Corvallis
Oregon, USA
  • Corvallis Farmers' markets bursting with Willamette Valley fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers are held each Saturday and Wednesday morning in downtown Corvallis, a friendly relaxed community near the West coast. Credit:  VisitCorvallis.com Corvallis
    Farmers' markets bursting with Willamette Valley fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers are held each Saturday and Wednesday morning in downtown Corvallis, a friendly relaxed community near the West coast.
  • Portland One of America's most progressive cities, Portland is a cool mix of fun, cool and a dynamic professional culture. Credit:  TravelPortland.com Portland
    One of America's most progressive cities, Portland is a cool mix of fun, cool and a dynamic professional culture.

If you travel through Corvallis on a Saturday or Wednesday in the spring through fall, stop by the morning farmers' market to witness a friendly, fun community at work and play. 

An educated community

Home to more than 50,000, Corvallis is home to Oregon State University.  Located at the mouth of the Marys River where it flows into the Willamette River, Corvallis offers an educated populace with arts and nature always nearby.  With almost 50 public parks, Corvallis holds a gold rating as a bicycle-friendly community.  It's one of the top cities in the nation for buying electricity produced from renewable resources as 21 percent of power if from green energy. 

It's also one of the nation's best towns in which to be a vegetarian, according to Vegan magazine.  Also interesting:  Corvallis is the American city wtih the lowest risk of natural disaster, according to a 2011 story in The New York Times.

Climate

  • Oceanic

Physical Environment

  • Town under 75,000 with vibrant main street
  • Rolling countryside

Culture

  • Major public college in downtown
  • Local film festival
  • Local professional symphony
  • Ethnic restaurants
  • Local community theatre

Politics

  • Leaning liberal

Economy

  • $$$ -- Prices seem reasonable

Recreation

  • Public golf course
  • Year-round fitness swimming center
  • Downtown yoga studio
  • Biking, hiking, running trails

Infrastructure

  • Lots of downtown living space
  • Working farms within 25 miles
  • Safe bike corridors
  • Public squares
  • Mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhoods

Health

  • Emergency medical services within 25 miles
  • Community swimming pool
  • Community hospital only
  • Community senior center