UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
Corvallis, OR is the #73 Best City to Live in the USA
| Corvallis, OR Quality of Life Liv Score 608 How We Calculate Our Data |
|---|
| Civics | 60 |
| Demographics | 27 |
| Economy | 73 |
| Education | 67 |
| Health | 71 |
| Housing | 59 |
| Infrastructure | 44 |
| Amenities | 46 |
Why Corvallis is one of the best cities to live in
Located in the central section of western Oregon along the Willamette River, Corvallis is home to lush landscapes and eager beavers – the Oregon State University kind. With highly educated residents, a hopping brewery scene and a creative culture, Corvallis is the epitome of a laid-back Pacific Northwest college town. But, of course, there’s no reason to be uptight when you wake up to beautiful views, a robust economy, a cost of living lower than your big-city neighbors and short commute times.
It’s this blend of amenities and attributes that creates a strong work-life balance and makes Corvallis one of the best places to live in the U.S. The city’s name means “heart of the valley,” and Corvallis is ringed by towering trees and mountains with plenty of room to roam. For a change of pace, the coast is about an hour west, Portland about 90 minutes north and Eugene, home of in-state rival Oregon University, less than an hour south. Then again, why would you want to leave when home features a charming downtown, a celebrated food scene, some of the best wines produced in the country, scores of opportunities for outdoor adventures and fun festivals throughout the year?
Oregon State University, Hewlett-Packard and Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center are the largest employers.
Oregon State University
Part of the Pacific Northwest, it’s no surprise Corvallis gets nearly 43 inches of precipitation annually (with only 3 inches falling as snow). The winter months see the heaviest rain, but for much of the year, warm days and “light jacket” evenings reign.
Take in the sights on two wheels. Thousands of mountain bikers travel here each year to take on the more than 60 miles of trails in and around Corvallis. Whether biking, hiking, skiing or paddling, stop by Peak Sports for intel on routes, equipment and gear rentals, clinics, and guided adventures.
Corvallis, OR is Remote-Ready
Oregon is listed as one of Forbes top places for careers and businesses. Corvallis is a medium-sized town with features of a bustling city with great nightlife and a small town with great homes and schools. With fast internet speeds, plenty of nature and third spaces and a slightly above-average cost of living, Corvallis is a great place to settle down for remote work.
What Locals Love in Corvallis, OR
For more than 50 years, locally owned Grass Roots Books & Music has featured a broad range of fiction, nonfiction, music, magazines, gifts and puzzles to keep your mind and spirit happily engaged.
Take a short drive down area backroads on a taste adventure with the Heart of Willamette Wine Passport, which includes more than a dozen area vineyards, wineries, cellars and cider houses. Actually, you can spend several Saturdays sampling Oregon’s famed wine country as passports are valid from April to December and include tasting flights and other perks.
Learn about your new hometown with a Historic Downtown Corvallis Walking Tour. The downloadable map and brochure cover 12 sites of significance. While the walking tour is free, all bets are off when the charming downtown shops, galleries and cafes call your name.
The brewer-owned Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery has built a well-earned reputation for serving hop-forward artisan ales and lagers alongside delicious locally sourced food. Meet friends at the original location in a historic downtown building or check out one of the sister concepts.
Ho, ho, ho – did you know 7.2 million Christmas trees come from Oregon each year? The majority of the state’s Christmas tree farms are in the Willamette Valley, including several in and around Corvallis.
Stunning natural surroundings, a strong economy and a creative culture make Corvallis a best place to live in Oregon.
Thinking of Moving to Corvallis?
Recognized as one of the greenest, safest, and finest college towns in the United States, it’s not a surprise that an increasing number of Oregon and out-of-state homebuyers are drawn to the competitive Corvallis, OR real estate market. Homes for sale in Corvallis, OR, have a median sale price of $527K, higher than the national average. The housing supply in the city is mostly existing single-detached houses, with several new-construction developments in nearby suburbs like Sweet Home and Albany. An experienced local real estate agent can help you navigate the market and find the right home for your needs.
Quick Facts About Corvallis, OR
- Average Commute
- 13.52
- Median Home Value
- $396,463
- Med. Household Income
- $59,983
- Total Population
- 60,774
- Walk Score
- 48
- Median Property Tax
- $4,300
