The University is nestled amid several types of neighborhoods, so finding an area in Eugene compatible with personal tastes and needs could be easier than finding a compatible roommate. The following is a brief tour of the area.

Downtown
Downtown is choice for urbanites accustomed to more expensive housing and parking. The neighborhood boasts dozens of bars and restaurants, as well as playing host to a bustling twice-weekly modern-day agora where folks can purchase tie-dyed underwear, exchange gardening tips, taste the many local flavors and support Eugene-based cottage industries. Saturday Market and Farmer’s Market are held nearby throughout the summer season.
Most of the housing is in apartment buildings annexed with a small patio or balcony.
“I love living downtown,” education major Jennifer Liggett said. “I can walk almost anywhere — especially the bars. And I prefer living around professionals instead of other students.”
Luckey’s, Joe’s Bar and Grill, The Jungle and The Horsehead are just a few of the many bars and restaurants located downtown. Most bars have themed nights, which include hip-hop, ’80s metal, jazz and jam.
The Eugene bus station, public library and central post office are located downtown, along with art galleries, music venues, clothing boutiques and grocery stories. For people who thrive on the pulse of the city, downtown is a good place to call home.

Whiteaker
Whiteaker residents reap the rewards of fairly cheap rent and a diverse neighborhood. A stroll through the neighborhood reveals community gardens, intricate tree houses, backyards crammed with solar panels, murals and vibrant colors.
Whiteaker also has ethnic restaurants galore, most notably a variety of Mexican options and a Thai restaurant. Sam Bond’s Garage and the Tiny Tavern are cornerstones of the Eugene music scene, and the Red Barn provides a thorough selection and moderate pricing for a smaller natural foods store.
The Willamette River borders this neighborhood from the north, providing a tranquil respite for the city-weary.
“The Whiteaker is more culturally diverse than other Eugene neighborhoods,” Spanish major Jonathan Bilenki said.
Bilenki recently moved out of Whiteaker.
“The train is really loud, and we lived right near the highway,” he said.
Bilenki recommended eliminating this neighborhood as a housing option if sound sleep is difficult to come by.

West University
Fraternities, sororities and group houses comprise this neighborhood immediately west of the University. The atmosphere is collegiate, with few outside influences. Students can roll out of bed and arrive at class in only a few minutes.
Safeway is nearby, and there are several laundromats in the area. Restaurants and bars line East 13th Avenue. The Glenwood Restaurant on Alder Street provides inexpensive and tasty breakfasts and lunches while Pegasus Smokehouse Pizza and New Max’s Tavern are also nearby.
For those who want to be submerged in the college experience, surrounded by a young community of their peers, West University is the place to live.

South University
The South University neighborhood is a patchwork of student rentals, families of both modest and high income, tenured professors and greek housing. This neighborhood is unusually serene for being so close to campus. Parking can be a problem, especially when there is a basketball game at McArthur Court or classes are in session.
McMenamin’s East 19th Street Cafe offers burgers and beer, and fresh bread and homemade ice cream are available daily at Eugene City Bakery and Prince Pückler’s, located across Agate Street from McMenamin’s.
Rent in this neighborhood is moderate, and Safeway, Market of Choice and Sundance Natural Foods are all within walking or biking distance.
“I especially like jogging in Hendricks Park,” physical therapy major Grace Bird said. “I think this is the best side of campus. It has the nicest housing, and it’s quiet.”