In Eugene, Oregon, you’ll find two large rivers converging and a convergence of visionaries, artists, and adventurers. A true Renaissance city, Eugene has become an incredibly popular destination over the last few years, with many moving there to take advantage of everything the city offers. If that’s you and you want information on the best things to do in Eugene, you’re in luck! The information below will steer you in the right direction and get your new life here off to a smashing start!
What is Eugene, OR, Known For?
Making a list of all the things Eugene is known for would take up several pages! Innovation, entrepreneurship, live music, and craft beer are near the top of the list, as well as the mighty Ducks of Oregon University! Then there’s the thriving art scene and the preeminent position for being known as Track Town USA. Thanks to its tech industry innovators, the city is also known as the Silicon Shire. In short, Eugene is known for living large!
Top Things to Do in Eugene, OR
There are a surprising number of exciting, fun, and fascinating things to do in Eugene, from Sunday markets to spectacular parks, magnificent museums, and more trails than you can shake a protein bar at! Below are a handful of the best!
See the Ducks Play at Autzen Stadium
Ranked among the Top 10 stadiums for college football, Autzen Stadium is home to the Mighty Ducks of the University of Oregon. If cheering with 54,000 bonkers college football fans sounds fun, don’t miss it!
Enjoy one of Eugene’s many Wine Tours
Did you know that the climate in Eugene and the Willamette Valley is similar to the Mediterranean? It’s true, making it a great place to create fantastic wine, especially pinot noir. A wine tour is the best way to experience more than 300 wineries here!
Stroll through Lovely Hendricks Park
Hendricks Park is simply stunning, with a world-famous rhododendron garden and 200-year-old Douglas fir trees. It’s also the northern starting point for the Ridgeline Trail and features the Francis M. Wilkins Shelter for year-round events.
Take Flight at the Oregon Air and Space Museum
The Oregon Air and Space Museum will be a real treat if air travel fascinates you! The museum’s collection of aircraft is truly impressive, including two from the First World War!
Sip some Suds at the Ninkasi Brewery
One of the most famous and popular craft breweries in Eugene, the Ninkasi Brewery offers a fantastic daily tour. They have 8 scrumptious craft beers and another 5 seasonal brews to tempt your tastebuds!
Go Local at the Eugene Saturday Market
What can you find at the oldest open-air market in the United States? Everything! Handmade local crafts, locally grown produce, live music, and international foods, you name it!
Hike the Trails at Mount Pisgah
Does a 1,500-foot hike sound like something you’d like to experience? If yes, head over to lovely Mount Pisgah and its well-kept trails! While you’re there, check out the Mount Pisgah Arboretum!
Planning a Trip to Eugene, OR
When planning a trip to Eugene, you need to pack the right clothing and gear, especially if you plan to enjoy the outdoors. Rain gear is a must as it rains here quite often, but you’ll also need warm-weather clothing and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Eugene is about 60 miles from the Oregon coast, so bring whatever gear you need to enjoy the beach and the Pacific Ocean!
Best Time of Year to Visit Eugene, OR
With a comfort index of 9.2/10 in summer, there’s no doubt it’s the best time of year to visit Eugene! July, August, and September are delightful, with temperatures in the 80s during the day and high 60s at night. Yes, it’s a bit more humid, but nothing compared to New Orleans, Atlanta, or Los Angeles. It’s also the driest time of year, rain-wise, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors!
Factors to Consider when Moving to Eugene, OR
The Weather
As mentioned earlier, summer in Eugene is practically perfect, with a comfort index of 9.2. Winter? It’s quite a bit colder but not frigid, as it rarely freezes, even at night.
The Cost of living
Aside from the cost of real estate (see below), the cost of living in Eugene, OR, is affordable. The overall cost index is 107.3/100, a mere 7 points above the national average.
Every other cost index is below 100, including utilities which are notably lower at 81.3/100, nearly 20% less than the U.S. average!
The Schools
The Eugene public school system gets an A- grade from Niche, which is excellent. South Eugene High School, for example, is the #6 best in the state! Many other schools are highly-rated, making Eugene a great place to send your kids to school.
Recreation
We’ve already mentioned a lot about the recreational opportunities in Eugene, but they beg to repeat! From rock climbing to mountain biking, sandboarding, horseback riding, and more, there’s never a dull moment outdoors! The Oregon coast is 90 minutes away, and Eugene is about 90 minutes from world-class snow skiing!
Real Estate
The biggest drawback to living here is the housing prices. With a cost index of 140/100 and a median home cost of $458,500, real estate costs are the one blemish on an otherwise perfect scorecard for this amazing city.
Northwest Self Storage In Eugene, OR
If you’re moving to Eugene, OR, and need to find storage, Northwest Self Storage is your #1 choice! You can use our convenient storage unit size guide to determine what size storage unit you need before you arrive. You’ll find them at our storage facility if you’re already in Eugene and need moving supplies. When you’re ready, reserve your Eugene, OR, storage unit online, and it will be waiting when you and your movers arrive!