Moving to Eugene Oregon could be the best decision you ever made. It nestles among the foothills of the Cascades Mountains, so it's beautiful all the time. That "alpine" proximity puts you within an hour or two of great sporting and recreation activity all year round. The Pacific Coast beaches are only 90 minutes in the other direction, offering a whole different kind of recreation opportunity. No matter what your demographic is, you'll find a great community in Eugene.
The optimal time of year to buy a Eugene home is in spring. Wet (really wet), sometimes snowy weather slows property market traffic considerably in fall, and it hits its lowest point in winter. During those seasons, inventory is low, so the choices are limited. However, low demand can also mean lower prices for the homes that are available at that time. Over the past five years, winter home prices have averaged about 10% lower in winter, with the lowest median sales price hitting $178,000 in winter 2010, and the "highest" low median sales price hitting about $215,000 in winter 2013. There may be a really good home deal available in winter if the weather doesn't put you off your house-hunting agenda. Spring promises the best median sales prices, on homes that are offered by highly motivated sellers who've spent the winter getting their properties ready to sell. Inventory is higher, so there are more home choices available. In summer, home prices tend to be highest (in the annual cycle). Summer sees more buyers on the streets, which increases competitive bidding and can cause prices to rise. The highest median sales price for the city was $260,000, in summer 2012. Once you've purchased, the moving-in process can begin!
Moving companies can help you load your things into your new abode. Storage options are available, too, if necessary. Pricing depends on the level of care your move might need. Student labor is usually cheaper, but a more professional service will take better care of the good china.
There are several companies that provide public utility services (natural gas, electricity, water and sewer) within Eugene and its surrounding communities. Telecommunications services, including telephone landlines and cell phone services, are available through a number of local service providers, many of whom are available nationwide. In addition to those services, the City of Eugene also charges for other services it provides:
Lane County, in which Eugene is the county seat, is responsible for the assessment and collection of property taxes on all real estate in the county. Additionally, Lane County assesses taxes on personal property taxes on any property (not real property) currently or previously used by any person, corporation, partnership or firm located within county lines.
To finalize a permanent move from out-of-state, you'll need to obtain an Oregon driver's license, register your car and update your voter registration. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has all the paperwork to accomplish those goals. For insurance, Eugene has offices for most of the national insurance companies, as well as its own community of smaller agencies. It is probable that you'll find a better deal if you bundle your home, car and other insurances together.
Neighborhoods around the University, downtown, and the Skinner Butte Historical District offer parking permits to residents. Rates depend on the designation of the zone. Parking permitting is strictly enforced in these areas.
If you're interested in living a car-free lifestyle, Eugene is one of the country's best cities for walking, biking, and public transit options. The Lane Transit District has route and time information, which includes information about services for people with disabilities and seniors, and even for bicyclists who want to take their bikes on the bus.
Upper Level: Eugene is a college town (there are seven institutes of higher learning here), so it has a youthful vibe. The University of Oregonis the largest school (and one of the largest employers), and its calendar sets the tone for many of the activities that happen in the city over the course of the year. Smaller colleges include Lane Community College and Northwest Christian University. The transient nature of the student population means Eugene has a lot of rental opportunities, too. The best time to find those opportunities is in summer when most full-time students are out of town. Eugene also offers a wide variety of trade schools and educational apprenticeships. Its highly artistic and creative population also offers a rich assortment of other types of enrichment opportunities.
Young families love it here. Great public schoolsoffer an excellent education for all grades. Over 90% of Eugene's public school students graduate from high school.
