Maybe moving to Medford or Eugene?

[IslandGirl]

On 4/20/2005 at 9:52 AM, Tyler said:

I've only passed through Medford, so I cannot speak for it.

 

I have lived in Eugene for six and a half years now. I love it; although, it does have its share of drawbacks.

 

1) Cost of living is high - Housing prices and rent are especially inflated downtown and around campus.

2) The weather - This year's fall and winter were mild, but it's not always that way. The rain can begin in September and last until May. There are nice breaks in between though.

3) Job Market - Depending on what you do, the market can be tight. Plus, many employers can be stingy about what they pay. Although the job market is probably better in Eugene than Medford.

4) Ethnic diversity - there isn't a lot of ethnic diversity here. However, there is a lot of cultural diversity among caucasians. It's a nice, hip, somewhat progressive town.

 

Benefits

1) Traffic - There is traffic here, but it is NOTHING like it is in other areas. Eugeneans are lucky (and some don't know it).

2) Climbing - There is climbing surrounding Eugene, but you're going to have to drive there. Flagstone is about an 1.5 hrs away, Smith 2.5 hrs away, the Callahans in Roseburg are about 2hrs plus, then there are the "secret" trad areas around Westfir and Oakridge - about an hr away. Hood is about 3 hours away, North Cascades are 10 hours away, etc. etc.

 

However, we do have "The Columns" that are just downtown at Skinner Butte!!!

 

3) Food and Beer - There are some great restaurants in this town, and there are some great microbrews. Check out the McMenamins on High Street. There are some great coffeehouses too - check out Theo's at the Strand.

4) People - Eugene is a pretty cool hip little place, and there are a lot of interesting people here.

5) Bike friendly - there is an extensive network of bike trails and bike lanes are everywhere.

6) There's plenty of whitewater - if you're into that.

7) Great rivers and lakes for kayak touring if you're into that. Plus there is great flyfishing here.

8) Skiing and snowboarding - Hoodo and Willamette Pass are 1.5 hrs away, and Mt. Bachelor is 3 hrs away (my favorite).

9) We have an EXCELLENT gear shop in town, (Backcountry Gear), but you'll have to go to PDX or Seattle for a better selection of mountaineering boots or climbing shoes.

10) The Coast is about an hour away, PDX is about 2 hrs away, Seattle is 5 hrs away, and San Fran is about 8 hrs away.

 

Overall Eugene is the perfect size. It's a great place to live. Sure, it's not as cool as Bishop or Mazama, but there's plenty to do and climbing is within a reasonable drive.

 

If you decide to move here, let me know, and I'll be glad to fill you in with more details on Eugene.

Thanks for the informational input on Eugene, Oregon, but I just wanted to ask if there are any major changes since 21 years ago 2005. I am planning to move out to Oregon with my daughter, who will be attending SOU in the fall 2026. So, I will need your honest input in helping me choose where to best live at and the jobs there. I hope to hear from you soon!

 

[IslandGirl]

Thanks for the informational input on Eugene, Oregon, but I just wanted to ask if there are any major changes since 21 years ago 2005. I am planning to move out to Oregon with my daughter, who will be attending SOU in the fall 2026. So, I will need your honest input in helping me choose where to best live at and the jobs there. I hope to hear from you soon!