Good College Town
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6/13/2020
I lived in Eugene for 4 years as an undergrad at U of O.
Aspects:
The Outdoors: The towering trees, rivers, and hiking trails are downright gorgeous. Coming from someone who has lived most of his life in a big city-unable to escape concrete, this was perhaps my favorite aspect of Eugene.
Public Transportation: The bus system is solid, running relatively frequently.
The Culture: This is a very non-materialistic city, or "hippy" city as many would put it. Something I personally enjoyed. Many left wing activists call Eugene home and we have the Co-ops to prove it. Oregon is one of the least churched/religious states in the country, so know that before you choose to move here. Ethnically, it's fairly white, but definitely more diverse at the University. All the same, it's quite tolerant.
Nightlife: Lots of solid bars and restaurants to check out. Not much in the way of big, ritzy clubs that you'll find in big cities- but don't think you want that moving to a city like Eugene anyway. There's the Cowfish if you're really into dancing.
Business: Like most small to medium sized cities, this is not really a place to start off your professional career. Most people I know did not stick around after graduating from the University. And in some ways this reflects the attitude of folks towards "Big Business". My Business Professor told us the story of Intel wanting to build a large microchip in Eugene brining with it lots of good paying jobs, only for it to be voted down.
Weather: It rains a lot, duh! Personally, I love that but I know for some it causes Seasonal Affective Disorder. Usually hovering in the mid 30s or 40s in Fall/Winter. Snowed literally twice in four years of living there-so pretty much a non factor. Summer is gorgeous.
Max | Los Angeles, CA