Living in Corvallis Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

What is Living in Corvallis Oregon Like?

Nestled in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley is the city of Corvallis, the county seat of Benton County. The town is situated in the central part of western Oregon at the confluence of the Willamette and Mary's Rivers, approximately 83 miles south of Portland, 47 miles north of Eugene and Springfield, and 30 miles south of the state capital of Salem.

Corvallis is home to Oregon State University, which also happens to be the city's largest employer. Another large employer in Corvallis is Hewlett-Packard Corporation, whose printer cartridge manufacturing and prototyping facility are located in the city's northeast part. Corvallis was the birthplace of computer inkjet printing technology by Hewlett-Packard.

There are a large variety of things to do in Corvallis. Corvallis and its surrounding area have more than 50 parks and designated wildlife preserves. One of the largest is Riverfront Commemorative Park, which runs along the Willamette River on the eastern edge of downtown Corvallis. Established as a "Bike-Friendly City," Corvallis boasts miles of bike paths and trails. The Benton County Historical Museum houses an extensive collection of materials relating to the county's history. The Opera Theater Corvallis, founded in 1991, is involved in many community events, including ballet, lectures, and full-scale operatic productions. Day trips can be made to several interesting nearby attractions, including Alsea Falls (25 miles south of Corvallis) for fishing or picnicking, Mary's Peak (16 miles west of Corvallis), the highest peak in the Coast Range Mountains, and the Peavy Arboretum (8 miles north of Corvallis). Wineries are abundant in the area, and several are located off Highway 99W, close to Corvallis.

As you can tell, you don't have to be a college student to live in Corvallis, Oregon. With its beautiful scenery, abundant outdoor and cultural activities, and warm and welcoming community, you might find living in Corvallis is right for you and your family! To find out for sure, read on to learn more about Corvallis schools, neighborhoods and get answers to some FAQs about living in Corvallis, Oregon. By the end of this article, I believe you'll see living in Corvallis, Oregon, is a pretty special thing!

Skip Ahead to:

1. The Moving to Corvallis Oregon Team

2. Cost of Living in Corvallis Oregon

3. Public Schools in Corvallis, Oregon

4. Living in Corvallis Tips/Info/Blog Posts

5. Neighborhoods in Corvallis, Oregon

6. 20 Pros & Cons of Living in Corvallis Oregon

7. FAQs About Living in Corvallis Oregon

8. Helpful Links for Moving to or Living in Corvallis, Oregon

Are You Considering Buying a Home in Corvallis Oregon?

Would you like to buy a home in Corvallis, Oregon? Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in the Corvallis area. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Corvallis, Oregon, to help you navigate your home buying journey, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.

The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call at 971-275-2465.

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What is the Cost of Living in Corvallis Oregon?

Thinking of moving to Corvallis, Oregon? If so, the cost of living would likely be an important factor in helping you decide if Corvallis is the right spot for you. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Corvallis, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Corvallis, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $43,000 a year. To live in Corvallis, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $72,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.

Public Schools in Corvallis Oregon

If you live in Corvallis, Oregon, your kids will attend the Corvallis School District. With a little less than 6,500 students spread across 11 schools, the Corvallis School District is ranked 6th out of 197 school districts in the state for the 2022-23 school year by Niche.com. The district received A's and B's across the board in all criteria. The districts graduation rate for the most recent school year was 89%, well above the state average. If your kids attend school in the Corvallis School District, they will attend school at one of Oregon's best school districts.

Living in Corvallis Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts

Helpful Tips for Moving to Oregon and Buying a Home

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Corvallis Oregon Neighborhoods

Corvallis is known as a college town but its also a great city with fantastic neighborhoods in its own right. Below are some of the neighborhoods that make this city such a wonderful place to live:

Downtown: Corvallis' downtown area features many unique shops, restaurants, and attractions. It is a lively and bustling neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial properties.
College Hill: This neighborhood is located on a hill overlooking the Oregon State University campus and is home to many of the university's faculty and staff. It is known for its large historic homes and tree-lined streets.
South Corvallis: This neighborhood is located south of downtown and is known for its eclectic mix of housing styles and residents. It is home to many small businesses and is a popular area for young professionals and families.
Timberhill: This neighborhood is located on a hill overlooking Corvallis and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. It is known for its large homes and quiet streets.
West Hills: This neighborhood is located west of downtown and is known for its beautiful homes and proximity to hiking and biking trails. It is a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts.

If moving to Corvallis, Oregon, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT and get notified when homes matching your criteria hit the market in Corvallis. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to Corvallis, Oregon, is picking an experienced realtor who can help you get the house you want at the best price. At living in Oregon, we work with the best realtors throughout the state and can help you get the right realtor to make your move and home purchase as easy as possible.

Living in Corvallis Oregon Pros & Cons

Living in Corvallis Oregon Pros

Education: Corvallis is home to Oregon State University, a renowned institution that offers educational and research opportunities. The presence of the university contributes to a vibrant intellectual and cultural environment.
Natural beauty: Corvallis is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including nearby mountains, forests, and rivers. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
Mild climate: Corvallis experiences a mild, temperate climate, characterized by warm summers and cool, wet winters. The region's moderate weather allows for a wide range of recreational activities throughout the year.
Sustainable living: Corvallis is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as a leader in environmental practices. The city promotes recycling, alternative transportation, and eco-friendly initiatives, making it an ideal place for environmentally conscious individuals.
Strong sense of community: Corvallis has a tight-knit community with a strong sense of civic pride. The city hosts numerous events and festivals that bring residents together and foster a sense of belonging.
Low crime rate: Corvallis consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Oregon. The low crime rate contributes to a peaceful and secure living environment for its residents.
Cultural diversity: Despite its relatively small size, Corvallis embraces cultural diversity. The city hosts various cultural events, performances, and festivals that celebrate different traditions and promote inclusivity.
Thriving arts scene: Corvallis has a thriving arts community, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and live music venues. Residents can enjoy a wide range of cultural performances, exhibitions, and events.
Bicycle-friendly: Corvallis is recognized as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States. It offers an extensive network of bike lanes, paths, and trails, making it easy and safe for residents to commute and explore the city on two wheels.
Access to amenities: Despite its small-town charm, Corvallis offers a wide range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Residents have access to quality healthcare, educational institutions, and a variety of services within the city.

Living in Corvallis Oregon Cons

Cost of living: The cost of living in Corvallis is relatively high, particularly in terms of housing. Rent and home prices can be expensive, which may pose challenges for those on a tight budget.
Limited job market: Corvallis is a relatively small city with a limited job market compared to larger metropolitan areas. Finding employment in specific industries or career fields might be more challenging.
Traffic congestion: Corvallis experiences some traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly around major roadways and the university campus. However, it is less severe than in larger cities.
Limited entertainment options: Although Corvallis has a thriving arts scene, it may offer different entertainment options than larger cities. The range of nightlife, dining choices, and recreational activities might be more limited.
Challenging weather: While the climate is generally mild, the region experiences a fair amount of rain and cloudy days, impacting some individuals' moods or preferences for outdoor activities.
Higher education influence: The presence of Oregon State University can dominate the city's culture and priorities. Some residents may find this influence overwhelming or feel a need for balance.
Limited healthcare options: While Corvallis does have healthcare facilities, including a hospital, access to specialized medical services may be more limited compared to larger cities.
Limited career growth opportunities: Due to the size of the job market, career growth opportunities within a specific field or industry may be limited. Some individuals may need to relocate for career advancement.
Seasonal allergies: 75% of the world's grass seed is grown in Oregon, and a good chunk of it is produced around Corvallis. So if you're an allergy sufferer, seasonal allergies would be a real con about living in Corvallis, Oregon.
Distance to larger cities: Corvallis is relatively isolated from major urban centers, which may limit access to certain amenities, cultural events, or services available in larger cities.

Image from Bald Hill Overlooking Corvallis Oregon

FAQs About Living in Corvallis Oregon

What is Corvallis known for?

Living in Corvallis, Oregon, you'll find the city's biggest claim to fame is being home to the largest university in the state of Oregon, Oregon State University. The Beaver school has just over 33,000 students and plays a big part in what makes Corvallis go.

What are the closest cities to Corvallis?

Living in Corvallis, Oregon, you'll find the closest cities to be Philomath - 6 miles, Albany - 11 miles, and Lebanon - 19 miles, Other cities of note would be Salem (state capital) - 36 miles, Eugene - 47 miles, Newport (Oregon Coast) - 48 miles, and Oregon's largest city Portland - 83 miles away.

Is Corvallis a safe place to live?

Living in Corvallis, Oregon, you'll find lower than average violent crime rates and slightly higher property crime rates, Overall, Corvallis is considered a pretty safe city.

What is there to do for fun living in Corvallis?

Plenty! It's a college town, home of the Oregon State University Beavers. So if you like college athletics, there is an abundance to see living in Corvallis. In addition to the University, the city has lovely parks, trails, and the Willamette River to keep you busy. If that's not enough, you are about an hour from the Oregon Coast living in Corvallis.

Does Corvallis have good schools?

If you're considering moving to Corvallis, Oregon, you'll be happy to know it has some of the state's best schools. For 2022-23 school year, Niche.com ranked the Corvallis School District was the #6 ranked in the state of Oregon. Niche.com gives the Corvallis School District an A- overall and A's and B's across the board in all the categories it ranks. With an 89% graduation rate for 2022, Corvallis schools outpace the state average by a good margin. Living in Corvallis, Oregon, your kids will have access to an excellent education!

I want to move to Corvallis. How do I make it happen?

Research and preparation are the keys if you want to move to Corvallis Oregon. There’s a lot of information on this website to help. If you want a community to ask questions to, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon. We have a large community of people who are willing to help and answer any questions you might have about moving to and living in Corvallis. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Corvallis area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would be honored to help you move to Corvallis Oregon and buy a home. Together we can make living in Corvallis a reality for you.

Is Corvallis Oregon a good place to live?

The answer to this differs for everyone, but I think it is. With good schools, a low crime rate, and abundant things to do in the area, Corvallis would check all the boxes for many people. Hopefully, this article has given you some information to help you answer the question, "is Corvallis, Oregon, a good place to live?" for you and your family!

For FAQs about moving to Oregon or living in Oregon, check out my blog, 31 FAQs About Living in Oregon. For more information about living in Oregon, check out the homepage of LIVING IN OREGON.