Eugene is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Oregon. Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene is situated between a number of amazing vistas, including the Skinner Butte, the Spencer Butte, and the Coburgh Hills, it provides residents with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including hiking and cycling through gorgeous woods, kayaking or rafting on nearby lakes and rivers, or simply relaxing outside on a beautiful day. Eugene usually gets excellent rankings when it comes to being a green city; it is known for its progressive, humane policies and its nurturing and preservation of the local natural environment. Eugene also has a thriving arts scene, and many welcoming neighborhoods. Even better, it has a thriving LGBTQ community where all can feel celebrated and at home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Eugene, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Eugene's History
Eugene was officially incorporated as a city in 1862. It was named after the first settler who arrived in the area – Eugene Skinner. He found the area to be beautiful, and those who followed after him agreed. After its founding, it grew quickly, becoming an important center for gristmills and sawmills, due to its riverfront location. The city eventually became an important center of industry and agriculture and remains so to this day. It is also a diverse, vibrant, and thriving city with so much to offer. For so many reasons, Eugene would be a great place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Eugene
Read more fun facts about Eugene here.
Eugene’s LGBTQ Community
Eugene is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
Spectrum is a very unique LGBTQ community space in Eugene. It’s a venue, restaurant, and hangout spot for the LGBTQIA+ community. The center seeks to offer accessible space for working, eating, enjoying art, and building community. Spectrum offers all-ages events, and also often hosts 21+ dance parties and drag shows for the Eugene community.
What's the Weather Like in Eugene?
Eugene usually has fairly mild winters, and pleasant summers, with fall and spring seasons that also provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Throughout the year, temperatures range from a low of 34ºF in January, to a high of around 82ºF in July. Eugene receives approximately 47 inches of rain per year and an average of 3 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Eugene
Eugene-Springfield Pride is a can't-miss celebration that offers parades, parties, family-friendly activities, networking opportunities, and more, all to celebrate the LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Typically held in August of each year, it always promises plenty of fun for all. Be sure to put it on your calendar – you won’t want to miss your chance to join in the fun!
The Best Neighborhoods in Eugene
If you’re thinking of making a move to Eugene, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Eugene is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home.
The city has twenty-three neighborhoods in total, so it is best to consult with a resident Eugene gay realtor to find out which one suits your property investment needs. One of the hippest neighborhoods is Whiteaker, which is a bustling artsy neighborhood with many indie coffeehouses, art galleries, and funky bars.
There are a wide variety of home styles available in different price ranges. Most of the homes here tend to be bungalows or ranch-style. They also tend to be one story or if more than one story, built with decks and extensions into the side of rock outcroppings. Urban areas are very much enhanced by the city’s public art program. The current median list price of homes for sale in Eugene is around $497,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Eugene Gay Men’s Chorus is a community of gay men and allies who seek to uplift and create LGBTQ+ visibility, celebration, and a sense of community through choral singing and the musical arts. There is also a gay women’s chorus – Soromundi. The group strives for musical excellence, as well as to embrace both commonalities and differences, and effect positive change in our community.
Hult Center for the Performing Arts
The Hult Center for the Performing Arts is a beautiful event space in the heart of Eugene. For over 40 years, it has been providing excellent entertainment to visitors and residents alike, in a variety of genres. Whether you enjoy the symphony, Broadway, stand-up comedy, ballet, concerts, or all of the above, you can enjoy it here.
Parks and Recreation
If you love combining a little bit of exercise with a stunningly beautiful view, don’t miss Spencer Butte. This beautiful spot is very popular on weekends and from the upper levels, you’ll have excellent views of the gorgeous natural beauty surrounding you.
Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System
The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System has a network of 42 miles of shared-use paths, 81 miles of bicycle lanes, and five pedestrian bridges crossing the Williamette River. It’s a great spot to get some exercise and enjoy a beautiful Eugene day.
Eugene Nightlife
If you love friendly crowds, a lively dance floor, great music, strong drinks, and plenty of opportunities to have fun, you’ll love Spectrum. Don’t miss your chance to dance the night away soon!
Luckey’s Club is a bar, pool hall, and live music venue. Known for having the longest-running burlesque show in Eugene, it’s always a lively, entertaining, fun spot, and should definitely be on your list for a night out in Eugene.
Contact a Eugene Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Eugene, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Eugene, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Eugene gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
