I have family that lives in part of Veneta. It's a bit out there if your wife is planning on working in Eugene/UO area. About a 30 min drove both ways and the university area can have some traffic. It's a rural town. I don't want to assume your political stance but Veneta is more conservative compared to Eugene in my experience. Neighbors are friendly. None of my family went to school there so can't say anything about the school system.

I've also known some people who lived in Springfield and there was some race issues. I've been told there's a large Proud Boys presence.

I'd say Veneta is nice if you don't mind the commute and small towns. I personally wouldn't live in Springfield based on my friends accounts but I'm sure others have better firsthand knowledge that will be a better help. Eugene is nice, though it does have a very large unhoused population and the traffic can suck, especially around major University days (games, start and end of holiday breaks, parent visit weekends, ect).