Not Safe
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2/28/2011
The sad and simple fact is, growing up in downtown Eugene is hellacious.
I've been robbed, at the point of various weapons, on the street in the neighbourhood I grew up in three times- twice in broad daylight. The police never did anything about it. My house was broken into four times. Police did nothing. I've had rocks and beer cans thrown out of car windows at me for no apparent reason, and been attacked by surly burn-outs and thugs more times than I can count. Schools are sub-par and dangerous. I grew up near (multiple) meth-houses and swarms of homeless. At times I felt terrorized everywhere I went.
The U of O is vastly underrated, and I am pleased I stayed around to study there. But life after university is desolate.
When I moved to South Brooklyn, New York, I was prepared for the worst, Eugene being the only place I ever lived. I'm surprised everyday that there are no bums here, there is no noticeable crime, no public inebriation, etc. I'm definitely safer in one of the less safe neighbourhoods of New York City than an average neighbourhood in Eugene, Oregon. I realize others who have lived in more remote and affluent parts of Eugene have different experiences, but this is my experience and the experience of those I grew up with.
Vance | New York, NY