Louisville -> Portland or Eugene?

[u/pataphor_]

My wife and I (both 30, no plan to have kids) are planning to move to Oregon, and visited Portland for a couple weeks in December as a test run. Loved it even through all the rain.

We didn't get a chance to visit Eugene, but are considering it primarily for:

• Access to natural sights, parks, hiking, etc.
• Relatively cheaper than Portland
• Smaller city, may be an easier adjustment going from KY to OR, having never made a cross-country move before.

Some info about us: - I'm a remote developer, so no need to worry about finding work. - My wife needs to see a healthcare specialist twice a year due to some genetic health issues, and regularly needs to fill some important prescriptions. I saw a comment where this can be a struggle in Eugene, and would be curious about others' experiences. - We plan to stay in an AirBNB for a week or 2 while we find somewhere to rent long-term. Eventually may look for a house, but for now looking to rent. - We love being around nature, and want to be able to garden. - I like to make electronic music (Ableton + Elektron gear). - We are a couple of nerds; we'd be more drawn to libraries/universities than we would bars, if that tells anything.

[u/Bicycle_the_Earth]

You'll have better luck with healthcare specialists in Portland than in Eugene. That said, it's just a two hour drive to Portland from Eugene or (my preferred option) you can take the train and get around Portland by bicycle or the light rail

[u/pataphor_ → u/Bicycle_the_Earth]

I figured so; for the specialist, driving 1.5 2+ hrs to Portland wouldn't be so bad, but a commenter in another thread indicated that filling prescriptions can be a challenge

[u/Intelligent-Rope9420 → u/pataphor_]

I’ve never had a problem with getting prescriptions filled in Eugene and I take a few.