UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
| liv score 680 How We Calculate Our Data |
|
|---|---|
| Civics | 76 |
| Demographics | 53 |
| Economy | 52 |
| Education | 68 |
| Health | 67 |
| Housing | 52 |
| Infrastructure | 52 |
#19. Corvallis, OR
Home to Oregon State University, Corvallis is a thriving college town — and then some. The city in western Oregon is home to roughly 58,000 highly educated residents working in everything from research to healthcare. The quality of life you’ll find in Corvallis is unparalleled, thanks to its proximity to nature, its laid-back vibe and myriad sustainability initiatives. Plus, public transportation is free and commute times are low, averaging about 17 minutes. Opportunity abounds here, whether you want to go back to school, start your own company or pursue the next chapter in your existing career.
Top Industries and Employers: Oregon State University, Samaritan Health Services and Hewlett-Packard are some of the largest employers in Corvallis.
Best Coffee Shop: Tried and True Coffee, a plant-filled local gem with a relaxing vibe for reading or chatting with friends.
Best Local Beer/Brewery: Sky High Brewery and Pub, which has an incredible rooftop terrace and an eclectic tap list.
Must-Have Meal: Anything on the menu at Laughing Planet, a popular local restaurant with an impressive selection of offerings that are vegan, paleo, vegetarian, gluten-free and friendly to other diets.
Best Co-Working Space: Corvallis Foundry, a nonprofit co-working space located in downtown Corvallis.
Best Meetup Spot (When Meeting Up Is a Thing Again): Block 15, a very popular brewery with an extensive tap list — everyone in your group is sure to find something they like to sip on.
Creative Hub: The Arts Center, a hub for all things art in Corvallis. It’s been around for more than 55 years and today hosts community-centered exhibits, classes, camps and innovative events like yoga in the gallery.
Favorite Weekend Activity: Head over to Bald Hill or Chip Ross Park for a little hiking, followed by a show at the Majestic Theatre, which hosts comedy nights, concerts, musicals, plays and more.
Free Way to Have Fun: Birding at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot more than 200 species of waterbirds, songbirds, shorebirds and raptors.
Local Dream Job: Researcher at the McDonald and Dunn Research Forests, where scientists at Oregon State are studying tons of questions about trees and their habitats.
Read More:
Looking to Leave the Big City and Go Back to School? Move to Corvallis.
How Employees Get Bigger Checks for Less Work in Corvallis
Why College Towns Usually Rebound Quickly
– Sarah Kuta