I've been in Eugene since 1994. And, yes, we have hippies, snobs, cliques, crazies, and the pseudo-rich, but it's like Jerry Garcia and John Waters had a love child and named it Eugene. The scenery is magnificent and there are a million amazing hiking trails and swimming spots. Yes, everything closes up early. Yes, you will be panhandled. And, yes, there are some really stinky people here. But it's the same wherever you go. I''m always happy to travel the world and see new things, but I'm always happy to come home to Eugene.
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 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've lived in Eugene since '94 and have never seen the variety of cliques here (and I've lived on all borders up, down, and sideway with a few in-between). The hippy crap is old (I'm not just talking just the old hippies either) and if the extremists want to brag about the beauty everywhere (and it is beautiful once you're up in the trees). They need to clean-up the downtown and tell the loafers to go out east. It's a cool place, nevertheless, because of its laid-back style with people on the friendly-snobby side, but there is definitely worse out there.
If you want to know what heaven looks like, just visit Portland, then you'll realise by yourself after seeing it. It is a great place to live peacefully, no crime and a safe place from natural disaster. Wonderful angels are living here, don't miss it.
Portland... it isn't a big tourist destination really, but there may be no better example of the ideal small American city. It's a young town and the locals are some of the most genuinely friendly people you'll find anywhere. It has a lively downtown and nightlife. And it's surrounded on all sides by great outdoor hiking areas, including the spectacular Columbia River Gorge. Mt. St. Helens is a short drive away, and if you're into skiing, check out nearby Mt. Hood. It's the only mountain in North America with year-round snow skiing.
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