Eugene Neighborhoods For Families

You want your children to have an amazing childhood, so you are sure to be careful about where they live, play and learn. These five communities nestled down in Eugene, Oregon offer great schools, plenty of kid (and grown-up) focused amenities, and are some of the safest in the country.

1. Jefferson Westside:

For a slightly "urban" experience, this community lies just north of the downtown core. The Willamette River acts as its northern border, and its adjacent riverfront parks are laced with walking, hiking and biking trails. The location offers all the excitement and convenience of the city while still offering excellent family-friendly amenities. A high school, two elementary schools, and one middle school are conveniently located within the community. As well, a variety of alternative and extracurricular schools are close by that offer music lessons, business classes and pre-kindergarten opportunities. The neighborhood enjoys an 88% high school graduation rate. The neighborhood is home to a host of cultural and arts providers, and the streets that run off W 6th Avenue sparkle with theaters, cinemas, and galleries. The Lane County Farmer's Market runs Tuesdays and Saturdays May through October, and there are more than 20 dining and imbibing establishments within the community's boundaries. Housing costs are affordable, and the median home price is around $240,000, up from just under $200,000 in 2010. Its proximity to the University district and downtown means it has a slightly higher crime rate than other Eugene districts, but its cost of living is equal to that of the rest of the city.

2. West Eugene:

For a decidedly more "rural" feel, West Eugene's residential streets sit among an acreage of working farmland and city parks, just a few miles west of downtown. A significant commercial district runs east to west along W 11th Avenue and is home to small and large retailers, including Target and Walmart. Hungry shoppers will find a menu to satisfy their particular tastes at one of many restaurants that serve the community. There are five schools in West Eugene. Kennedy Middle School and Churchill High School sit opposite one another across the fields of the Churchill Sports Park. Both schools enjoy the proximity to the Sports Park's two baseball fields, three softball fields, and numerous soccer fields. There are also acres of undeveloped city parks for less structured play opportunities. Housing values are lower in this part of town, making it very affordable. The median house value is over $185,000, and the cost of living is slightly lower than in other Eugene communities. Despite its slightly elevated crime rate, that rate is decreasing according to year-over-year comparisons. The overall beauty of its natural setting and its many family-friendly amenities appear to overcome any concerns when newcomers elect to live in this sports-filled and fun neighborhood.

3. Santa Clara:

North of Beltline lies this "small town" community. River Road runs through the heart of Santa Clara and provides a wealth of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities. There are seven schools, including three preschools, a Christian-based school, and three public schools. The Willamette River to the east offers miles of paths and natural river habitat. There are four other parks within its boundaries that offer play space for children of all ages. For "older" kids, the nearby RiverRidge Golf Complex provides lessons and games for golfers of any skill level. The complex offers meeting, events, and wedding venues that are as uniquely beautiful as its stunning riverside location. Santa Clara's cost of living is equal to the rest of Eugene. Being north of the more urban areas, the crime rate in Santa Clara is lower than it is in other communities, so you know your kids will be safe. Home values are still affordable, as well, although all of Eugene's real estate values are climbing.

4. College Hill:

This lovely, treed community enjoys the best of "close-in but suburban" living. There are 11 schools and ten grocery stores with its boundaries, so convenience to both is assured. There are also several bookstores, home improvement stores and clothing stores to improve each family member's mind, home and wardrobe. Its four parks offer natural green spaces conveniently nestled among its residential streets and avenues. The schools in this neighborhood boast a 95% high school graduation rate. With a very low crime rate, College Hill residents can amble their city streets late into warm summer evenings. Its relatively high median household income of over $70,000 indicates it probably has a highly educated population, many of whom may be affiliated with the nearby University of Oregon. The median housing value of close to $320,000 is higher than most of Eugene's other neighborhoods, as is its cost of living. For the residents of College Hill, however, the ambiance and elegance of the community more than justifies any extra expense.

5. Southeast Eugene:

Immediately south of College Hill, you'll find this gem of a neighborhood. There are numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues dotted through this predominantly residential neighborhood, as well as three grocery stores and a library. Two public elementary schools and one middle school join with several tutoring and early childhood education centers to provide a comprehensive education opportunity for any child. The neighborhood enjoys a 97% high school graduation rate. Southeast's cost of living is slightly higher than other areas in the city, but that is tempered with its comparably higher real estate values. Median house values are approximately 20% higher than those in other Eugene neighborhoods, with the median sale price sitting at about $295,000. The higher community value is also reflected in the low crime rate, which has been recorded as much as 25% lower than in other Eugene neighborhoods. Southeast Eugene is definitely a community where youthful bike riding through tree-lined streets is both fun and safe. No matter which of these neighborhoods you choose, they all share the same amazing location (and not-so-amazing climate). Just 90-minutes to the west is the beautiful Oregon Coast; a 90-minute drive east takes you to the Cascade Mountains for fishing, camping, skiing and any other sport you might enjoy. And, not least, 90-minutes to the north is the Willamette Valley, a world-class wine destination. Eugene enjoys fabulous summers, rainy spring and autumn seasons, and intermittent snow through winter.