent and Ashland are sometimes featured among America’s best places to live and retire in national publications.