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Eugene is located 60 miles inland from the coast
and about 60 miles from the Cascade Mountains, providing year
round opportunities for hiking, camping, boating, bird watching,
bicycling and more. Residents also enjoy Kentucky
Falls, 45 miles west of the city, which boasts three
waterfalls. The Rogue River is a great spot for whitewater
rafting, and Willamette Pass Ski Area and Hoodoo Ski Area to the
east are winter favorites. Golfers have seven courses, four
open to the public and two that are private, from which to
choose. Sports fans will want to cheer on The University of
Oregon Ducks.
Residents
enjoy three beautiful seasons plus one rainy one, from November to
April, which replaces traditional winter. There is
little snow, but rainfall averages 47 inches per year, and winters
can get a little dreary. Temperatures are moderate and
comfortable with average summer temperatures in the high 70s and
mid 80s, and average winter temperatures in the 30s and
40s. Humidity averages 80%, which some people may find
a little uncomfortable.
Sacred
Heart Medical Center (432 beds) is the primary health care
facility and is the largest hospital between Portland and San
Francisco. It has been named a Consumer Choice Award
Winner, as it has been for the last six years, meaning that
patients rate its doctors and nurses among the best. More
than 3,200 hospitals were studied nationwide for the 234 top
spots; other winners have included the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins
Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Massachusetts General
Hospital. Another hospital with 148 beds is slated to
open soon, and a new 400-bed medical center is also set to open in
Springfield, a nearby community.
For
being a college town, Eugene has a solid support system for
retirees. The Trude Kaufman Senior Center (541-342-1881)
provides classes and social events and is located in a charming
Victorian home. The Campbell Senior Center (541-682-5318)
offers field trips, meals, social activities, classes, volunteer
opportunities and referrals to other community resources. The
Area Agency on Aging and Disability Services for Lane County
manages the Senior & Disabled Services (S&DS) and offers
senior meals and in-home care. OASIS is an
educational organization that offers classes and workshops for
those over 50. Call 541-342-6611 for more
information. Peacehealth Center for Senior Health
(541-687-6234) is a community-based resource that offers senior
programs, education and medical support.
Eugene is served by a major airport, Amtrak rail
service and major bus lines. The Lane Transit District (LTD)
is the local bus system; seniors (age 62 to 69) ride for $.60
(monthly passes are $19). Those age 70 or better ride for
free.
The
crime rate for Eugene is slightly higher than the national
norm, but most of the crimes are related to property. Violent crimes are
rare.
The
University of Oregon is a wonderful resource for retirees. Its
Learning in Retirement (541-346-0697) program is targeted to
retirees and has an unlimited use flat fee of $100, allowing
seniors to attend classes for very little money. Many
regular classes can be audited for no charge. Lane Community
College, considered one of the best in the country, has personal
enrichment classes and a strong business emphasis. Seniors
receive 50% tuition discount.
A
drawback to retirement in Eugene may be its air quality, which can
become poor during the summer and autumn when grass seed farmers
burn their fields for pest control purposes. The city's
liberal ambiance may not be everyone's cup of tea, although we
hear that the area called Ferry Street Bridge across the river
from the University is less liberal. The amount
of rain the area receives may also be considered by some to be a
drawback.
Return
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