better downtown: eugene or salem? (home, universities, live)

[beautyprevails]

I am thinking about moving to Oregon...to one of these two cities. Which downtown is better? I enjoy things to do, but like small town feel. Also, which is overall a cleaner city?

Thanks

M

[tablemtn]

Eugene has a larger and more interesting downtown. Salem has the capital building and Willamette University, but Eugene has the University of Oregon and Skinner Butte. It also has a nicer riverfront. However, Salem does have a mall downtown, while Eugene's malls are north of the river, outside of downtown.

[chrisruns2far]

Both Eugene and Salem have nice downtowns, but I'd give the nod to Eugene over Salem. The good think about both is that they continue to improve their appearance and pedestrian friendly options.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by chrisruns2far

Both Eugene and Salem have nice downtowns, but I'd give the nod to Eugene over Salem. The good think about both is that they continue to improve their appearance and pedestrian friendly options.

I agree, just returned a few weeks ago, Eugene surprised me, liked it more then Salem. NOT THAT THERES ANYTHING WRONG WITH SALEM !

[Marko3]

I'd go with Eugene. Salem is a bigger city, they both are home to Universities, they both have a mall, and they both have a river running through them.

Eugene's downtown seems to be more laid back, with more interesting places to see. Salem is the capital, so alot of the downtown area is federal buildings, state buildings, etc. Plus I think if you ask 5 people what part of Salem they consider "downtown" you'll get 5 answers, whereas in Eugene, the downtown area is very specific. My sister lives in Eugene, and LOVES it! I enjoy it too, was there earlier this week, and will be there tomorrow. Girlfriend's sister lives in Salem. So we do a fair share of visiting both cities. If I were moving, I'd choose Eugene over Salem.

Eugene is also constructing a new HUGE hospital that should be open in 2008-2009 (I can't remember exactly). It's supposed to be a very nice facility, level 2 (currently Eugene is a level 3 area). Salem has a level 3 hospital. Just something else to think about.