Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Corvallis, Oregon
Home to Oregon State University, Corvallis Sits in a Pretty Valley Surrounded by Forests and Hills and Boasts a Vibrant Atmosphere
Along the Willamette River in western Oregon, Corvallis is about an hour from the coast and is home to Oregon State University (30,000 students). It sits in a valley with forests, hills and mountains in the distance.
The University's presence creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city, giving Corvallis a youthful, "granola" vibe. The downtown has trendy, casual restaurants, antique retailers, banks, government offices and collectibles shops. Large national retailers, except for a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, are not here but can be found in neighboring Albany, about 10 miles away. Other retailers are in Salem to the north or to Eugene to the south. When not shopping at the natural foods co-op or taking a bicycle ride, locals are often found sampling Rieslings and Pinot Noirs at the area's top notch wineries. Corvallis also takes pride in celebrating the arts and local crafts workers. Several festivals are devoted to them.
The University has an arboretum, an active theater department, a robust athletic events calendar and non credit classes for all ages. Homes are primarily ranch styles and split level styles. Popular biking and hiking trails are in the surrounding hills.
Population: 61,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 30%
Cost of Living: 27% above the national average
Median Home Price: $560,000
Climate: Corvallis has a mild, four-season climate. Summers are generally dry with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Winters are damp, cloudy and foggy with temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Transit: Yes, a free bus service is provided by the city.
Public Library: Yes, the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
Political Leanings: Liberal
College Educated: 60%
Is Oregon Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? No
Cons: The poverty rate is above the national average, but this is primarily due to the large student population.
Notes: Residents are politically active. The city has the highest per capita number of bicycle riders in the country and has grown 10% during the last decade. OSU has a party reputation. Home prices have remained steady from a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Oregon:
Oregon became a territory in 1846, but its request to become a state was bogged down by Congress and the free versus slave state debate. Southern politicians finally allowed Oregon to enter the Union as a free state on February 14, 1859.
Although the 42nd parallel marks its southern border, water delineates most of the Beaver State's boundaries. The Columbia River separates Washington from Oregon on the north. The Snake River helps form the state's eastern border with Idaho. The Pacific Ocean is on its western edge.
Oregon is one of the country's most geographically diverse states and is characterized by volcanoes, dense forests, high deserts, and abundant bodies of water. For its latitude, its climate is mild. Mount Hood, at 11,249 feet, is the state's highest point. Crater Lake, the center of the state's only national park, is the deepest lake in the United States.
Timber, fishing, and hydroelectric power have pushed the state's economy in the past. Technology, however, is finding a firm footing. Tektronix and Intel helped establish the state's Silicon Forest. Notable companies who are or have been part of the forest include Google, eBay, Airbnb, and WebMD. Sportswear companies like Columbia and Nike also bring in billions to the state.
Portland, the state's most populous city, has more breweries in its boundaries than any other in the world. As of 2016, there were more than 60. The city boasts the world's smallest park. Mill Ends Park, dedicated in 1948, is a total of 452 square feet.
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