Eugene, OR is the #31 Best City to Live in the USA
| Eugene, OR Quality of Life Liv Score 634 How We Calculate Our Data |
|---|
| Civics | 53 |
| Demographics | 34 |
| Economy | 70 |
| Education | 68 |
| Health | 57 |
| Housing | 60 |
| Infrastructure | 51 |
| Amenities | 73 |
Why Eugene is one of the best cities to live in
Sixty miles west of Eugene, OR, is the famed Oregon Coast, with its seaside coves, craggy coastlines and Pacific gray whales. And 100 miles to the east are the Cascade Mountains, a siren for outdoors lovers. What are we getting at? Locals have options (lots of them!) when it comes to weekend adventures within close proximity – that is, if they can peel themselves away from Eugene, which is glorious in its own right and one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Located along the Willamette River, Eugene (aka the “Great City for the Arts and Outdoors”) is known for its local arts scene and world-class recreation. The diverse geography and cool climate provide an ideal niche for every type of outdoor enthusiast, from trail runners to windsurfers. A sound economy, the presence of the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) and restaurants that have been doing farm-to-table meals before it was a culinary catchphrase add to this northwest city’s splendor.
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.
Eugene, OR is Remote-Ready
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.
What Locals Love in Eugene, OR
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.
Thinking of Moving to Eugene?
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.
Quick Facts About Eugene, OR
- Average Commute
- 17.7
- Median Home Value
- $488,642
- Med. Household Income
- $52,689
- Total Population
- 170,457
- Walk Score
- 41
- Median Property Tax
- $3,650
