This forum is great; everyone's so generous with their thoughts. Thank you, in advance.
My husband and I are considering moving to Oregon within the next year, and thinking about somewhere in the Willamette Valley that's within communting distance of Eugene. We're moving from Maui (Hawaii), where we're lived forever, and are in search of a small town that's, well, charming and picturesque and where the winters/summers aren't extreme. Love wildlife, gardening, mountains, rivers, forests and neighbors that don't live too close. Any good advice or information? We're fiftysomething but nowhere near over-the-hill.

If anyone recommends Sisters as the answer don't listen to 'em. It;s a tourist trap filled strip mall fake "cute" town that for some reason some tourists love. It's as ugly as sin. Bend gets real cold so forget that if you want decent weather. Why not Eugene? It rains a lot but doesn't get too cold. Otherwise going east into the McKenzie river area...no real towns but nice river and hiking.

Haven't lived in Oregon for 35 years but get back every year or two. I like the suggestion of one of the small communities up the McKenzie River. (I remember that Blue River had a volunteer library that was open 24 hours a day. Go in, select books, check 'em out. We have friends who moved from Hawaii to Arizona but then settled in Reedsport, Oregon. Any place along the Pacific coast is great if you don't mind the rain. There are a number of small communities around Eugene depending on your need to be there and how many miles you want to commute. Welcome to Oregon from a Texan.

I have lived in Eugene the past 7 years and I love it. It is charming, friendly, cultured and pretty. The nicest part of town is the south side - from the east over by the U of O and the soutwest side. There is plenty to do, from good restaurants to U of 0 sporting events to hiking. I wouldn't live anywhere else!

Lets see, places that are small and nearby Eugene...
I have lived in Eugene for 10 years, I consider it a great but highly flawed city. But if you don't let politics get to you then its nice...anyway.

A coastal town would be great, the Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places I know. Try researching Newport, or Florence which is only about an hour from Eugene.
You can live nearby Eugene and still commuute to it! However most cities aren't worth it IMHO. You could try to see Coburg which has nice real estate.

Just move to Eugene if you like, traffic jams aren't anything like a large city and you can root for the Duc ks! There is much culture in the town as well.

Hopefully some of this helps future folks wanting to move here.

As a former Eugene resident, now living in Europe, I suggest you live in Eugene itself. Most of the other communities--Sisters, Bend, Oakridge, etc., are not within commuting distance, especially in winter. The small towns that are closer in are kind of bland whereas Eugene itself is quite vibrant yet still green and pleasant. It's one of our favorite places in the U.S. (when we do return from Europe, we'll be moving to the Olympic Peninsula in WA state, either Port Townsend or Sequim--if you're not committed to the Willamette Valley, check those out--web sites are www.ptguide.com and www.ptleader.com).
Some Eugene web sites worth checking are www.registerguard.com (the daily newspaper) and www.johnlscott.com or www.windermere.com (two big realty companies for the NW). The coastal communities that were mentioned, particularly Florence might fit the bill, but I don't think those are within commuting distance.
Good luck!!

Forgot to add, Dave, we'll be envying you next time you stop at the L & L market on 16th and Willamette for coffee or relax with an Oregon pinot noir at an outside table at Zenons.

I have lived in the Eugene/Springfield area for 32 years. I am 35 with a family of 5. We live 10 south of Eugene in Creswell. Our population is about 3500 and growing. I like it here because it is close to Eugene and far enough away to have the small community that my husband and I both love.

We are looking to probably retire in Redmond which is close to Bend and Sisters. Being an Oregonian, I enjoy the nature our state provides, but living here in the valley is gloomy from Fall to Spring. It's beautiful because of the rain fall, but then again you have to put up with the rain and gloom too. We love vacationing in Redmond at Eagle Crest with our family because of the recreation it provides. Yes, Redmond does get cold in the Winter ... but you can see a BLUE sky almost everyday ... and that is attractive for both my husband and I.

It might be a great idea to visit here before you move and get some ideas. The Mckenzie River area is beautiful.

Good luck to the both of you.

Stacey