Eugene, Oregon, is a city known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and progressive community values. Eugene neighborhoods offer a blend of urban living and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for families, students, and retirees alike. The city is home to the University of Oregon, which brings a youthful energy and academic focus to the community. Whether you're drawn to the bustling downtown area or the peaceful, tree-lined streets of its suburban neighborhoods, Eugene offers a diverse and welcoming environment for all.
The Eugene neighborhood map is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the city's diverse communities. Eugene neighborhoods range from lively, centrally located areas to quieter, more residential neighborhoods on the city's outskirts. The map highlights neighborhoods with higher livability scores in green, indicating areas with excellent amenities, safety, and overall quality of life. Conversely, neighborhoods with lower scores are marked in red, offering a clear picture of areas that may face more challenges related to economic opportunities or community resources.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | South Eugene High School | 1,018 | 0.28 | 84 |
| 2 | Friendly Area | 8,033 | 3.64 | 81 |
| 3 | Far West | 4,506 | 1.85 | 78 |
| 4 | Amazon | 1,618 | 1.18 | 78 |
| 5 | West University | 8,147 | 1 | 77 |
The best Eugene neighborhoods are recognized for their high livability scores, which consider factors such as access to local amenities, low crime rates, and the quality of schools. These neighborhoods offer residents a balanced lifestyle with easy access to parks, cultural attractions, and community events. Whether you're a young professional, a family, or a retiree, the best Eugene neighborhoods consistently provide a high standard of living in a welcoming and dynamic environment.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Industrial Corridor | 3,315 | 6.64 | 52 |
| 2 | U Of O Campus | 3,022 | 1.08 | 62 |
| 3 | Active Bethel | 26,225 | 21.57 | 64 |
| 4 | Crest Drive | 5,545 | 4.42 | 66 |
| 5 | West Eugene | 4,394 | 10.63 | 66 |
The worst Eugene neighborhoods tend to have lower livability scores due to challenges such as higher crime rates, economic difficulties, and fewer amenities. These areas may struggle with issues like underperforming schools and limited access to community resources, making them less desirable places to live. While every neighborhood in Eugene has its unique charm, those classified among the worst Eugene neighborhoods often face significant challenges that impact the overall quality of life.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Active Bethel | 26,225 | 21.57 | 64 |
| 2 | Cal Young | 23,306 | 15.37 | 75 |
| 3 | Santa Clara | 17,963 | 15.04 | 73 |
| 4 | Harlow | 15,338 | 8.42 | 76 |
| 5 | River Road | 14,597 | 8.23 | 71 |
| 6 | Southeast | 11,883 | 11.48 | 70 |
| 7 | Churchill Area | 9,308 | 9.83 | 72 |
| 8 | West University | 8,147 | 1 | 77 |
| 9 | Friendly Area | 8,033 | 3.64 | 81 |
| 10 | Jefferson Westside | 6,822 | 2.32 | 72 |
Emerald City is one of the nicknames of Eugene, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest. 50 miles inland from the Oregon coastline on the Pacific Ocean, it is a beautiful, green, picturesque setting with lots of recreational and outdoor activities. It is the third largest city in the state with an estimated population topping 160,000. Eugene is home to the University of Oregon and Lane Community College and also where the Nike Corporation got its start. In 1846, Eugene Skinner built the first cabin in the area that was also a Trading Post known as Skinner's Mudhole. It was incorporated as Eugene City in 1862. In later years, Eugene was the center of the timber industry and the city grew. With a downturn in the timber industry in 1980 causing massive unemployment Eugene rebounded in the mid 1980's with high-tech industries building a stronger economy. There are several religious centers of higher learning and Eugene's diverse population represents several ethnic and religious backgrounds. It had a large hippie population in the 1960's drawing in many people with alternative ideas and culture. The Eugene Symphony, Ballet and Opera contribute to the cultural side as well as festivals celebrating Bach and Mozart. This quiet and beautiful setting is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts in neighborhoods including the following.
You will find everything from modern apartments and condos, traditional single family homes, older properties and many sizes of residential choices. Median home prices start at $310,000 and up, with rents at $1,200 plus and average incomes of $75,000. From west of Willamette Street and between Crest Drive and W. 18th the neighborhood has great schools and parks for a healthy family environment. The Wayne Morse Family Farm is a main feature of the area with off leash dog parks, outdoor activities such as hiking, picnics and sports fields and space for events and is the only city park on the National Registry of Historic Places. Try the Cornbread Cafe on W. 7th for great Vegan food or maybe you would like Marche on E. 5th for French cooking or perhaps the Grit Kitchen and Wine for an eclectic menu on W. 3rd. You should be able to find just about anything you need at the Emerald Shopping Center on River Road.
West of I-5 and close to the Willamette River is Fairmount, home turf of the University of Oregon and those Oregon Ducks. Plenty of good schools for K-12 and area parks such as Hendricks Park or Moon Mountain City Park for outdoor activities. Two and Three bedroom homes starting at $395, 000 and larger homes starting at $500,000 and above with average incomes around $60,000. The Valley River Center Mall on Valley River Center is big enough to have the right stores, but smaller and not too crazy. The Cornucopia Restaurant on W. 17th at Lincoln St. has their Big Baby Blue Burger and other favorites for the family. For fine Chinese food there is always P.F. Changs on Coburn Road. Do not miss the VooDoo Donut Tres at E. Broadway and Willamette for their Bacon Maple Bar or Apple Fritter. All the wonderful fresh air will spark your appetite.
Single Family homes, apartments and condos comprise the housing choices for the Southeast Neighborhood west of Willamette Street. Below Fairmount and home to Lane Community College, it has several parks and schools for K-12 making this is an ideal area for families and students. Median home prices at $270,000 and rents under $1,000 make it affordable. Stop in at Sizzle Pie on Willamette street for some great Vegan Pizza or maybe Track Town Pizza for their BBQ Chicken Pie on Franklin Blvd. Finish off with Noisette Pasty Kitchen on W. Broadway. This is a great neighborhood with family amenities and it’s easy to get around the Eugene area. Head over to the Rink Exchange for Ice Skating and good exercise on W. 13th. The kids will have a blast. Make the most of your family time in Eugene, Oregon.