Harrisburg offers quiet streets and Willamette Valley scenery
Harrisburg is a small town tucked away along the banks of the Willamette River in Oregon’s scenic Willamette Valley. With a historical downtown district, quiet residential streets and picturesque rural landscapes, it offers small-town living with plenty of outdoor recreation. It’s about 20 miles north of Eugene, the second largest city in the state. “It’s a small town on the Willamette River surrounded by farmland. It’s very friendly and walkable. It feels very ‘Americana,’” says Realtor Laura Gillott of Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette, who’s been working the area since 1992.
A mix of old and new homes with river and mountain views
Harrisburg’s housing market is diverse, with home styles ranging from bungalows and ranch-style houses to more recently built contemporary homes. “You’ve got some homes that are over a century old, and then some from the 1960s and '70s. There are also some brand-new homes built in 2025. It’s a good mix,” Gillott says. Residential streets are typically quiet and free of through traffic, making it easier to walk and bike. A collection of homes on First Street looks out over the Willamette River, with distant views of the Oregon Coast Range mountains rising along the horizon. Prices range from around $250,000 to $600,000, making it a more affordable option compared to larger cities like Eugene, which has a median single-family home sale price of around $510,000.
Harrisburg’s riverfront location brings occasional flood risk
Located near the Willamette River, Harrisburg is prone to occasional flooding, especially during heavy rainfall and storm events. About 5% of the town is within a 100-year flood plain.
Over 150 acres of parks with courts, playgrounds and views
Harrisburg has several parks on over 150 acres of land, with everything from riverside picnic spots to community playgrounds. Riverfront Park is among the most popular, offering trails, fishing docks and scenic vistas along the Willamette River. “Riverfront Park is where the Fourth of July celebration takes place every year. There are vendors, a parade and a fireworks show right on the waterfront,” Gillott says. Public tennis courts, pickleball courts and a skate park are close by, right next to Harrisburg Elementary School. The town enjoys a mild climate with wet winters and warm, dry summers. The region is known for its fertile soil, making it ideal for agriculture and viticulture.
Dining and shopping options blend old-world charm and convenience
The downtown district offers an eclectic mix of local shops and family-owned restaurants, some of which are housed in historical buildings dating back more than a century. Hearty American fare can be found at Gridiron Sports Bar & Grill, while Mexican classics are on the menu at Nuestro Sabor. Java Joy coffee stand is the go-to for espresso drinks and pastries. The city has several options for groceries, including Dollar General and Farmer’s Helper, a well-established local butcher. For everything else, it’s about a 30-minute drive to Eugene, where residents will find big-box stores, major chains and high-end eateries.
Local schools enroll over 1,000 students
Harrisburg School District enrolls around 1,200 students every year. Students start at Harrisburg Elementary, which earns a B rating from Niche, followed by C-rated Harrisburg Middle and B-minus-rated Harrisburg High. The high school is known for its high-flying athletics programs, with several teams winning state championships in recent years. The high school also gives students access to a wide range of trade and career apprenticeships.
Easy access to Eugene, Corvallis and the Eugene Airport
Harrisburg is conveniently located along U.S. Route 99E, providing easy access to Eugene, Junction City and Corvallis. “It’s an easy commute to Eugene,” Gillott says. It’s about 15 miles from Eugene Airport, which offers regional service with flights to major West Coast cities. Amtrak services are also available in Eugene, with daily routes to Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center is the nearest major hospital, about 17 miles away.
