Yep, that’s the town’s motto, “The World’s Greatest City of the Arts and Outdoors.” Its other names are “The People’s Republic of Eugene,” the “Emerald City” and “Track Town.”

Eugene Franklin Skinner founded the city and tagged it as his namesake in 1862. Following Portland, it is the 2nd most populated city in the State of Oregon with over 154,000 residents. It is also the seat of Lane County. Eugene sits on the southern end of Willamette Valley where the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers collide. The Oregon coastline rests just about 50 miles west of Eugene.

The city is noted for its political activists, natural scenic beauty, alternative lifestyles, major focus on art and lots of recreational activities -biking, rafting and kayaking. Well-known as the mecca for track and field sports in the U.S., Eugene hosts the University of Oregon, reputed for its track and field excellence. Some even consider this city to be the “first city” of the running world. Various walking and running trails can be found throughout. Most notably are the trails made from European-style wood chips in honor of Steve Prefontaine, a highly successful track and field competitor and UO graduate.

No, you won’t get bored here in Eugene. There’s too much going on that you won’t want to miss, like annual cultural events, museums, a four-story library, performing arts, street performers, social dance groups, parks and recreation activities, hippies from the 70’s era, Oregon Ducks home games at Autzen Stadium and visual arts with substantial support from private art galleries and organizations.

Eugene is a stone’s throw away from reservoirs, lakes, mountain bike trails, waterfalls and hot springs within the Willamette National Forrest and Willamette’s Pass, the closest ski resort. With local temperatures mild year-round, you’ll have lots of opportunity for outdoor activities.

Education also is important to the citizens of Eugene. Magnet and alternative schools are included in the school district’s programs. Of course, you’ll find a variety of quality higher education institutions here, too. The largest businesses here are local government, the University of Oregon and the Sacred Heart Medical Center, recreational vehicle manufacturing and wood products manufacturing.

As impressive as Eugene is, the real estate is just as imposing. You’ll pay a little more here due to the exceptional quality of life.

Some of the oldest homes in the area are found in the Amazon neighborhood. Cal Young is considered a very suburban neighborhood and contains a mix of all types of living for singles or families. College Hill has many homes that overlook parts of the city. If you’re looking for more of a rural character, but within the city limits, you’ll want to consider living in Laurel Hill. Parks are aplenty in the Whiteaker neighborhood. The prices run the gamut, so you should be able to find something that fits your pocketbook.

Whatever your flavor is, you’ll find it in Eugene, Oregon. Come for the quality of life. Stay for the long haul!

If you would like to find your Eugene Dream Home, go to Eugene, OR Homes For Sale and MLS Listings.