Home Sweet Home

Peter E.

December 14, 2009 - 10:31 AM

Growing up in Phoenix it was always annoying having the snowbirds coming to town this time of year, but now I pride myself on being one. Since last New Years, I have spent about 72 hours in Phoenix (my hometown) for a quick weekend over Mothers Day, and I am very excited to be back. The last two weeks in Eugene have been bitterly cold (highs in the low 30s), so it's great to be back home thawing out for a few weeks.

As I enjoy this nice 65 degree day under a bright blue sky, I will take this opportunity to compare and contrast Phoenix and Eugene head-to-head to see how they fare in several different categories.

1. Winter weather: As I mentioned, it's been unusually cold in Eugene lately, but the typical winter weather in Eugene is fairly temperate but rainy. Phoenix winters are the reason we have a tourist industry: highs in the high sixties and sunny. Although it was in the low 60s and drizzly this weekend in Phoenix, the forecast looks very promising. I have to give the edge here to Phoenix (although when we discuss summers that's a different story).

2. Transportation: Eugene is a nicely sized town with decent public transportation and excellent bike trails. In addition, anything you want to get to in Eugene (grocery store, U of O, parks, movie theatres, etc.) are a short distance of no more than a couple miles from anyone. This is not the case with Phoenix. You need a car to get anywhere because the city is extremely sprawled, so biking is a limited mode of transportation. Phoenix prides itself on its new light rail system, but it has very limited stops and is not a practical mode of transportation yet. The air quality in Phoenix is also far worse than Eugene. Without a doubt, Eugene's commitment to biking and public transportation make it far superior.

3. Holiday cheer: Eugene looks wintery. There is no snow (yet), but it is cold so scarves, boots, hats, etc. are appropriate. Coffee, tea, and cider make sense this time of year. Some neighbors put up Christmas lights and shops begin to adorn themselves with holiday decorations. Phoenix, on the other hand, is a desert. The warm weather hardly suggests a winter wonderland, so people have to make up for it in other ways. People wrap Christmas lights around their houses and thirty foot palm trees to compensate for the lack of holiday appearance. This is a tough one to call because Eugene feels like the holidays minus snow, and Phoenix compensates a lack of weather with gaudy yet clever lights (not in the slightest friendly to peoples' carbon footprints). I'll call it a draw.

4. Winter fashion: People in Eugene are bundled this time of year, and rightfully so. Oregonians stay warm under hats, scarves, heavy coats, and gloves. This is appropriate considering the weather. Since I have been home I've been wearing shorts and a t-shirt since this weather seems incredibly warm to me. However, I notice many people wearing jeans and sweatshirts, and in more formal occasions scarves, hats, and boots. This is ridiculous. Just because fashion sources tell us it is "seasonal style" doesn't mean you should wear it if it is not climate appropriate. Eugene wins this category hands down.

It's difficult to say one place is better than the other since they are so different. However, I think Eugene is a better fit for me. That said, I am very content being in Phoenix with friends and family. Now it's time for me to go outside into the sunshine and put up some Christmas lights.