Eugene, ORBest Places to Live in the US in 2022

The top employing industries in Eugene include government, educational and health services, retail trade, profession and business services, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, and the tech industry. The city’s biggest employers include the University of Oregon, the Eugene School District 4J and PeaceHealth Medical Group.

University of Oregon, Lane Community College & Bushnell University

For eight months of the year, Eugene’s weather is cold and cloudy. The winters are mild enough not to accumulate more than 3 inches of snow, but the average high hovers near the low 40s. The average high in July and August is 84 degrees, making summer the perfect time to visit.

It is almost impossible to narrow all the outdoor activities down to one, but the Covered Bridge Scenic Bikeway is pretty fantastic. The 36-mile flat route leads cyclists through a number of charming covered bridges. 

Like many cities in Oregon, Eugene is hugged by lots of lush nature, which means recreational activities are abundant when it’s time to take a break from screen meetings and digital data sheets. The city also has great public transportation, making it easy to get to one of the many coworking spaces, cafes or bars to work from. Oregon provides plenty of incentives for small businesses to help cultivate the economy, which means there are growing opportunities for remote workers.

Smith Family Bookstore is one of the oldest independent bookstores in Oregon. With six rooms spread over two floors, literature lovers can easily spend a day getting lost in the stacks.

Located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, Eugene is home to several urban wineries for those who don’t want to drive out to the vineyards. Take your pick from the Oregon Wine L.A.B., which features wines by multiple small producers, J. Scott Cellars, where live music adds to the tasting experience or Territorial Vineyards and Wine Company, which has an intimate tasting room perfect for a date. 

Visitors can experience the wonder of rural Oregon without leaving the city limits. The 80-acre Hendricks Park, with its lush flower gardens and 12-mile Ridgeline Trail, is the oldest public park in the city. 

Agate Alley Bistro has something for everyone. Located one block from the University of Oregon campus, the pub serves Latin and Asian food made with local and organic ingredients, craft beer, Oregon wine and signature cocktails. 

The University of Oregon’s mascot, Donald Duck, is the only sports mascot licensed by Disney. 

Stunning scenery, a strong job market and nearly endless options when it comes to outdoor recreation make Eugene a best place to live in Oregon.

Between the coast and the mountains, Eugene, OR real estate is right where it needs to be. Homes for sale in Eugene have been rocketing upwards in value in recent years, while still remaining more affordable than properties in Portland. Looking to move? Once you have a real estate agent look for homes in Crest Drive, which has a reserved, private feel that contrasts nicely with the hustle and bustle of downtown Eugene.