Candice LandauLast Updated on October 29, 2024 by Candice Landau
A note before you read: I’ve left my initial impressions as is because they’re frankly funny to read. I ended up living in Eugene for 6 or 7 years and though much of this is true, some things have changed. For example there is now a Whole Foods in Eugene (though there wasn’t back then).
I’ve been living in Eugene for almost two months, a period of time I feel more than qualifies me to begin dispensing advice. Here are my initial impressions of the place. I’ll add some more over the next couple of months:
If you get allergies you will die. If you don’t get allergies, you will also die. And when they burn the grass crops in August…you will die again. Get allergy shots before you get here or get acupuncture (I’ve been told that works).
The Saturday Farmer’s Market is Essential. You must go. It is not an ordinary farmer’s market. There is music, there is hot food, there are crafts and amazing other bits and bobs all made by hand and yes, there is also fresh fruit and veg.
There are a LOT of homeless people and they will say things. Prepare a list of responses…
If you’re from California, change your car’s license plate – or so a colleague from work told me. Not sure I really want this one proved right though.
There is no Whole Foods Market. Sadness supreme. However there is a Market of Choice and Fred Meyer and Trader Joes. You’ll be fine.
You MUST like Kombucha. This places is obsessed with it. Good thing I am too
If you are vegan or vegetarian, you will like Eugene. There are so many options. Vegan and gluten-free cupcakes (Toadstool cupcakes are amazing), vegan cafes, and just a ton of options you wouldn’t otherwise expect.
The night-life does not exist. Well, compared to some of the places I’ve lived. Fortunately, this no longer bothers me because I am lame and prefer going for a run or a swim or reading a book or sitting whiling away time on a computer.
You will feel compelled to get back into exercise. Biking, running and gym. They are rather fit here and they are also rather obsessed with becoming fit. My amazing new company even pays for our gym membership if we go at least 3 times a week. Like I said, you feel compelled to start exercising.
You will know or get to know a U of O professor. What do you want to learn? A primary job provider in the Eugene area, the University of Oregon pretty much owns the city and half the people. If you don’t yet know someone who teaches there, chances are you’ll get to know ’em soon.
You will probably also have to get into watching sports. The University of Oregon is rather famous for sporty things (it’s called track town for a reason) and there are lots of Uni games to watch – baseball, football, basketfall. They take themselves seriously. Seriously.
If you have seen Crater Lake, you are obviously not a local. They have not seen Crater Lake. Do not assume as much. Do not bring it up in conversation. Or, bring it up and drag them out to see it. If you live in Eugene you really should see Crater Lake. It’s like a fantasy world.
If you like books you will like the colossal downtown library. And the fact that there is no limit on the number of books you can borrow…bliss!
If you like seeing trees and green spaces, you will like Eugene. The river and the river path is beautiful. My view from my office is beautiful. Some suburbs are beautiful (and some are not).
Verdict: good.
