Eugene and Springfield are more than just livable towns--they are communities. The area's unique geography, economy and friendly people are just a few of the aspects that make the southern Willamette Valley an ideal place in which to work, live and play. To really find out how special our community is, you must visit the area--but until then, browse the topics below to learn a little about our exceptional towns.

ON THIS PAGE: | Economy | Government | Climate | Health & Wellness

Daily Life Many people agree that it's the little things in life that make them happy. Eugene and Springfield exemplify this principle. Explore Eugene, Oregon is an excellent website featuring videos of the Eugene community. Getting around town: If you are a driver, you'll find our cities to be easy to navigate. Maps are available for download from the Oregon Department of Transportation. There is some managed congestion during commute times, but you will soon develop your own efficient routes to get you where you need to be. For information on licensing and vehicle registration, visit the Oregon DMV. Many commuters take advantage of the nationally recognized bike path routes. For maps and information, visit the Eugene: City of Bicycles. This site also shows Springfield bike routes. Lane county offers convenient public transportation via the Lane Transit District. Amtrak.com services Eugene and Springfield and the historic Eugene Depot. Many folks use the Amtrak Cascades line to explore the Pacific Northwest The Eugene airport, Mahlon Sweet Field services the county's air transport needs. Many fliers use Portland International Airport for their fights. Utilities and Services: Utilities in Springfield are provided by the Springfield Utility Board. The Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) provides utilities for Eugene. Garbage and recycling services for Eugene are listed at the City of Eugene's Solid Waste and Recycling Program page. Many of the companies listed on the site also service Springfield. Local phone service is provided primarily by Qwest. Media--television, radio, internet and print--is very diverse in our community: The primary regional daily newspaper is The Register Guard, although many people also receive The Oregonian, from Portland. And of course, all major national newspapers are available for delivery or purchase, as well. We have several smaller publications, as well. The entertaining (and sometimes controversial) Eugene Weekly spotlights local entertainment and current events. Others include The Comic News, the University's Oregon Daily Emerald, and the Springfield Beacon. Eugene carries local affiliate stations for all of the major national television networks, with local news, sports and weather forecasts. Most residents subscribe to Comcast for their additional television services, but many also use the Dish Network or DirectTV. Being a university community, there are a wide variety of both commercial and local broadcast stations, both AM and FM. Visit TVRadioWorld for a comprehensive listing of area stations. High speed internet service is available to most of the Eugene and Springfield neighborhoods and outlaying areas. BroadbandReports.com is a good resource for comparison shopping--although many people choose package deals with their cable or phone service. back top Economy Golden Realty is a member of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, which outlines the economic development of the city, as well as employer and business relocation information. The Springfield Chamber of Commerce describes the town's economy with statistical data and descriptive information. The rising cost of living is on everyone's minds these days. How do Eugene and Springfield compare to your current town of residence? Visit the Cost of Living Wizard from Salary.com to compare and contrast your living expenses. back top Government Residents of the Willamette valley are very involved with local government and there is a diverse range of political opinion. The community is dedicated to public service, with high rates of volunteerism, activism and charity. A historical description of the government of the City of Eugene can be found at the Living in Eugene page at the official City of Eugene website. Visit the official City of Eugene website to learn about current government activity. Visit the City of Springfield website to learn about the local government of Springfield. back top Climate The Eugene an Springfield area covers approximately 55 square miles, with the Willamette River running through the hearts of the cities and the McKenzie River joining the Willamette to the north of the towns. Our climate is one of the area's attractive features. Mild winters, long growing seasons, and few drastic weather changes are characteristic. Autumn, winter and spring showers make the green vegetation lush year-round, and the summers are sunny and idyllic. The National Weather Service provides information on local forecasts and climatological changes, with a clickable interface. Visit WordIQ for a more through description of the climate and geography of the Willamette Valley. back top Health and Wellness Eugene and Springfield have world-class healthcare facilities, featuring both conventional and alternative medicines. Our residents have a tendency to be health-conscious and proactive when it comes to family wellness. Exercise and recreation, locally grown produce and dairy products and preventative health care all contribute to the community's healthy (and happy!) population. Our main area hospitals are described by Planet Eugene. A more comprehensive list of specialist care, including alternative medicine, can be found at The Physician's Directory, powered by DEX Online. Dex Online also has a Sports and Recreation guide, listing area health clubs and fitness resources. Don't forget the pets! Our citizens love their animals, and responsible pet-ownership is a big part of our local culture. The Pets and Animals section of Planet Eugene will tell you all about the area's pet resources, health care and adoption opportunities.