Best neighborhood for hard-to-label progressives? (Eugene: fit in, renting, condo)

[Oregon Lass]

We're considering a move to Eugene, and would like some help finding a neighborhood where we would fit in. I'm a parenting counselor and author of three books on attachment parenting and alternative education. My son (32) is a self-taught computer technician who unschooled from the beginning.

It's been a little hard to find like-minded people, because we're progressive politically and educationally but we're not into drugs, New Age spirituality or alternative health fads (we have a special interest in critical thinking.) We're ideal, quiet tenants - no pets, smoking, or drinking.

I've been told that the South Hills would be a good place for us. Are there any other areas we should consider? We hope to find a house or condo that has natural surroundings, yet is not too far from stores and restaurants.

Thank you for any suggestions!

[zitsky]

I lived in South Hills for 2 years and liked it. I was at 28th and Chambers. From there you can walk down the hill to a shopping center or east to another shopping center. The only thing I didn't like is that I didn't get to know many of my neighbors. There was a wonderful couple across from us but that was about it.

[Steve Pickering]

I lived between Polk and Chambers on 16th for several years. I loved it there. Lot's of drug and prostitution at the time, but it went away along with the Graffiti.

[Minervah]

No offense OP, but can one really be that selective as to whom one's neighbors will be? People will come and go and they will never always be the same. Neighborhoods are not restrictive of one or the other in Eugene.It is a wonderful city and pretty tolerant of all kinds of people.

Quite honestly, I think you may be a bit too rigid in your acceptance of others for Eugene if you expect to find a neighborhood with those who only think and believe the way you do.