Life in Eugene
Eugene, Oregon, is regularly named as one of the best places to live in the USA. Located on the West Coast, Eugene is a top-ranked college town that has an outdoor lifestyle scene, and a friendly and welcoming community. Living here, you’ll have a high quality of life and easy access to the great outdoors!
You can study in Eugene at:
Top 5 attractions in Eugene
Eugene is a popular college town, so there’s lots to see and do!
Eugene: things to know
Eugene has its own domestic airport that connects you to a range of international airports such as Vancouver, Seattle and Los Angeles, so you’ll be able to fly within the United States and abroad easily.
Within Eugene, the city’s bus system, Lane Transit District (LTD), connects you to every part of the city. Prefer to cycle? Eugene is extremely bike-friendly, with dedicated cycle lanes throughout the city.
If you want to take scenic train journeys across the Pacific Northwest, then Eugene is also on the Amtrak system.
In Eugene, a single person’s estimated monthly costs are $1,107.60 without rent.
Eugene is 52.3% cheaper than New York City (without rent).
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20
- Cappuccino: $5.61
- One-way ticket on public transport: $1.88
Data provided by Numbeo (correct as of October 2024)
Eugene has a temperate climate, with warm and dry summers. Due to its location in the Pacific Northwest, it has long daylight hours in the summer and shorter days in the winter.
Temperatures in Eugene can vary throughout the year. During summer, temperatures typically reach around 29°C, while winters tend to be cool and rainy, averaging between 2°C and 8°C. The warmest month is August, and the coolest month is December.
Eugene culture
Eugene’s buzzing city life means there’s always something to do!
Feel at home in this safe, eco-friendly city!
Arts and culture
Eugene has a thriving arts and culture scene. The city hosts a range of fun festivals, from the Oregon Asian Celebration to Market Fest, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The city also offers all kinds of local art and live music events.
Diverse cuisine
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Eugene! You can enjoy restaurants that feature farm-to-table meals with locally produced ingredients, as well as the city’s many food trucks. These food trucks are the slightly cheaper option, and they give you the chance to sample both American and international food!
The great outdoors
Oregon is a nature-lover’s paradise. Living on the University of Oregon’s campus, you’ll be close to forests, rivers and mountains, as well as parks and hiking trails. If you want to travel outside of Eugene, you can also explore the Oregon coast and the famous Crater Lake National Park!
What to do in Eugene, Oregon
Popular things to do in Eugene
Explore the Eugene Saturday Market
In a city known for its markets, Eugene’s Saturday Market is a must-visit. With artisan crafts, local produce, various stalls selling food from around the world, and live music, it’s an excellent way to absorb the city’s lively culture.
Hike the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System
Just 30 minutes away from the University of Oregon by bus, this 19km trail system runs along the stunning Willamette River. It’s a popular spot for hiking, cycling, running, or simply just relaxing with friends after a day of classes!
Visit the Studio West Glassblowing Studio and Gallery
The West Coast is a hub for glass art in the United States, with a longstanding history of glassblowing and glass art studios. Eugene’s Studio West Glassblowing Studio and Gallery is a great place to explore this tradition. You can try glassblowing yourself, look at glass art, and even commission a custom-made glass piece!
The 25 best things to do in Eugene, Oregon
