Spring term in Eugene can mean a lot of things. Frolicking in the sunshine, better weather (we hope), more daylight to enjoy and general excitement of summer being just around the corner.
With all the joy spring term brings, the stress of finding new housing looms over all. For those who have already experienced the competitive nature of Eugene’s housing market, they know to get a jump-start on their applications.
Those who have yet to experience the joys of finding a home near campus are in for a treat.
The campus area of Eugene has been inundated with new apartment complexes. It would seem to be somewhat easy to get an apartment with so many new places surrounding campus, but as the number of students that attend the University increases, the space for new tenants decreases.
One of the newer apartment complexes that will begin leasing in July is called Westgate, located on East 13th Avenue between Hilyard and Alder streets.
The complex offers two- and three-bedroom units with several different floor plans. Amenities include a washer, dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, bike storage, electric heat and air conditioning. It’s close to the bus line, and parking options are also available. This property is close to campus, along with several other restaurants, bars and other businesses.
The cost is steep, however, as a three-bedroom apartment is renting for $2,400 per month. According to Paradigm Properties, “The Westgate is an environmentally friendly building and will receive a LEED-Gold or Platinum rating on completion. In fact, The Westgate is expected to be the first LEED-certified mid-rise project completed in the Pacific Northwest. For the residents, this means that utility bills will be extremely low and indoor air quality will be very high.”
You can find more information about this apartment complex through eugenerentals.com or through paradigmeugene.com.
Another apartment complex near campus — also brand-new — is called O-Town. It offers two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. O-Town is located at 1777 Patterson St. and features several amenities, such as a range, dishwasher, refrigerator, garbage disposal, and washer and dryer. Tenant pays for water, sewer and electric while the landlord pays for garbage service.
“My main goal is to be close to campus and O-Town is a perfect place for me,” University freshman Morgan Alfrejd said.
To find out more about renting any of the 33 O-Town apartments, visit mallardproperties.net.
One of the most diverse and popular apartment complexes seems to be The Sonja, located on 1836 Alder St., which features apartments varying from one to five bedrooms. Amenities include a washer, dryer, garbage service and Internet. The prices vary, as there are many different floor plans. The Sonja also has designated common areas, which have a similar set up to a lot of dorms with air conditioning and desks. There is an exercise area for tenants and a secured entrance, and many of the units have decks. After talking to a few people who plan on living in The Sonja next year, they have all said that they are excited about it.
University junior Madeleine Dreyfuss signed her lease last week, saying what interested her most about The Sonja was, “It’s close to campus, relatively cheap, and it has a gym.”
“The brand new design didn’t hurt either,” Dreyfuss added.
To find out more about this apartment complex, visit vonkleinrentals.com.
The Westgate, The Sonja and O-Town apartment complexes are some of the leading properties in sustainability and eco-friendly amenities. Many housing and rental companies are moving toward sustainable housing, and in fact, Eugene has been named the “No. 1 Green City in the United States” by National Geographic’s Green Guide “for its accomplishments in the areas of renewable energy, livability and public green space.”
As you all continue your search for apartments, keep in mind that there are a lot of options. While the housing search seems somewhat daunting, if nothing else, keep in mind that the extra time and research you put into finding a new home will definitely be worth it.
University sophomore Ned Mills has an encouraging tip for those who seek an apartment next school year: “Finding an apartment is significantly easier than finding a house to live in.”
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