Family looking to relocate to west coast college town. (back west, jobs, cheap)

[HouseHuntingForever]

I am going to be a junior in high school, and my family and I are looking for a city to relocate to from northern minnesota. I am originally from Portland Oregon, but moved about 5 years ago. I would love to move back west, whether it's to Oregon, Washington, california, or even Arizona. I will be going to college in a few years and would therefore like to move to a town with a college nearby. I am thinking about majoring in business. The town has to be somewhat small, definitely less than 200k people, preferably less then 100k people. It must have low crime, and a nice, safe atmosphere. Lots of parks would be nice, as well as a environmental/vegetarian friendly ambiance; this is not entirely a deal-breaker, though. As for weather, I don't mind the rain or the heat. I do NOT like snow, so minimal snow is preferred. Also, NO tornadoes. If you could please help me find my ideal town, that would be great!! Thank you.

[Nanny Goat]

How about Flagstaff? Not sure population, but under 100,000 I think. It does get snow--elevation is over 7000 feet up there, but I don't think it sticks around too long as far as what I here--melts fast like Denver snow. Lots of pines, outdoorsy things to do. Quaint and a walkable downtown.

[cthulhuapproved]

Corvallis, maybe? Got OSU, which has a decent business program. Also, lots of small, very easily-commutable-from towns surrounding it where housing is (comparatively) quite cheap.

Population is something like 52k, 25k of which are the college students. Crime is really low, and I'd say that overall it's a very safe town. (I moved here as a single female college student and there was never a time I felt 'in danger' or anything of the sort. I've also frequently forgotten to lock my car doors/left things on the patio/etc and nothing has ever disappeared.)

Corvallis is also EXTREMELY veg-friendly. There are a variety of places that cater specifically to vegetarians and vegans. The overall atmosphere, IMO, is pretty liberal/progressive.

Weatherwise, you'd be set---I think we got like 2 inches of snow tops last year. It stayed for a whole whopping six hours.

Anyway, since you're originally from Portland there's a pretty good chance you might be familiar with Corvallis already, and not to mention your post is a few months old, so I won't beat a dead horse.

[StealthRabbit]

Vancouver, WA... in fact ANYWHERE in WA if you are gonna be a Jr in HS. "Running START" = FREE college instead of wasting time in HS Academics - Running Start
(worked for my kids, actually very beneficial, since they paid 100% of college + their Running Start program was superb academic quality and pre training for college). They each graduated University by age 20 and with the Gold Ropes (academic excellence)

WA College towns I would chose (in (my) order of preference):
Bellingham, I like the proximity to BC and being on the Puget Sound + not crowded / busy as Seattle / Olympia. WWU is a very good undergrad state school. (smaller class size, very broad programs, NICE campus and amenities)
Vancouver, Many ~12 colleges within 1 hr, Columbia Gorge is very nice
Wenatchee, Ellensburg, or Walla Walla (if you like drier climate and small towns)
Spokane for dry and BIG + Idaho is NICE and close.

[bouncethelight]

Usually the hardest thing about moving, is finding a new job in the new place. Do your parents have jobs they can bring with them? If they have to be able to find a job in the new town, it might be smart to consider what they do, while considering perfect towns.