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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Flag flying above Autzen Stadium in Eugene Oregon

Are You Considering Buying a Home in Eugene Oregon?

Would you like to buy a home in Eugene, Oregon? Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in the Eugene area. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Eugene, Oregon, to help you navigate your home buying journey, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.

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. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call at 971-275-2465.

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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.

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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.

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.

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 moving to Eugene, Oregon, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Eugene, Oregon. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to Eugene, Oregon, is picking an experienced realtor who can help you get the house you want at the best price. At living in Oregon, we work with the best realtors throughout the state and can help you get the right realtor to make your move and home purchase as easy as possible.

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:

Peace Health Corp, approximately 5,347 employees
The University of Oregon, approximately 5,036 employees
Eugene 4J School District, approximately 2,347 employees
US Government, approximately 1,813 employees
Oregon State Government, approximately 1,805 employees
City of Eugene, approximately 1,733 employees
Lane Community College, approximately 1,721 employees
Lane County Government, approximately 1,552 employees
Springfield School District, approximately 1,130 employees
McKenzie Willamette Medical, approximately 1,060 employees

Sign for University of Oregon in Eugene Oregon

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.

Matthew Knight Arena at University of Oregon

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.

Rhododendrons at Hendricks Park in Eugene Oregon

Living in Eugene Oregon - Hendricks Park

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.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
Allergies: Living in Eugene can be challenging if you've got allergies. There are many trees, so the tree pollen can be rough. What gets you is the grass seed. Oregon is the grass seed capital of the world, producing 75% of the world's grass seed. The Willamette Valley, where Eugene is located, is where a majority of it's grown, so if you plan to move to Eugene, stock up on your allergy medicine.
Homeless/Unhoused: Eugene has a homeless issue. There are around 3,000 people experiencing homelessness, and 2,000 of them are without shelter every night. Eugene is doing things to try and help the problem, but it continues to be an issue in the city.
Lack of Housing: Housing is in short supply if you are looking to move to Eugene and buy a home. More people are moving to Eugene than homes or apartments being built. If you want to buy a house, you need to be prepared and work with a good mortgage broker to get pre-approved and a good realtor. For Mortgage Info reach out to me. I would love to answer any questions about living in Eugene and help you get pre-approved for a mortgage. I also have several good realtors I work with, if you need an introduction, and together we can make living in Eugene and buying a home a reality for you.

FAQs About Living in Eugene Oregon

What is Eugene known for?

Eugene is known for a lot of things. The University of Oregon Ducks, Track Town USA, College of Nike’s founder Phil Knight, outdoor recreation, rain, and being a very liberal city with a lot of hippies.

What cities are Eugene by?

The closest cities if you are living in Eugene, Oregon, are Springfield. 4 miles away. Corvallis, home of Oregon State University is 47 miles away. Salem, the closest bigger city is 64 miles away. And Portland, the largest city in Oregon is 110 miles away. For a list and links for other Willamette Valley cities.

Is Eugene a safe place to live?

Depending on what you read, some publications will tell you Eugene is safe, while other publications tell you it has a high crime rate. Living in Eugene, Oregon, you'll find it's a safe place for the most part. There is a homeless issue in the city, so there are issues surrounding that problem that might add to the statistics but overall living in Eugene, Oregon, you'll be safe.

What is there to do for fun in Eugene?

Plenty! It's a college town, home of the University of Oregon Ducks. So if you like college athletics, there is an abundance to see living in Eugene. With plenty of parks, trails, the Willamette River, a great food scene, and incredible wineries in and around the city, you'll have plenty to do for fun living in Eugene, Oregon.

Does Eugene have good schools?

Public schools in Eugene, Oregon, are rated above average. There are approximately 17,000 students in PK, K-12 and the student-teacher ratio is 21 to 1. In the most recent school year, 81.7% of Eugene, Oregon, seniors graduated on time, compared to 80% state-wide. So if you're looking at moving to Eugene, Oregon, and you have school-aged kids, you can sleep easy knowing they have the opportunity to get a good education living in Eugene, Oregon.

I want to move to Eugene. How do I make it happen?

Research and preparation are the keys if you want to move to Eugene Oregon. There’s a lot of information on this website to help. If you want a community to ask questions to, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon. We have a large community of people who are willing to help and answer any questions you might have about moving to and living in Eugene. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Eugene area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would be honored to help you move to Eugene Oregon and buy a home. Together we can make living in Eugene a reality for you.

Is Eugene Oregon a good place to live?

The answer to this is different for everyone. Hopefully the information in this article has answered the question "is Eugene Oregon a good place to live?" for you.

For FAQs about moving to Oregon or living in Oregon, check out my blog, 31 FAQs About Living in Oregon. For more information about living in Oregon, check out the homepage of LIVING IN OREGON.