relocation to Oregon

[TheShoeboxDiaries541]

Originally Posted by yayakats

Seacreeks,
I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about the crime rate in Eugene/Springfield. The city data info indicates higher than average crime rate. Would you agree?

yayakats

Well, you didn't ask me directly, but I'll try and take a stab at it, considering that I am in law enforcement. During the early to mid 90's, Eugene saw a surge in gang activity among it's younger citizens (teens-early 20's). There are actually a few well known/documented cases, one of which includes a high profile gang-related murder involving teen suspects (I believe there may even be a true crime novel published about that very same case, though I could be wrong). In recent years, gang activity has risen, but many of these so-called street gangs have little to no ties in violent crime in the area. Considering that Eugene is a city of 150,000 residents (many of them college students), crime (gang related or otherwise) is always going to exist. I tend to find that city data's statistics can be sometimes inaccurate, and because they don't break down rates by section or area, it's best to investigate the immediate area you'll be in, rather than the city as a whole.

Recently, gang related crime has begun to spread to parts of southern Oregon (omit Ashland, an expensive area generally sheltered from serious criminal activity). In Medford, neo-gang activity between residents of the northern and southern sections has been reported. Although most of these 'gangs' are considered to be harmless (not capable of violent crime), some are worried. With Medford growing rapidly each year, heightened crime has become more and more of a concern.

Although housing can be well above state average in some areas, I'd recommend the eugene/springfield area over southern Oregon any day. For most looking to relocate to a large city (i.e 100,000+ pop), Eugene is safe and up to expectations.

[yayakats]

thank you very much for the crime info, this has helped very much with our search.

[Charis]

I live in Bend but am originally from the Portland area and I have relatives in Grants Pass and Medford so I visit there often. Here's the scoop for you. Bend is expensive and the schools are not very good here. You can't do much gardening if you like that sort of thing. The winters are long and there are really only two seasons here; winter and summer. Grants Pass has a lot of retired folks and it does get very foggy there in the winter. Medford is more family oriented, warm, it's kind of up and coming as a nice place to live. Redmond is a little less expensive than Bend but keep in mind the taxes are more expensive than in Bend so it's really about the same to live there as here. I would suggest Vancouver, Washington. You're right across the river from Portland and all it has to offer, yet you are in a smaller town. The schools are better in Washington unless you happen to be one of the lucky ones who can live in the Lake Oswego or Sherwood area (Sherwood is very nice and it's outside the city enough to make it very enjoyable for recreation, gardening, drives in the country, etc. Plus it's closer to the coast). The suggestion of Sandy is okay but Sandy schools are not great and if you live in Sandy you'll be driving to Portland for work, shopping, etc. I hope this helps you. Good Luck!

[yasi79]

what about Gresham? What's it like there? I'm thinking of buying a house there???