This page is a guide to relocating to Corvallis. We moved from Connecticut over nine years ago and dealt with some of the same decisions you might be considering.

Corvallis 2020 Vision Statement

One-third of the information packets that Corvallis Tourism sends out are to people who are considering moving to Corvallis. If you are interested in moving here, we have copies of the Corvallis 2020 Vision Statement. This eight page colorful brochure describes what Corvallis would like to be like over the next twenty years. It is our statement of the community's values. The Vision Statement covers the following areas: our Downtown, Cultural Enrichment, the Local Economy, Education, Governance, the Environment and Where People Live. Maria and I recommend you start with this statement of the community's values. When you make a reservation, ask for the Vision Statement and we'll have one in your room when you arrive.

The City

Corvallis is a compact small town divided into various neighborhoods. We are 'flat landers', living near the center of town in a historic neighborhood. You can live in a newer part of town - in the foothills of the Coast Range. If you look at a map of city, you can draw an imaginary circle around downtown. We call this a twenty-five minute walking circle centered on downtown. If you live within this walking circle, you can walk to shopping, dining and in-town activities. You might also get along with one car. You can live away from town and have wonderful views of the valley and be close to open space trails and forest.

We measure distance in town in five minute increments, everything is five minutes from everything else. Living in Corvallis gives you back something we just don't have enough of - time. No long drive to the grocery or shopping. In Connecticut, it took all Saturday morning to get the grocery shopping done. Getting out to walk to places and leaving the car at home is a good thing. If you want to bike, Corvallis has a city-wide bike trail system.

Buying a house in Corvallis is typically done through a real estate agent. If you're looking for an older home in one of the historic neighborhoods, these homes sell privately and quickly - for full value. We can recommend some great agents if you're interested in purchasing a home. For the non-Oregonians who are unaware of our land-use policies and regulations, be prepared for a surprise. The real estate agents can help you navigate these waters.

The University is the crown jewel of the community. Between the PAC-10 sports events, the speakers who visit and the cultural events, OSU enhances our quality of life. The professors and staff at the University are 'real people' who participate in the community. Living in a University town was our primary motivator in moving to Corvallis and it has been great.

Some statistics about Corvallis. We have more natural scientists per capita than anywhere else on earth. We also have a high patents granted per capita because of Hewlett Packard. Our unemployment rate is low and our poverty rate is high (nineteen thousand students eating Ramen are part of our 50,000 population.)

Why would you move to Corvallis? You want to live in a city that has: a major university, a riverside setting, a downtown that is not a strip mall or big-box store, farmer's markets and numerous local farms growing organic produce, striped bike lanes on streets, a small town feel with neighborhoods and local shopping, a moderate climate in which you can garden all year long, proximaty to the high Cascades for winter sports and summer hiking, and proximaty to the Oregon Coast. If you travel, you're within reach of Portland and Eugene airports. If you want to know more, stop by - we've got more reasons to live here.

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Harrison House Bed and Breakfast
2310 NW Harrison Blvd
Corvallis Oregon 97330
Local (541) 752-6248 - Toll Free (800) 233-6248 - Fax (541) 754-7679
For reservation information: stay@corvallis-lodging.com

©Copyright 1996-2005, Harrison House Bed and Breakfast