Best Neighborhoods in Eugene, Oregon

Nestled in the picturesque Willamette Valley, Eugene, Oregon, is also known as “A Great City for the Arts and Outdoors.”  This city is celebrated for its unique culture, stunning natural surroundings, and diverse and welcoming community. Eugene embraces a laid-back, eco-friendly lifestyle, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and art lovers alike.

Wondering if Eugene is the city for you? Here’s everything you need to know about living in Eugene, from home prices to unique characteristics of each neighborhood, straight from the U-Box moving experts!

What to Know About Living in Eugene, Oregon

Nature: Did you know that Eugene has over 5,000 acres of publicly owned natural spaces? This includes wetlands, creeks, forests, prairies, and savannas. This makes Eugene a paradise for nature-lovers, thanks to its scenic landscapes and the endless outdoor activities to enjoy. Eugene is also the gateway to the stunning Oregon Coast, just a short drive away. Spend a day exploring the rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and charming coastal towns.

Smaller Population: Even though Eugene may be the second most populated city in Oregon, it still gives more of a small-town vibe. The population of Eugene is just about 177,900, with about 23,000 of those residents being students at the local college, the University of Oregon. So, while Eugene may be a college town, there is still plenty of room to raise a family and feel a close-knit community vibe.

Easy to Get Around: One thing residents love about Eugene is just how easy it is to get around, even without a car. If you’re a cyclist, you’ll love the well-maintained cycling paths, along with the strong community built around them. But if you’re more of a commuter, Eugene offers plenty of public transit, including a comprehensive bus system (LTD) that serves the entire city.

Exploring Eugene's Top Neighborhoods

West University

Average Rent: 1,846

Median Home Price: $552K

If you’re a college student, or employed by the University of Oregon, living near the campus is highly recommended. At U-Box, we recommend the West University neighborhood, which is pedestrian friendly, full of trendy shopping and eateries, and the peaceful Alton Baker Park. You’ll also be close by when it’s gameday at Autzen Stadium, where you can see the Oregon Ducks kick some tail!

The university neighborhoods are also home to museums, like the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art or the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. And with a quick drive (or bike ride) down the road, you’ll find yourself in Downtown Eugene with plenty more to see and explore.

Whiteaker

Average Rent: $1,717

Median Home Price: $466.7K

If you want to be at the heart of the arts scene in Eugene, you should look at Whiteaker. Commonly known as, “The Whit,” this neighborhood is a great mix of business, residential, and green spaces. For example, you can do some rock climbing, hiking, or fishing at the Skinner Butte Park, and then catch a live show at Old Nick’s Pub!

Need a drink? Whiteaker is known as “the fermentation district,” thanks to the high volume of breweries, distilleries, and wineries in the area. This also makes Whiteaker a great option for your next bachelor/bachelorette party. But keep in mind that Whiteaker borders some train tracks, so you may hear some noise pollution if you choose to live there permanently.

Amazon

Average Rent: $2,256

Median Home Price: $547.5 K

South of the University of Oregon, Amazon is a neighborhood located a little father removed from the action at Eugene’s center. This location is highly sought, due to the great schools and lower crime rates.

One of the community’s favorite parts of living in this neighborhood is the presence of Amazon Park and Community Center, complete with a public pool, a fully-inclusive playground, two dog parks, and even an amphitheater! Needless to say, if you’re looking for a close-knit, safe, and lively neighborhood, Amazon should be at the top of your list.

Cal Young

Average Rent: $1,846

Median Home Price: $525K

The Cal Young neighborhood sits right across the Willamette River from Whiteaker. With the added distance from the densely populated university and Downtown population, living in Cal Young has more of a suburban feel. On top of that, it’s home to many great schools, both public and private, making it a desirable neighborhood for growing families.

Cal Young is also a great golfing location, with multiple golf courses decorating the neighborhood. But there is a lack of parks, so you may need to pack up the family and head over toward West University or Whiteaker for their green spaces.

Fairmount

Median Rent (One Bedroom): $2,827

Median Home Price: $712.5K

Fairmount is one of the older neighborhoods in Eugene, and you can tell just by how it looks! This classically beautiful community is close to the University of Oregon and has Hendricks Park at the heart of the neighborhood. In Fairmount, you’ll be able to walk to some of the city’s top amenities, like trendy restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities.

Due to the closeness to nature, thriving schools, and gorgeous architecture, Fairmount is a popular destination to set up shop. That means that you’ll be paying more and competing harder to secure a home. But when it comes to Fairmount, it’s worth it!

Move to Oregon with U-Box By U-Haul

Many people dream of moving to the Pacific Northwest, so why not make it a reality? When you move with U-Box by U-Haul, we’ll do all the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is tell us how many portable storage containers you need, when you need them, and pack up your stuff! From there, we can pick up and ship your belongings anywhere in the world. The sky is the limit when you’re moving with U-Box by U-Haul.

So, ready to get moving? Fill out the form below to get a customized quote!