Urban living in Corvallis? (apartments, condominium, house)

[allisen]

Is there a dense, multi-use, walkable area in Corvallis? My husband and I are considering a move to Corvallis. We love the urban neighborhood where we live now. We can walk to coffee, restaurants, low-key bars, and to a Whole Foods. I take the bus to work and my husband rides his bike. We rarely, if ever, have to start the car - except for weekend trips away from town. I love this lifestyle and hate the idea of going back to the "commuter" lifestyle we used to live. Obviously, Corvallis is a smaller city than where I live now, but is there a downtown mixed-use area in Corvallis where one could find a little house or apartment, and be in walking distance to ammenities. We're not sophisticates. I don't need symphonies and night clubs - just a cozy, independent coffee shop and a neighborhood bistro would be all it would take. Also (wishful thinking) - a farmer's market would seal the deal.

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by allisen

Is there a dense, multi-use, walkable area in Corvallis? My husband and I are considering a move to Corvallis. We love the urban neighborhood where we live now. We can walk to coffee, restaurants, low-key bars, and to a Whole Foods. I take the bus to work and my husband rides his bike. We rarely, if ever, have to start the car - except for weekend trips away from town. I love this lifestyle and hate the idea of going back to the "commuter" lifestyle we used to live. Obviously, Corvallis is a smaller city than where I live now, but is there a downtown mixed-use area in Corvallis where one could find a little house or apartment, and be in walking distance to ammenities. We're not sophisticates. I don't need symphonies and night clubs - just a cozy, independent coffee shop and a neighborhood bistro would be all it would take. Also (wishful thinking) - a farmer's market would seal the deal.

You could easily live downtown within walking distance of everything you describe, including the Saturday farmer's market. There are condos and homes directly in downtown and just adjacent.

[DavePautsch]

You'll love New Morning Bakery, Old World Deli, and lots of other little places in Corvallis' downtown area. There are some pretty nice restaurants too near the river.

[allisen]

Sounds promising Can anyone describe the feel of the downtown area? What is the housing like?

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by allisen

Sounds promising Can anyone describe the feel of the downtown area? What is the housing like?

Definitely small-townish, not urban, but vibrant (as vibrant as a town of 50k will get--don't expect a lot of action after about 9pm). Downtown is easily walkable and bikeable because it's compact, about 5 blocks by 7 blocks.

Downtown and near-downtown housing runs the gamut from ramshackle older homes that have been converted into apartments to the new Renaissance on the Riverfront condominium complex and everything in between.

[nanannie]

We visited with a move potential in oct. Its a town, not city as far as urban goes,and its a charming one at that. Immaculate clean, quaint, nice shops, restaraunts (yes, New Morning Bakery was wonderful) alot of beautiful walkable areas, beautiful old campus areas, great river walk and lots and lots of bike paths. Also, lots and lots of rain/fog so make sure that doesnt bother you. The surrounding area of 'downtown' is "anywhere USA", but thats where you will find your chain restaraunts and stores etc which we all need once in a while- right? And as any college town, the student housing areas/hoods/apts are rather seedy and run down. Love you Corvallis, you are much nicer then I anticipated.

[Patti LeBlanc]

Corvallis is a great town. The riverfront has walking paths, nice restaurants, and coffee shops. Good neighborhoods with nice homes within walking distance.