Eugene, OR, known as "A Great City for the Arts and Outdoors," is a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Located in the southern Willamette Valley, Eugene is approximately 110 miles south of Portland and 50 miles east of the Oregon Coast. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its diverse arts scene, beautiful parks, and strong community spirit.
Eugene's climate features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Alton Baker Park and the expansive Spencer Butte Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics. The Willamette River provides additional outdoor adventures, including kayaking and fishing.
The cultural scene in Eugene is dynamic, with attractions like the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, and the historic Fifth Street Public Market. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Oregon Bach Festival, the Eugene International Film Festival, and the Saturday Market, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a cornerstone of the Eugene community, with institutions like the University of Oregon and Lane Community College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools serve a diverse student population, making Eugene an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center, ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care and supports a strong job market.
Living in Eugene combines the benefits of urban amenities with the charm of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and bike lanes, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Eugene offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Eugene, Oregon is a moderately-sized city with a population of 176,249 people. Eugene has a population density of 3,992 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Eugene residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Eugene, only 43% of the population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Eugene offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Eugene can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Oregon, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Eugene and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, housing and other important metrics.
Eugene, OR receives 79 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #61 in Oregon and #1,779 in the USA. Based on this score, Eugene would be considered a very livable city! Eugene is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Eugene ranks very well for education (B-) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Eugene. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (D-) and cost of living (D-).
If you're considering living in Eugene, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Eugene provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Eugene are: Studio West Glassblowing Studio and Gallery, Studio West Glassblowing Studio and Gallery, and Hult Center for the Performing Arts.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Eugene apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Eugene is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Eugene come in at $535,310, which is 21% higher than the Oregon average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Eugene, the home price to income ratio is 6.8, which is 21.4% higher than the Oregon average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Eugene | Oregon | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 64.8% | 71.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.8% | 10.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.1% | 4.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 5.3% | 2.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.1% | 3.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.9% | 6.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Oregon
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Oregon
See the best places to live in Eugene
These are the largest cities in Oregon