Eugene, ORBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Surrounded by lush forests and the Willamette River, Eugene is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Stunning natural beauty, a laid-back atmosphere and a strong sense of community contribute to the city’s quality of life.
More About Living in Eugene
Eugene, OR, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Eugene, OR, is nestled on the southern side of the Willamette Valley, less than two hours from Portland. From access to a bounty of natural landscapes and oodles of things to do, Eugene has much to offer residents, making it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Ranking high in the transportation category, the city has earned a bicycle-friendly reputation for its bountiful cycling infrastructure, which includes 187 miles of on-street bicycle lanes and 71 miles of signed bikeways and neighborhood greenways. Don’t have your own ride? Don’t fret — Eugene also has a bike-share system with 40 self-serve stations for pick up and drop off.
Other ways to get around Eugene include an easy-to-navigate and reliable Lane Transit District (LTD) bus system. The buses are also equipped with bike racks for those who want to travel on two wheels for part of their journey. Biking, walking and using the bus system are ways the city encourages its more than 177,250 residents to reduce their carbon footprint, which is why Eugene earns high praise for its long-standing climate action efforts. In addition, in lieu of relying on pollution–producing power plants, Eugene gets about 80% of its power from carbon-free hydroelectric energy (the other 20% comes from renewable sources).
Plentiful outdoor pursuits make Eugene a great home base for those who enjoy fresh-air activities. Options include hiking to the summit of Spencer Butte to take in panoramic sights of the forest-blanketed Willamette Valley, spotting winged beauties at the Cascades Raptor Center, and stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking at Alton Baker Park. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Willamette Pass, about an hour’s drive from Eugene, where more than 430 inches of annual snowfall blankets 555 acres of lift-served trails.
Eugene is home to the University of Oregon (go Ducks!), which offers well-known programs in education, psychology, environmental law, creative writing and other fields. In addition, several other higher-education institutions draw energetic crowds of students and young professionals to the city.
Eugene, OR Quality of Life LivScore
Eugene, OR Top Categories
Environment
Transportation
Amenities
Eugene ranks highest for environment, transportation and amenities.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Eugene, OR
Eugene has a Mediterranean climate, meaning the city experiences warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average highs and lows are 80°F and 50°F (summer) and 48°F and 35°F (winter). The winter, spring and fall seasons are known to be overcast.
The average annual snowfall in Eugene is very low, at just 3 inches each year.
The average annual rainfall in Eugene is a whopping 46 inches. On average, the wettest months in Eugene are December through February, while the driest months are July through September.
Eugene averages 155 sunny days a year.
Stroll among 200-year-old Douglas firs and more than 6,000 varieties of rhododendrons and other native plants at 80-acre Hendricks Park.
Eugene Weather
155 days
Average Annual Sun
46 inches
Average Annual Rain
3 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Eugene, OR
Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus has hosted multiple U.S. Olympic Team running trials and many other track-and-field events, helping earn Eugene the nickname “TrackTown USA.”
Aspiring pilots adore spending time at the Oregon Air and Space Museum, where a collection of vintage airplanes and aviation memorabilia is displayed.
The culinary pros at Rye source ingredients from local farms and purveyors to produce a menu of elevated, perfect-for-sharing starters, salads and mains.
Order a sea salt–zinged caramel latte or a decadent affogato (a double shot of espresso poured over vanilla bean ice cream) at Meraki Coffee & Tea.
The Local and State Economy in Eugene, OR
Eugene has a robust economy comprising several different industries, including manufacturing, technology and wood products. Lumber is the largest industry in the Eugene area, where several manufacturers produce lumber and wood products. Additionally, the area is the nation’s leading producer of softwood lumber and plywood products.
Oregon has no state sales tax, and no local sales taxes apply in Eugene.
Yes, Oregon has a state income tax.
Eugene residents are in good health thanks to access to various providers, including PeaceHealth Medical Group, the Oregon Medical Group and Sacred Heart Medical Center at University District.
There are several colleges and universities in Eugene, OR, including the University of Oregon, Lane Community College, New Hope Christian College and Bushnell University.
Quick Facts About Eugene, OR
- Median Household Income
- $58,166
- Median Home Value
- $381,779
- Average State Property Tax
- $3,352
- Total Population
- 177,254
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,065
- Average Commute
- 15.83 minutes
Ease of getting around and a clean environment contribute to ranking Eugene as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn how to best experience Eugene or consider other great places to live out West. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
