Also from San Diego, I am in the escrow process on a house, in your price range, in the South Eugene area (97405). With your strong financial position, you can find a nice property anywhere, that fits your lifestyle to a tee. Why live out in the western sprawl when you can afford to live near your dog park of choice and be within walking distance of the things you like, just a little further Southeast? It might cost you a few thousand more, or you may get less footage, but buying a home today is such a long-term proposition, a price difference that doesn't "break the bank" might be a good thing, long term.

FYI, here is a link to the map of Eugene city parks:

http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2…

The table on the right shows which parks have dog play areas. If I was a dog person, I would consider buying within a walking distance from one of these parks. Wayne Morse and Amazon parks would be my top choices.

P.S. I would not want to live in Bethel-Danebo and Far West Eugene if they were giving those houses away for free. Not walkable due to sprawling development patterns, lack of mixed-use development and low population density, and too far for daily biking to downtown and UO. If you don't mind driving everywhere (I've heard people from California do that), then it may not matter to you.

Denise, Have you looked at these to get a feel for the entertainment, different view of things, and information about different events in the area.... http://www.eugeneweekly.com/ ... http://www.dailyemerald.com/

Sean has given you the most accurate take on Eugene IMHO. It is a great place with many different faces and issues. A few hours of just touring the area will answer a lot of your questions.

I may be a little bit biased but this entire part of Oregon is beautiful and offers many wonderful living situations/styles.
Now I have to go take an aspirin for the headache I get whenever I say nice things about Duck Territory.
; )

Go Beavers, Dunes

Hi Denise

I do believe the reason is school dstricts, college and the craftmanship of the older established neighboorhoods, they just have more character. They are also on larger lots landscaping more mature so offers better privacy. I will disagree with the first answer as it is not all good in Eugene, there are some places that I would stay away from. From what you are describing you would want to live close to downtown on the southeast side. There are many walking and hiking trails and I have seen many people with there dogs on these trails. There is also a really nice dog park in this area. Please call or email and we will do a home search for you and promptly send listings for homes that closely matches your criteria. Have a great weekend! thank you

Call me if you want to explore these neighborhoods. It would be a very good way for your to determine which area would be the best fit for you.
Also, please consider joining me on my next bank owned home bus tour on June 27th. We will tour a variety of neighborhoods and price ranges.... Kit Sixel, Real Estate Broker 541-954-1915

I am sure our Eugene experts will weigh in shortly. It is all good in Eugene. These areas are just a bot further out from the City and U of O. I am sure you will get tons of good input by this time tomorrow. Thanks for using Truilia!

Regards;

Dirk Knudsen
Re/max Hall of Fame