Eugene, OR, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 176,654, Eugene may seem like a quaint college town, but the reality is a bureaucratic headache and a climate that can be a buzzkill for outdoor enthusiasts. The tax burden is heavy, and the city's high pollen counts have forced some athletes to avoid training there. While Eugene markets itself as a hub for the arts and outdoors, the constant rain and red tape may be too much for many. This city is best suited for diehard environmentalists and counter-culture types who can overlook the frustrations of living in "Track Town, USA."