Top Neighborhoods
Springfield's neighborhoods are wildly different—pick wrong and you're stuck with a 45-minute commute or a house next to a noisy industrial zone. Choosing the right one matters because your daily coffee run, commute, and weekend trail access are all hyper-local here.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Springfield
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thurston | Suburban family hub | $1,450-$1,850 | Families with kids | ~42 |
| Gateway | Budget-friendly commuter | $1,100-$1,450 | Young professionals | ~58 |
| Downtown Springfield | Walkable urban core | $1,350-$1,700 | Remote workers | ~72 |
| Coburg Road Corridor | Convenient corridor | $1,250-$1,600 | Hospital workers | ~52 |
| Jasper/Lorane | Rural fringe | $1,500-$2,200 | Homebuyers with land | ~28 |
| Santa Clara | Quiet residential | $1,200-$1,550 | Budget-conscious families | ~48 |
Thurston
Overview: The sprawling suburban heart of Springfield, anchored by the massive Thurston High School campus and the bustling Gateway-area shopping corridor along Main Street. This is where families plant roots and stay put.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,450 - $1,850/mo (1BR) | $1,800 - $2,300/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $475k - $525k
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to downtown | 18 min to Eugene's tech corridor (via I-5)
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~42 (Car-dependent; some pockets near Main St)
Local Intel: Traffic bottlenecks at the 42nd/Main intersection during school drop-off (7:45-8:30am) and rush hour. The hidden gem is the Thurston Hills Natural Area for trail access without driving to the mountains. Avoid renting on Main Street itself—noise from the 24-hour Fred Meyer delivery trucks is real.
Who Thrives Here: Families with school-age kids who want a big backyard, reliable schools, and easy highway access. Remote workers who need space for a home office.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Excellent schools: Thurston School District (8/10 rating), with Thurston Elementary scoring above state average
- ✅ Quick access to Hendricks Park trails via 42nd Street (5 min drive)
- ❌ Very car-dependent; walking to amenities is impractical
- ❌ Main Street traffic is congested 3-6pm daily
Schools: Thurston School District. Strong performer—Thurston Elementary (8/10) and Thurston High (7/10) are well-regarded.
The Verdict: Move here if you need space, schools, and don't mind driving. Avoid if you want walkability or hate suburban traffic.
Gateway
Overview: The budget-friendly entry point to Springfield, stretching along Mohawk Boulevard and the I-5 corridor. This is the first stop for newcomers—think older apartment complexes, strip malls, and surprisingly good food trucks.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,100 - $1,450/mo (1BR) | $1,400 - $1,750/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $385k - $440k
- 🚗 Commute: 8 min to downtown | 12 min to Eugene's downtown
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~58 (Somewhat walkable near Mohawk Blvd)
Local Intel: The Gateway Mall area is the main landmark, but the real action is at Off the Waffle on Mohawk for late-night eats. Traffic on Mohawk Blvd backs up at the I-5 exits during peak hours (4-6pm). The Springfield Aquatic Center is a hidden gem for summer pool access without the crowds.
Who Thrives Here: Young professionals starting out, hospital workers at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart, and anyone commuting to Eugene on a budget.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable rents in Springfield proper
- ✅ Direct bus route (#7) to downtown Eugene (25 min, runs every 30 min)
- ❌ Older housing stock; many apartments lack modern updates
- ❌ Higher property crime rates near the mall corridor (not violent, but car break-ins are common)
Schools: Springfield School District (average rating). Not the top tier, but decent—check individual school ratings.
The Verdict: Perfect for budget-conscious commuters who need I-5 access. Skip if you want modern amenities or a quiet residential feel.
Downtown Springfield
Overview: The revitalizing urban core, centered on Main Street between A and 10th Streets. This is Springfield's version of "cool"—craft breweries, coffee shops, and historic brick buildings. The Springfield Museum and Ice Cream on Main anchor the scene.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,350 - $1,700/mo (1BR) | $1,650 - $2,100/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $420k - $480k
- 🚗 Commute: 3 min to downtown | 15 min to Eugene's tech corridor
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~72 (Very walkable; most errands doable on foot)
Local Intel: The Springfield Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9am-2pm) on A Street is unbeatable for local produce. Hop Valley Brewing and Plank Town Brewing are the post-work spots. Street parking is brutal during First Friday Art Walks (monthly, 6-9pm). The Q Street pedestrian bridge connects you to Amazon Park in Eugene for bike commutes.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who want coffee shop hopping, creatives who value walkability, and anyone who wants to avoid a car-centric lifestyle.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Highest walk score in Springfield; most needs met on foot
- ✅ Vibrant food scene: Off the Waffle (brunch), Bariola's (Italian)
- ❌ Street noise from Main Street bars and weekend traffic
- ❌ Limited parking for visitors; some units don't include off-street spots
Schools: Springfield School District. Lincoln Elementary is decent (6/10), but this area is more about lifestyle than top-tier schools.
The Verdict: Ideal for urban dwellers who want Eugene-level amenities without Eugene prices. Avoid if you need a yard or quiet nights.
Coburg Road Corridor
Overview: The commercial strip running north from downtown toward the McKenzie River, anchored by PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center and the Coburg Road Marketplace. Mixed residential and medical office space.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,250 - $1,600/mo (1BR) | $1,550 - $1,900/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $410k - $460k
- 🚗 Commute: 6 min to downtown | 3 min to PeaceHealth hospital
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~52 (Car-dependent; walkable only to hospital)
Local Intel: The McKenzie River Trail access at Clear Lake Park is a 5-minute drive for world-class mountain biking. Traffic on Coburg Road is heavy 7-9am and 4-6pm due to hospital shift changes. Market of Choice is the high-end grocery anchor, but prices are steep—most locals hit WinCo Foods on Mohawk instead.
Who Thrives Here: Hospital employees (nurses, doctors, admin) who want a 5-minute commute. Also good for retirees needing medical center proximity.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Unbeatable for hospital workers—walk to work in some complexes
- ✅ Quick access to McKenzie River recreation (15 min drive)
- ❌ No real "neighborhood" feel; it's a commercial corridor
- ❌ Hospital traffic and ambulance noise on Coburg Road
Schools: Springfield School District. Average performance; not a standout area for schools.
The Verdict: Move here if you work at PeaceHealth. Everyone else will find it soulless and traffic-heavy.
Jasper/Lorane
Overview: The rural fringe southwest of town, along Lorane Highway and Jasper Road. Think acreage, manufactured homes, and true countryside living. The Jasper Store and Lorane Grange are the only commercial spots.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,500 - $2,200/mo (2BR house) | Rare apartments
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $450k - $600k (with land)
- 🚗 Commute: 18-25 min to downtown | 25-30 min to Eugene
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~28 (Car-essential; no sidewalks)
Local Intel: The Lorane Highway has no streetlights—driving at night is pitch black. Jasper State Recreation Site is a hidden gem for fishing and hiking. Property crime is virtually non-existent, but you're on your own for emergencies (long EMS response times). Well water and septic systems are common—factor in maintenance costs.
Who Thrives Here: Homebuyers wanting land, privacy, and no HOA. Remote workers with Starlink who need quiet for deep work.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ True rural privacy; nearest neighbor could be 1/4 mile away
- ✅ No city noise ordinances—run power tools at midnight
- ❌ Long commute; gas costs add $150-200/month
- ❌ Limited services: no Uber, no food delivery, spotty cell service
Schools: Jasper Elementary (part of Creswell School District) is small and well-rated (8/10), but high schoolers commute to Creswell.
The Verdict: Perfect for rural lifestyle seekers who work from home. Avoid if you commute daily or need city amenities within walking distance.
Santa Clara
Overview: The quiet residential neighborhood north of downtown, tucked between 2nd Street and the McKenzie River. Primarily mid-century ranch homes and small apartment complexes. Santa Clara Park and Willamette Street are the local anchors.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,200 - $1,550/mo (1BR) | $1,500 - $1,800/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $395k - $450k
- 🚗 Commute: 7 min to downtown | 12 min to Eugene's downtown
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~48 (Car-dependent; walkable to park and Willamette St)
Local Intel: The Santa Clara Park has a great playground and is rarely crowded. Willamette Street has a hidden gem: La Perla for authentic Mexican food. The Willamette Street Bridge gets backed up during UO football games (fall Saturdays). Street parking is easy here—unlike downtown.
Who Thrives Here: Budget-conscious families and young professionals who want a quiet residential feel without being far from downtown.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ More affordable than downtown while still close
- ✅ Safe for kids to bike around; low traffic on side streets
- ❌ Older homes; many need HVAC and insulation upgrades
- ❌ Limited nightlife; you'll drive to downtown for entertainment
Schools: Springfield School District. Santa Clara Elementary is average (6/10), but safe and community-oriented.
The Verdict: Solid choice for first-time homebuyers or renters wanting quiet proximity. Skip if you want walkable nightlife or modern apartments.
Final Advice
Best for Families: Thurston—hands down for schools and space, but budget for the commute.
Best for Young Professionals: Downtown Springfield if you want walkability; Gateway if you're budget-focused and commute to Eugene.
Best for Retirees: Coburg Road Corridor for medical access, or Jasper/Lorane if you want quiet and don't mind driving.
Traffic pattern reality: The I-5 corridor (Gateway area) is jammed 4-6pm daily. The Willamette Street Bridge chokes during UO events. If you work in Eugene, live north of the McKenzie River to avoid the worst bottlenecks.
Counterintuitive pick: Santa Clara is the sleeper hit—affordable, safe, and 7 minutes from downtown, but most renters overlook it for flashier Gateway or pricier downtown.