Eugene, OR
Why You’ll Love Living in Eugene, Oregon
Located on the southern side of the Willamette Valley, Eugene, Oregon, has an impressive dining scene, top-rated public schools and a biking system that is second to none — in fact, it’s home to three of the state’s official scenic bikeways. Eugene attracts a community of outdoor-minded individuals who are politically engaged and have a commitment to the arts. The city’s healthy economy includes manufacturing, technology and wood products, with lumber being the largest industry in the Eugene area. Winemaking also gets high marks here — wine produced in the Willamette Valley is known as some of the best in the world!
Thinking of moving to Eugene, OR? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Eugene, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Eugene, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Eugene, OR, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S., Eugene, OR, is a city that definitely deserves that recognition. The city of 180,000-plus residents has the outdoors at its fingertips, with options that include hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding and biking. And Eugene residents aren’t messing around when it comes to biking; it is a way of life here because of the area’s commitment to cycling infrastructure, which includes 187 miles of on-street bike lanes and 71 miles of signed bikeways and neighborhood greenways. Plus, city buses have bike racks, and there’s even a bike-sharing system with 40 self-serve stations. Those are just a few of the ways Eugene and its sustainably-minded residents are reducing its carbon footprint. The community also gets around 80% of its power from carbon-free hydroelectric energy.
Situated on the Willamette River and on the southern side of the Willamette Valley — and less than two hours from Portland — Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, which offers lauded programs in environmental law, education, creative writing and psychology, among others. The school is also well-known for Hayward Field, the site of numerous world-class track and field events — thus Eugene’s nickname as “TrackTown USA.”
The dining scene is creative and fun, with a bevy of chefs proficient at doing farm-to-table meals long before it became a culinary staple. And if you ever have the desire to leave the city, the Oregon Coast and the Cascade Mountains are just a hop, skip and a jump away!
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 low, at just 5 inches each year.
The average annual rainfall in Eugene is around 46 inches.
Eugene averages 152 sunny days a year.
It is impossible to narrow all the outdoor activities down to one, but the Covered Bridge Scenic Bikeway is fantastic. The 36-mile flat route leads cyclists through a number of charming covered bridges.
Things To Do in Eugene, OR
A fantastic free activity in Eugene is spending a few hours exploring Hendricks Park. This 80-acre park is nestled in the city and is a scenic spot renowned for its rhododendron garden, bursting with more than 6,000 varieties of spring blooms and an extensive network of trails. The park also provides breathtaking views of the Willamette Valley, which makes it a great place for a leisurely stroll among 200-year-old Douglas firs.
Aspiring pilots adore spending time at the Oregon Air and Space Museum, where a collection of vintage airplanes and aviation memorabilia is displayed.
The University of Oregon’s mascot, Donald Duck, is the only sports mascot licensed by Disney. And Eugene is the birthplace of Nike!
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.
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.
The Hult Center downtown is considered a cultural hub that hosts a wide array of performances, including concerts, Broadway shows, ballets and symphony performances. Music aficionados are particularly fond of its Silva Concert Hall and the Soreng Theater; both praised for their excellent acoustics and intimate atmospheres.
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 PeaceHealth’s Sacred Heart Medical Center at the University District.
Several colleges and universities are located in Eugene, including the University of Oregon, Lane Community College, New Hope Christian College and Bushnell University.
Weather in Eugene, OR
Average Temperatures
63 High / 42 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
46 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
5 Inches
Quick Facts about Eugene, Oregon
- Median Home Value
- $385,837
- Median Property Tax
- $2,600
- Total Population
- 180,914
- Average Commute
- 16 min
- Median Household Income
- $66,122
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,057
Map of Eugene, OR
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