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/Calm_Astronaut7732 → u/pataphor_]

It depends the kind of medication and other circumstances. Obviously any national stock issue of meds will be there no matter where you go. It sounds like you guys are on top of your wives health and would be up to date with meds. In my personal opinion and experience, if you’re willing to do some patient work if needed (calling for refills if it’s missed etc) you won’t have too many issues. Same day fills here can be tricky because all the doctors are so busy.. but if you make sure your doctor gets it in the prescription most pharmacies work to have it done within 2 days on average. I use Walgreens pharmacy here and I’ve noticed some staffing issues but they’re always friendly at the counter and fix it if there’s issues. Granted, my meds would be as needed for usually generic things. I hope this helps :)

[u/pataphor_ → u/Calm_Astronaut7732]

Thank you for the detailed answer, that alleviates our concerns on that topic!