My thoughts on Eugene

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by jjpop

Just my experience FWIW, I've lived among Doug fir my entire life and have never heard them referred to as "pines". Pines were either at high elevation or at the coast.

It's true Doug firs are in the Pinaceae family, and so are several other conifers (cedars, firs, hemlocks, larches (tamaracks), spruces, and pines). There are four subfamilies and this is where the separation from true pines takes place.

When speaking about all of these trees generally, I always heard them referred to as evergreens.

Oh, I've heard it. Not from natives though; as I'm sure you know, we just call them Doug Firs.

[lauramc27]

Originally Posted by 1208

no offense lauramc but the meth problem in eugene, and springfield especially, is just as bad as pretty much anywhere else of its size in the country. The very high rate of property crime in the area reflects this. fortunately, the violent crime is very low for its size, so you mostly need to worry about locking up and protecting your valuables and taking steps to ensure your home isn't burglarized if you leave town. I would not worry too much about it, it is not a dangerous city.

As I said, I haven't heard of it, I didn't say it didn't exist. I also said I did hear more about that kind of activity in other states I have lived in more than I do here. Meth is everywhere these days, I bet it would be hard to live anywhere where you didn't hear about it. No offense taken

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by NewHomeOregon

After having visited Portland, Corvallis and Eugene, my favorite location is Eugene. This is partly because of its stunning natural beauty. In Eugene you cannot forget you are in Oregon. The pine covered hills and Willamette are amazing. Portland is a cultural Mecca with lots to do but it's easy to forget you're in Oregon. Unless I missed it there's not as much natural beautyr. Sure there are the parks and some beautiful neighborhoods but those are gentrified. I need a lot of natural. Beauty around me. Even the Willamette in Portland looked brown. Why is that? What I'm worried about are the reports of crime in Eugene. People on this site have posted a out Meth related crimes. As a woman on my own I would like to feel safe. Corvallis felt very safe but I don't think there's enough to do there. What are your thoughts?

The crime is overhyped in Eugene. Take common sense precautions as haggardhouseelf and others have said and you'll be fine. Eugene is one of my favorite Oregon cities and, to me, is the epitome of an Oregon city. It's natural and beautiful and relaxed and easy-going and.... My, my.

[aries63]

I visited the same three cities as the OP and came to pretty much the same conclusion, like Goldilocks: Portland, too big. Corvallis, too small. Eugene, just about right. Although I could be very happy in any of these cities, and it is easy to get from one to another, I think Eugene combines just enough of the urban elements I like in a city without it being too much, and has plenty of natural beauty in and around it.

The main drawbacks for me about the whole region are the long rainy season and higher housing costs compared to what I'm used to.

[NewHomeOregon]

Well... I think I'll refer to them as Doug Firs the next time I'm there so I sound like a native. I really appreciate all your feedback. I'm still trying to make up my mind. I may take a trip to Washington as well, Olympia, Spokane, maybe. I want to make the right move. It takes a lot of consideration!!

[googie]

Good luck! I read your post because Eugene is on our family's "short-list" of places we're considering, too. I lived in Spokane for 3 years -- I ended up loving it there. They have a great parks system and we loved the South Hill.
My husband has a new job where we can live anywhere out west with reasonable access to an airport. We're very interested in beautiful Eugene.

[Maceo Parker]

My fiancee and I are driving from Los Angeles to Portland in three weeks to explore places that might feel like a good fit for us to move (we need to get away from the gridlock/Hollywood world/smog), but reading this whole thread has given me the urge to spend some more time checking out Eugene... thanks!