r/Eugene • u/pataphor_ • 5d ago

Louisville -> Portland or Eugene? Moving

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.

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93

u/iNardoman 5d ago

I don't think Eugene is cheaper than Portland anymore.

49

u/Crafty_Efficiency_85 5d ago

Eugene is 100% cheaper. Taxes are lower in Eugene, food is cheaper, beer is cheaper, restaurants are cheaper. I moved to Portland from Eugene this year, everything is expensive here

19

u/Loaatao 5d ago

Absolutely. Day to day expenses in portland are more than in Eugene.