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In many ways, the city of Eugene, Oregon is a “hidden” gem for home buyers in the Pacific Northwest. Especially for those with the flexibility to choose where they want to live.
This city offers a laid-back college town vibe, scenic beauty, and favorable home prices relative to other major cities in the region.
This guide provides an overview of the Eugene, Oregon real estate market. It also explains why Eugene is a hidden gem for home buyers and why you should put it on your short list.
Eugene, Oregon is a medium-sized city of roughly 178,000 residents nestled in the Willamette Valley, a fertile region known for its lush greenery.
Surrounded by rolling hills and forests, Eugene enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and sunny, while winters are cool and rainy.
The city’s location provides easy access to both the Oregon Coast and the Cascade Mountains, with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The city’s overall character and “vibe” is partly influenced by the University of Oregon, a renowned public research university located in Eugene. The university brings a youthful energy to the city and contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene.
There’s a lot to like about Eugene, Oregon from a home buying perspective. One could write an entire book about the benefits of living in Eugene, OR.
Here are the top 10 reasons to consider buying a home in Eugene:
Eugene is one of the best places to buy a home in Oregon. It offers relatively affordable home prices when compared to cities like Portland, Seattle, or San Francisco. While prices have risen over the past few years, Eugene remains a more budget-friendly option for buyers seeking a West Coast or Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
For comparison purposes, here are the median home prices at the start of 2025, based on data provided by Zillow:
If you’re looking for affordable homes in Oregon, Eugene would be a reat place to look. Eugene home values tend to hold up well over time, even during economic downturns. The Eugene housing market does not experience the wild swings of other major cities in the region. It has a long history of slow-but-steady home price appreciation.
The Eugene real estate market often moves at a slower pace compared to other larger metros. This, combined with the city’s history of economic stability, makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers or those seeking long-term investments.
If you’re buying a home to serve as a rental/investment property, you’ll be glad to know that the city of Eugene, Oregon has a thriving rental market. That’s partly due to the University of Oregon, which contributes to a high level of demand for rental homes.
Like the great outdoors? You’ll love Eugene. The city is surrounded by stunning natural features, including the Willamette River and the Cascades mountain range. The Oregon Coast is just an hour away. Local residents have easy access to hiking, cycling, kayaking, and green spaces like Skinner Butte Park and Alton Baker Park.
Known as the “Emerald City,” Eugene is one of the greenest cities in the U.S., with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The city offers a variety of eco-friendly housing options and incentives, which attracts environmentally conscious home buyers from all over the U.S.
Like many college towns, Eugene hosts a wide range of cultural activities including art galleries, music festivals, and community events like the Saturday Market. The Hult Center for the Performing Arts hosts theater, dance, and concert events.
Eugene is centrally located for exploring the Pacific Northwest. It’s about two hours from Portland, an hour from the Oregon Coast, and within reach of wine country and scenic byways.
Many of the neighborhoods in Eugene are walkable or bike-friendly. This city is often referred to as the “running capital of the world.” It also has a reliable public transit system, which further reduces the need for cars.
Eugene is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a wealth of activities for children and families.
The city is a haven for foodies, with a robust farm-to-table movement, local breweries, wineries, and produce markets.
The Eugene, OR housing market has experienced notable changes over the past year, reflecting broader national trends and local dynamics. Here are a few traits of current market trends in the city:
As mentioned, the average home price in Eugene is currently $465,443, according to Zillow, reflecting a 0.8% rise over the past year. Homes generally went pending in about 27 days.
Redfin’s Compete Score for Eugene is currently 69 out of 100, categorizing it as a “Somewhat Competitive” market. Homes receive an average of two offers and sell in about 31 days. “Hot homes” can sell for approximately 1% above list price and go pending within seven days.
As of a recent report, Eugene had 386 single-family homes available, representing 3.04 months of inventory. This suggests a “Soft Seller’s Market,” where sellers have a slight advantage, but buyers are negotiating, especially for homes on the market longer.
In addition to its real estate market, cultural, and geographic benefits, the city of Eugene also gives buyers a wide range of architectural styles to choose from.
This is not an exhaustive list. You can also find Victorian, Tudor, and other architectural styles scattered throughout the city.
There are so many reasons why Eugene is a hidden gem for home buyers. If you’re in need of financing to make a home purchase, we can help. Sammamish Mortgage serves all Pacific Northwest home buyers, including those in Eugene, OR. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote, or contact us if you have financing questions or want to apply for a loan.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.