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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u/El_Bistro 5d ago edited 5d ago
You’re not gonna go wrong in either. But from your wants, Eugene would probably be a better fit. Lots more nature here and much easier to get to the Coast or the Cascades.
People will argue with me but I think Eugene has 90% of what Portland has for less money. Also if you want the Portland experience a train ticket is $17. Or you can drive up in 2.5 hours or so.
I moved here from back east and know many people who’ve done it and it’s universally agreed upon that we’d all rather die than move away from Oregon. It’s great here.
One note, this goes for anywhere out west too. You need to have some sort plan for living situation lined up. The rental market is tight and finding a decent house is tough.