Posted on May 31, 2010.
Five reasons to spend in Eugene, Oregon 1) Sports & Education: Eugene, also known as the Emerald City, is the second largest city in Oregon and is valued for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities such as kayaking, rafting and cycling , alternative lifestyles, arts, and political activism. The city was founded by Eugene Franklin Skinner in 1862 and only 10 years later, the Legislature approved a bill establishing the University of Oregon. The University opened its doors in 1876 and helped develop the city's roots in the forest and agriculture to the booming city it is today.
2) Climate and population: The climate in Eugene has similarities with a Mediterranean climate, making Eugene, Oregon a nice place to live with its mild winters and dry summers. Snowfall during winter is relatively rare and tends to melt quickly. The average annual temperature of 52.1 degrees Fahrenheit or 11.2 degrees Celsius. Combined with the low population density of about 3,400 people per square mile, it makes a very comfortable place to live.
3) The labor market in Eugene has a diverse labor market, the largest employers in the city are the Sacred Heart Medical Center and University of Oregon, Eugene is the 2008 Fortune Small Business Magazine's Top 100 places to live and start a small business in the United States. Other major industries include the manufacture of recreational vehicles, timber and other wood products. Many multinationals have also seen their debut in Eugene including Taco Time, Broderbund Software, Software Aldus and Nike.
4) Culture, Music and Performing Arts: The musical and cultural events contribute to the attractiveness of Eugene, Oregon as a destination, with major events such as:
* Eugene Celebration - an annual event which covers three blocks from downtown.
* Oregon Festival of American music - an eclectic festival two-week summer set up by the John G. Shedd Arts.
* The Oregon Bach Festival of Music Grammy-organized by the University of Oregon's.
Music lovers will be attracted by the many music organizations such as the Eugene Concert Choir, Eugene Opera, Eugene Ballet, the Northwest Christian University Community Choir, the Eugene Symphony Orchestra, the fantastic ballet Eugene Youth Symphony, Children Choir of Oregon and Oregon Mozart Players. And for the Performing Arts, there are several large rooms, like the ballroom Erb Memorial Union, Beall Concert Hall, John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts and the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.
5) Real Estate: The Eugene, Oregon real estate market seems to be relatively stable compared to other cities and states. House prices have decreased from 2008 to 2009, but only 15-20 percent. The greatest number of sales are in the segment of $ 350,000 and prices seem to stabilize into 2010. Contibuting factors to support market stability include accessibility, median prices are now less than $ 200,000 and low mortgage rates and tax credits the government recently extended. There are only a few months to take advantage of government tax credits that expire July 1, 2010.