"Conjunction Junction, what's your function?" If you remember the old line from "Schoolhouse Rock," you know the answer -- "hooking up words and phrases and clauses." Well, it's agricultural products, manufactured goods and people connections that gave Junction City, Oregon its name.
Some might think it's so named because of the y-junction of Highway 99, splitting into West and East. Some assume the name came about because it was home for a water port connecting to the Willamette River. Farm products were sent downriver to Portland where they were often loaded on ships bound for ports around the world, while the supplies the farmers needed came upriver. The name actually came because of the railroad, but this place was a junction long before that. The town was once home to what was billed as the biggest opera house between Portland and San Francisco and famous saloons. These days, it's much more the small farming town on the outer edges of a much bigger community.
It's close enough to Eugene to commute -- and to go see the Oregon Ducks compete for a national title! For that reason, homes rent in Junction City for slightly more than in many farm communities, and the availability is generally lower
"Conjunction Junction, what's your function?" If you remember the old line from "Schoolhouse Rock," you know the answer -- "hooking up words and phrases and clauses." Well, it's agricultural products, manufactured goods and people connections that gave Junction City, Oregon its name.
Some might think it's so named because of the y-junction of Highway 99, splitting into West and East. Some assume the name came about because it was home for a water port connecting to the Willamette River. Farm products were sent downriver to Portland where they were often loaded on ships bound for ports around the world, while the supplies the farmers needed came upriver. The name actually came because of the railroad, but this place was a junction long before that. The town was once home to what was billed as the biggest opera house between Portland and San Francisco and famous saloons. These days, it's much more the small farming town on the outer edges of a much bigger community.
It's close enough to Eugene to commute -- and to go see the Oregon Ducks compete for a national title! For that reason, homes rent in Junction City for slightly more than in many farm communities, and the availability is generally lower. So if you are set on making this historic little burg home, plan ahead as much as you can. Make a list of the favorite properties you see available and work through it step by step, trying to match your perfect places to rent with your budget. Be prepared to fork over first and last month's rent, and a deposit and do what you can to boost your credit report. It's a town of just over 5,000 people, so there may not be a huge list of available places for rent at any given time. Help yourself by searching late fall through early spring if you can.
It's a small town that really is more its own neighborhood that is just beyond the Eugene metro area. While there are no distinct neighborhoods, it still can be advantageous to go for a part of town you like. If you are going to be commuting to Eugene, the south side and close to Highway 99 is the better choice. It's also where you are likely to have the best luck trying to rent an apartment. To the north is where you will find some of the newer construction. To the east of Highway 99 and north of River Road is the downtown area.
It's classic Americana with an Oregon twist. The Willamette Valley is one of the country's premier agricultural regions, famous for everything from succulent berries to grass seed. The cities up and down the valley offer the conveniences and diversions of city life, while the smaller farm communities are favored by some for their laidback pace.
For when you're too lazy to cook, try Rodeo Steak House & Grill, Abby's Legendary Pizza, Tin Sing Restaurant or Moctezuma Restaurant. When it comes to park, there's plenty to go around in Junction City. Choose from Browns Landing State Park, Richardson County Park, Hileman Landing County Park or Day Memorial Park. For some exciting nightlife, you have Raven and Jersey's Bar to keep you occupied through the night.
