I've lived in Eugene all my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. If I started out living somewhere else, then I would probably end up living here later on in my life. My favorite things to do here are going to the Saturday Market, going to the poetry slams at Morning Glory every last thursday of the month, the county fair (which is sadly only once a year), going to shows and walking downtown and through the parks at night.
The town of Bend is great with first class slopes nearby and big city amenities with a small town feel. It's a touch of Colorado in the Pacific Northwest without the high prices. You can get here from Portland or Eugene by bus in about 3 hours. There also an Amtrak shuttle from a stop about an hour away.
We had the best time in Portland. We just love that city and people. We will always hold Portland close to our hearts. Thanks to the many nice people in Portland and Oregon who made our visit a nice one.
I came here recently as one of the last hippies left in a right wing town in California, it was like I could breathe again! It is truly impressive! Eugene rocks!!! Lots of towns and states could take lessons on how to preserve beauty from Eugene. I really hope it maintains its hippie status.
Portland may feel small, which is part of its charm, but it is not a "small American city". The metropolitan area population ranks 22nd in the USA at about 2.2 million people.
I spent an idyllic summer in Eugene, in 1998. I would have stayed if I had found work. What people are calling "hippyness" are values I cherish: respect for the Earth that supports us, and our fellow human beings. At the same time, Eugene has a strong rural conservative component, making for an interesting mix. You might see a guy in a pickup with a gun rack right next to the one in the bike lane, pulling his child in the Oregon-made Burley bike trailer. I'll see you there for the Eugene Celebration, September 18-20!
Eugene is a great city, filled with personality. The hippy-ness gets to me a little sometimes, but other than that, I have a wonderful time in Eugene.
Astoria is the actual filming location of The Goonies. What more do you need to know?
Eugene does have beautiful scenery and it definitely is easy living here, but let me tell you something: this town is sooo anti-business and anti-cange, not to mention very racist. People here do not know how to deal with people of different ethnicities. No matter how liberal people say they are here, it's all BS, there isnothing wrong with the hippies here but the aura of negativity in Eugene just sucks, and it will always be that way.
I moved to Eugene from Kansas in '99. It was an eye-opening experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors.
Eugene rocks! I've lived here for over twenty years. Yes, there are beggers, but geez, where is the compassion people? Don't let a couple of bad apples ruin your appreciation for a wonderful town.
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