In 1996, we settled in Eugene, Oregon, the best place we could think of to live in the US. The city is a respectable size (~120K) but still has a small town feel. Symantec is one of the prominent high tech employers. On its own, the city has substantial cultural offerings, and the University of Oregon adds even more. Alternative life styles are the norm here, and it is somewhat of a haven for aging flower children of the sixties. The city is bicycle friendly, and boasts of having more bike paths than any other city in the country. Weather is mild, with lots of moisture in winter and spring (this is the Pacific Northwest, after all). Recreation opportunities abound, with the Cascade mountains an hour to the east, and the Pacific coast an hour to the west. But mostly the big attraction for us is the social climate - laid back, slightly irreverent, and accepting.
Some highlights of living here are:
Eugene Celebration - a three
day fest in the fall with a parade characterized
by high school marching bands in tie-dye, the Slug Queen, and entrants
like the Yachats Umbrella Drill Team. See the Eugene Pages for more complete listings as well as the Eugene Free Community Network.
Since 1986, we have spent several summers in this area as volunteer
wilderness rangers for the Willamette
National Forest.
Last updated 2001/10/07
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