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Living in Eugene Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
Is Eugene Oregon a Good Place to Live?
Eugene is a fantastic city with a lot to offer and a great place to live. Its proximity to Portland, Central Oregon, the Mountains, the Willamette River, and the Oregon Coast makes living in Eugene accessible to an abundance of recreational activities. Being home to the Oregon Ducks and a college town makes it a little livelier and more fun than your average mid-size city. Whether you're looking at Eugene, Oregon, for educational reasons or wondering about the quality of life living in Eugene, Oregon, read on. I think you'll enjoy exploring what living in Eugene, Oregon looks like. If you're wondering "Is Eugene Oregon a good place to live?" I think you'll find what many others before you have, Eugene, Oregon, is an extraordinary place to move to and live!
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The Moving to Eugene Oregon Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Eugene, Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson is a real estate concierge and would love to help you navigate buying or selling your home in Eugene, Oregon. She has sold real estate in Oregon for over 12 years and has developed real estate connections throughout Oregon. With her experience and relationships, she can help you assemble a winning team to buy or sell a home in Eugene, Oregon.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. Together our Moving to Eugene, Oregon, team can help you make moving to or within Eugene, Oregon, a reality!
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What's Living in Eugene Oregon Like?
Eugene is conveniently located 2 hours from Portland and about an hour and fifteen minutes from the Oregon Coast. It is located in the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s most populous region, toward the southern end. With a population of approximately 178,835, Eugene is the third-largest city in Oregon.
Eugene, a well-known college town, is home to the University of Oregon (the Ducks). With this factored in, the median age of those living in Eugene is a little younger than in most areas, 35 years. Several years younger than the average Oregonian.
Living in Oregon Tips/Info/FAQs
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Best Neighborhoods in Eugene, Oregon
Friendly Area / College Hill: If you are moving to Eugene, you should look at the Friendly area. This Eugene neighborhood is located in the heart of the city, it is one of the more desirable Eugene neighborhoods to live in or move to. It is very walkable with great businesses, food carts, shopping, restaurants, breweries, and parks. This Eugene neighborhood has seen a lot of Eco-Friendly townhomes built in recent years to go along with a good mix of single-family homes ranging from ranches and bungalows to larger, higher-end homes. Home prices in this Eugene neighborhood are trending up. When something goes on the market, it goes quickly.
Amazon: The Amazon neighborhood’s proximity to the University of Oregon makes it an excellent location for graduate students and University employees living in Eugene. Situated in the south part of town, this Eugene neighborhood has good access to shopping, leisure, and schools, making the neighborhood extremely walkable and business-friendly. Amazon Park is a big attraction for those living close by. It has many biking and running trails and open spaces for leisure activities. For those moving to Eugene, this small neighborhood has some lovely homes at affordable prices.
Living in Eugene Oregon - Amazon Neighborhood
Crest Drive: Crest Drive is considered one of the better Eugene neighborhoods to raise a family in. The neighborhood has a higher median income and lower median home value than other areas in Eugene. Two-story 1970’s houses dominate the landscape, and housing prices are average for Eugene. Located a few minutes from downtown and the University of Oregon, Crest Drive is close but not too close to the major action of Eugene. Enjoy a good wine? This Eugene neighborhood is at the doorstep of Eugene’s own wine country.
Laurel Hill Valley: Located just 10 minutes from downtown, the Laurel Hill Valley neighborhood is considered one of the safest calmest neighborhoods if living in Eugene. Located just off I-5, the community is primarily residential but sits adjacent to Franklin Blvd, which has many amenities for those in this Eugene neighborhood. To the north end is the Willamette River and the Ruth Bascom bike path, which you can take into Autzen Stadium, where the Oregon Ducks play football. There’s a good mix of older 1900s homes with abundant new construction for those looking to relocate to Eugene.
Living in Eugene Oregon - Willamette River
Living in Eugene Oregon - Owen Rose Garden
Whiteaker: Also known as “the Whit” the Whiteaker neighborhood is a hub of Eugene’s culture. Known as an artsy town by those living in Eugene, it’s home to alternative artists, fantastic nightlife, and many popular bars and restaurants. The Eugene neighborhood has an abundance of city parks, including one of the most beautiful parks you’ll come across, Owen Rose Garden, where you’ll find 4500 roses. This bikeable and walkable Eugene neighborhood borders the Willamette River and has an abundance of recreation all around. If looking at moving to Eugene, you’ll find nothing cookie-cutter about the homes in “the Whit” where most homes were built in the 1940s and some much earlier.
If you want more information on what living in Eugene is like, want information on Eugene area homes or Eugene neighborhoods, reach out to a member of our Moving to Eugene Team. They would love to answer any questions and help you with your move to Eugene Oregon. If interested in looking at homes for sale in Eugene, Oregon, CLICK HERE to take a look!
The Community Vibe in Eugene Oregon
If you’re considering moving to Eugene, you’re likely researching what it’s like to live there. In that case, you might think Eugene is all about the Ducks since it’s the home of the University of Oregon or all about running and sports as the origins of Nike started there, or it’s all about Track as it’s often referred to as Track Town USA. Well, you’d be correct, but at the same time, it’s so much more. The community of Eugene is all about outdoor recreation. There are several rivers and creeks in the area and an abundance of bicycle trails and parks.
Organic farming, a commitment to the arts, and a very politically charged citizen base are all characteristics that are important to those living in Eugene as well.
The Weather in Eugene Oregon
The weather in Eugene is stereotypical Oregon weather. The winters are typically cold, wet, and cloudy. On average, the city gets some precipitation 151 days out of the year, 3 inches of snow, and 41 inches of rain. The temperature rarely dips below 25 degrees. The summers are beautiful but short compared to most of the country and are generally warm and dry. The average high in July and August is 83 degrees, rarely going above 97 degrees. Those who live in Eugene are probably used to the extended cloudy weather. If looking to move to Eugene from a sunnier climate, it’s certainly something that takes getting used to.
Public Schools in Eugene Oregon
Is Eugene Oregon a good place to live? If you have school aged kids that the quality of schools will play a big factor in determining this for you. Eugene public schools are rated above average. There are approximately 17,000 students in PK, K-12 and the student-teacher ratio is 21 to 1. State test scores show that 47% of students are at least proficient in math and 59% proficient in reading. There are 23 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and seven high schools in Eugene.
Niche.com grades > Overall – B, Academics – B, Teachers A-, Clubs & Activities – C+, Diversity – B+, College Prep A-, Health and Safety C+.
If looking to move to Eugene and want more information on Eugene school's, boundaries and rankings check out the Moving to and Living in Eugene Links section below for links to various websites to get all this information and much more.
Top Employers in Eugene and Lane County Oregon
If considering moving to Eugene, it’s likely the business and employers in the area are a significant consideration. Below are some of the top employers in Eugene, Oregon, and Lane County:
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Peace Health Corp, approximately 5,347 employees
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The University of Oregon, approximately 5,036 employees
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Eugene 4J School District, approximately 2,347 employees
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US Government, approximately 1,813 employees
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Oregon State Government, approximately 1,805 employees
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City of Eugene, approximately 1,733 employees
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Lane Community College, approximately 1,721 employees
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Lane County Government, approximately 1,552 employees
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Springfield School District, approximately 1,130 employees
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McKenzie Willamette Medical, approximately 1,060 employees
Top Destinations, Attractions & Events in Eugene Oregon
Willamette River Bike Trail
Commonly known as the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path system, this 12-mile bike trail connects Eugene to Springfield, Oregon. Winding its way along the Willamette River, you’ll cycle past some of the best attractions in Eugene, Skinner Butte Park, the University of Oregon, and the Owen Rose Garden on the south. On the north side, you go through the Alton Baker Park Forest. The many park benches, picnic areas, and pedestrian bridges make it a great spot to walk, run or have a good picnic as well as bike—indeed, a must for anyone living in Eugene or planning on moving to Eugene.
Living in Eugene Oregon - Photo by Rick Obst
Living in Eugene Oregon - Matthew Knight Arena
The University of Oregon
One of the biggest attractions in Eugene is the University of Oregon. This highly rated university takes up a good portion of the city center.
The 295-acre campus is an arboretum with over 4000 trees of more than 500 species. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and The Museum of Natural Cultural History can be found on campus and are wonderful places to view historical and modern art. Into sports? Autzen Stadium (football), Matthew Knight Arena (basketball), and Hayward Field (track & field) are some of the best sports complexes to be found in the country.
And oh yeah, there’s the college. It’s organized into five colleges, seven professional schools, and a graduate school. If you’re moving to Eugene and going to the University of Oregon, there’s a lot to do and see.
Hendricks Park and Owen Rose Garden
Located in the southeastern part of Eugene, Hendricks Park is a pretty fantastic spot. Packed with azaleas and rhododendrons, this picturesque park is the oldest city park in the city of Eugene. While walking along its shaded paths, you’ll see dogwood trees, towering ferns, irises, and plenty of wildflowers.
Roses are the draw at the Owen Rose Garden Park, where you’ll find 4500 different roses. The rose garden sits on eight and a half acres on the bank of the Willamette River.
So, if you’re living in Eugene and haven’t been or visiting Eugene, stop by for a picnic and enjoy these amazing parks and beautiful views.
Living in Eugene Oregon - Hendricks Park
Living in Eugene Oregon - Hayward Field
Hayward Field
Judged by most as the greatest outdoor track venue in the United States, Hayward Field is amazing. With a total capacity of 25,000 people, the venue has hosted world championships, Olympic Trials, and eight of the last eleven NCAA Division I outdoor championships. The atmosphere is unmatched. If you plan to visit or are living in Eugene, Oregon, you must come to see a track meet at Hayward Field.
Eugene Saturday Market
One of, if not the most successful and largest local markets in Oregon, the Eugene Saturday market isn't just a “Farmers Market.” Located on East 8th Avenue, the market has over 200 local artisans, food vendors, and performers that draw between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors weekly. The festival-like atmosphere of the market is fun for the whole family and is a must-see for anyone living in Eugene.
Living in Eugene Oregon - Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium, where the nationally recognized Oregon Ducks play their football games, is definitely one of the loudest stadiums in college football. It holds 59,000 fans. Speaking from experience, when the crowd is going, you cannot hear the person standing next to you.
The publicity generated by Autzen Stadium, Phil Knight, and Nike makes the University of Oregon Ducks one of the most prominent and popular programs in college football. Known as “Phil’s Team,” the Nike founder has poured a lot of money into stadium improvements to make for an unrivaled experience. Compliments of Nike, the football team is always sporting the newest, coolest uniforms.
Pros and Cons of Living in Eugene Oregon
Living in Eugene Pros
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Recreation: There are so many recreational opportunities if you're living in Eugene, Oregon. With an abundance of bike trails, parks, and rivers, you will love spending time outdoors and have plenty to do to keep busy.
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Proximity to the Coast and Mountains: Eugene is one hour from Florence, Oregon, the Oregon Coast, and one hour from the Cascade Mountains. Those living in Eugene have beautiful beaches to explore and hiking, biking, and skiing, all within an hour.
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Breweries and Wine Tasting: Eugene has a booming microbrewery scene and is in the Willamette Valley, an area known for its excellent wines. If you like a good microbrew or a good glass of wine, then you’ll undoubtedly love living in Eugene.
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Entertainment: With the University of Oregon Ducks in town, there are plenty of sporting events to attend for those living in Eugene. With the great venues in the city that have been built, for a little bit smaller town, Eugene has many top performers come to town. Eugene also has a thriving performing arts scene. There are off-Broadway musicals as well as a local ballet and opera company.
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Great Foodie Community: An abundance of new restaurants and bars have opened over the past years. There’s also a good amount of food carts in various sections of the city. If you move to Eugene you'll be well fed.
Living in Eugene Cons
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Rain: You have probably heard that it rains a lot in Oregon, and it can. Eugene gets an average of about 41 inches of rain a year. The rain is what makes the area so green and scenic, though. If you are looking to move to Eugene from a warmer, drier climate, this will probably be one of the most challenging adjustments of living in Eugene Oregon.
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