Haha. Yeah, unlike Seattle you can live just about anywhere. Driving (mostly the parking part) can make you crazy so the closer you live to the downtown area the better. Wierd, no? Downtown is a residential neighborhood in Eugene. (The one with all the good shops and cafes)
My advice – do not live in Springfield or the surrounding towns like Creswell/Cottage Grove. The meth usage goes up and the liberal politics go down! Good luck…have fun.

I agree that you can live anywhere in Eugene. But I’d actually avoid downtown. It has been improving in recent years since they openend up Pearl and Willamette streets but its still pretty depressed. Since you’re going to the UofO I’d recommend living around 13th street, kinkaid or adler. The other side of campus is nice too, around agate and 19th. 24th and Hilyard area is fun, near Sundance foods. Or High Street, by the High Street Brewery and near Willamette St. Oh and I wouldn’t worry about parking… get yourself a bike. Eugene was recently rated the best biking city in the country. Plenty of bike parking.

I don’t think there is any place in Eugene that is unsafe. However, if you don’t like loud parties, you probably want to avoid the neighborhoods directly west of the university.

You will not want to drive to school-there is not enough parking-so finding a place within walking distance, or on a bus line, is a really good idea. Check out the Lane Transit District’s web page at http://www.ltd.org/ for bus info. Many people in Eugene bicycle, too.

I think Eugene is a really neat place to live!