Living in
Eugene, Oregon. And we're starting right now. Welcome to our YouTube channel,
everyone. My name is Laurie Howes and I am a realtor with Keller Williams Realty
in Eugene Springfield. Today we're going to talk about the pros and the cons of
living in Eugene, Oregon. So let's get started. We're going to start with those
pesky cons so we can end on a high note with all those pros.
CON #1
If you've
heard anything about Oregon, I'm sure you heard it rains a lot. The average
rainfall in Eugene is about 47 inches a year. We do get a lot of rain. But
that's what keeps the city so green. So you just really need to learn how to
love the rain. Plus, you really learn to enjoy those sun breaks sprinkled
throughout the winter when the sun pops out. However, year-round temperatures
are very mild. Our wintertime temperatures average around 45 degrees and our
summertime temperatures average around 82.
CON #2
Is allergy
season. Allergy season runs from March through July with tree pollen from
March, April and May. And grass pollen starts in May and runs through July
13th. Eugene is located at the end of the Willamette Valley. The Willamette
Valley is the grass seed mecca of the world. So you can see why there's so much
grass pollen here. So be sure and stock up on the allergy medication and plan
to spend a few more days indoors during allergy season and that you get through
just fine.
CON #3
Downtown parking.
Most of the downtown parking is metered or there are pay lots. There are very
few free lots to park in downtown. But Lane Transit bus service does have bus
stations around town where you can park and ride. Free parking, so just park your
car and hop the city bus and head on downtown.
CON #4
The city of
Eugene has not quite figured out how to manage the homeless population, but
they are working on it constantly to come up with strategies to help the unhoused.
Eugene City Council is working with nonprofits to improve rest stops and tiny
villages to move the unhoused into transitional housing.
CON #5
We have a
housing shortage. The city of Eugene believes in infill, not urban sprawl. They
are not going to extend the urban growth boundary anytime soon. Tracts of land for
building out new neighborhoods are becoming very scarce within the city.
Affordable housing is an issue.
Now let's
move on to those pro's
PRO #1
Recreational
opportunities are at your fingertips. Rafting, kayaking, hiking, camping and
fishing. Are just a few options for the outdoor enthusiast.
PRO #2
Eugene is
only one hour from the Oregon coast where you can enjoy long walks on the beach
and then dine on some locally caught seafood. And to the east, again only one
hour away are the Cascade Mountains. The mountains offer summertime camping,
hiking, mountain biking, fishing and water skiing. During the winter, there's
downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing within an hour of the city.
PRO #3
The
performing arts, there are several locations throughout the city where you can
enjoy live performances. One is the Hult Center where you can take in an off-Broadway
play or musical, the Eugene Ballet and the Eugene opera. Popular performers
come and play at the Matthew Knight Arena, located on the University of Oregon
campus throughout the year. And there are several small theaters within the
city as well. They include the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, the Very Little
Theater and the Actors Cabaret.
PRO #4
The great
outdoors, walking, jogging, biking and walking your dog is all very popular
here in Eugene and there are several places to do that. With 31 trails and 95 miles
of walking/jogging paths in Eugene, you can always get out and enjoy a hike on
Spenser's Butt, Skinners Butt or Mt. Pisgah and Moon Mountain City Park.
PRO #5
Breweries
and wine tasting. After all that hiking, biking and dog walking, maybe a cold
beverage is on order. There are 14 microbreweries in the Eugene area, 20 wine
tasting rooms, and nearly all of them serve really great food!
Well, that's a wrap, folks, I hope you've
enjoyed these five cons and five pros.
If you want to learn more about Eugene and the surrounding area please subscribe
to our YouTube channel as we post new video’s every Monday and Friday.
You all have
a great week and we'll see you soon.
Team Howes