From California to Oregon

[Hawk J]

Howdy travellingirl .

If you desire less rain & more sunshine you might like Grants Pass. The annual rainfall is usually more like 25 inches to 30 inches. I don't know how many sunny days a year, but there are many. Grants Pass Oregon In Southern Rogue Valley

I don't know if there is still a Starbucks in GP, but there are 3 in Medford.

We have happily lived in the mountains a bit nw of GP, at 2000'. Many winter days we get at least afew hours of sunshine. We have bought our vittles in Grants Pass over five lustrum. I've talked to many helpful, friendly folks around town. I've never had a problem with anyone.

Best of luck to you with your decision.

[Charlene1234]

Living in Eugene is different than living in CA - especially Bakersfield. It's green here! :-) We do have rain to make it that way. But, there's so much good about this town! I can help you find a good property manager to help you find housing if you're interested in learning more... just let me know. Vacancies are very low here in Eugene.

Portland is also a nice place and lots to do, but you should visit both to find out what attracts you most. Some areas in Portland are very very nice and others are not so, but you'll find that in every city you go to practically. I can help you find a property manager up in Portland as well if you choose that area. (I am not a property manager if you're wondering) I love to visit Portland just to get away to a big city every now and then. The nice thing about Eugene is it's close to everything and it's all less than 2 hours away. Florence for the beaches, Bend for skiing or even closer is Willamette Pass or HooDoo for skiing, Portland for shopping, Seattle is 5 hours away which is also a ton of fun! Good luck on your move!!

[Steve Pickering]

Be cautious when using a property manager. A lot of Scammers in Eugene.

[Nell Plotts]

There are a lot of scammers anywhere rentals are tight. If more in Eugene it may be because students don't have a lot of life experience and they can be duped.

[Steve Pickering]

It's the anti drug background check run on everyone. Half are charged for, but never actually run.

[5thgenSF]

i think eugene would be a great place for you! good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Steve Pickering]

I just contacted the DOJ for a family member who emailed me another Manager Background Check scam. One apartment rented two weeks before they took the background check fee.

[nardoman]

Eugene sounds like a great place for you. There are several god microbreweries here (Ninkasi, Steelhead, etc.) A fair amount of live music, and plenty of bike paths. I live in Eugene right now. I'd suggest renting a room in a house for 3 to 6 months with some similar roommates (age, interests) and get to know Eugene that way. I've found it is not hard to meet and make friends here. You can find a room in a house share from $300/month (including utilities) on up, with $400 to $450 including utilities around average. The Whitaker area could be a fun place to stay for a while, there is a microbrewery there, several live music venues, restaurants, food carts. It's a very colorful part of town. Stay away from the Gateway area of Springfield, unless you want to live in the middle of what you are trying to get away from. I rented off of craigslist, and previewed the place in person before signing anything or handing any money over. I would not use a rental management agency myself, but there is one called NW Rental Services that I have used several years back with good results. There is a glut of inexpensive room rentals here, especially in the summer.

I would consider $5k in savings more than enough if you land here with a job in place. Eugene is a place that you can live frugally if you desire, and there are many bike riders here. There are weird people here, and that's what makes this such an interesting place. If you get, "weirded out" by weird people, Eugene may not be the place for you. It is a town where many fly their, "Freak Flag" high in the air for all to see.

Moderator cut: personal attack You asked for some tips on what area might suit you, and some average costs, etc. It's YOUR BUSINESS if you want to work for Starbucks. Having a job ahead of time is a great thing. You would really be a the top of the curve of people who relocate here.

Eugene is a fun place! I enjoy living here and the people are friendly. Enjoy your choice, it's yours.