Need advice for Corvallis/Albany area...

[DavePautsch]

tpmjrd -
As far as performing Arts - there are often great events at the OSU campus, both student performances as well as professionals that come in. The whole mid-Valley has some great music events throughout the year; depending on what your musical preferences are there are big band type concerts, jazz, and much more.

Albany has "Monday's at Monteith" and "River Rhythms" in the summer offering FREE concerts to the community and a variety of different venues. One of the local radio stations does a great job of keeping track of the concerts and music events and you can check the archives here: NewsTalk 1580 KGAL: Local Events

There is also community theater (they are running "The Diary of Anne Frank" right now and just finished a run of "Hello Dolly" about a month ago at the Albany Civic Theater).

Also, downtown Albany is up and coming - Boccherini's (coffee, desserts, and wi-fi), Wyatt's Eatery, lots of boutiques, the Carousel is still in progress (maybe 2010 finished?), antique shops, and Two River's Market.

I know I often sound like the Albany Chamber or Visitor's Bureau - but we have really enjoyed living here for the past 6 (almost 7) years...and I think a lot of folks overlook Albany. So I'm always adding "my two cents." I hope it helps.

Good luck in your search for a place to retire.

Dave

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by DavePautsch

tpmjrd -
I know I often sound like the Albany Chamber or Visitor's Bureau - but we have really enjoyed living here for the past 6 (almost 7) years...and I think a lot of folks overlook Albany. So I'm always adding "my two cents." I hope it helps.

Dave, I've learned a thing or two about Albany from your posts. I really appreciate your perspective, and you've changed my perspective of Albany quite a bit.

I agree that a lot of people overlook Albany, and unfairly so. People seem to get really wrapped up in Corvallis, and for good reason--it's a great place to live. But way too many folks here have a superiority complex when it comes to Albany (the crowd that says, "I would never live in Albany, it's too XXXXXXXX [commercial, dirty, run down, sprawling, Republican]--pick one). Those are also the people who don't hesitate to run over to Albany on a Saturday to spend a couple of hours and a couple hundred dollars at Costco.

If I were moving to the mid-valley, I would give Albany a long hard look. Housing-wise, dollar for dollar you'll do much better in Albany than in Corvallis.

[DavePautsch]

jjpop - thanks. I appreciate the feedback. I get over to Corvallis from time to time (the builder I work with has a new neighorhood just off campus that he is building and I get to sit at the Open House there)...plus, I still take my Hnda there for service. We should get together for a cup of coffee sometime! I'd love to put a face with some of the wisdom in your posts.

DaveP

[RickMartinez99]

Originally Posted by jjpop

Dave, I've learned a thing or two about Albany from your posts. I really appreciate your perspective, and you've changed my perspective of Albany quite a bit.

I agree that a lot of people overlook Albany, and unfairly so. People seem to get really wrapped up in Corvallis, and for good reason--it's a great place to live. But way too many folks here have a superiority complex when it comes to Albany (the crowd that says, "I would never live in Albany, it's too XXXXXXXX [commercial, dirty, run down, sprawling, Republican]--pick one). Those are also the people who don't hesitate to run over to Albany on a Saturday to spend a couple of hours and a couple hundred dollars at Costco.

If I were moving to the mid-valley, I would give Albany a long hard look. Housing-wise, dollar for dollar you'll do much better in Albany than in Corvallis.

Just being honest:

You might want to check the thread I started on here for an the other side of the coin.

[tpmrjd]

Thanks to those who added more information to the Eugene, Corvalis and Albany comparison. DavePautsch makes some real good points for Albany so I will certainly check it out. I have seen on the internet some new homes in North Albany - nice looking homes, energy efficient and I suspect on small lots (which is OK with me). These are near the North Albany Village. I will check these out for sure. From my perspective, the prices are attractive. And thanks again to Woerkilt for more comparative information. I may need to add a few days to my vacation to take it all in.

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by RickMartinez99

Just being honest:

You might want to check the thread I started on here for an the other side of the coin.

As always, it's good to get as many opinions as possible on an area. I'm sure someone will take your comments and weigh them against other comments on these boards to try and figure out what the area is really like.

That said, I just think that you and I have strikingly divergent views on the Corvallis/Albany area. I've lived in Corvallis for 10 years, and my positive feelings about the area have increased. The area definitely has its problems (what area doesn't?), but in my experience, the positives greatly outweigh the negatives.

Also, while I agree that real estate agents have an interest in downplaying the negatives about an area, I've never gotten that feeling from Dave Pautsch.

[DavePautsch]

Originally Posted by tpmrjd

I have seen on the internet some new homes in North Albany - nice looking homes, energy efficient and I suspect on small lots (which is OK with me). These are near the North Albany Village. I will check these out for sure.

tpmrjd - For the most part, you will find 0.25 acres plus was pretty standard throughout most of North Albany up until the last year or so - you are correct about the lots in some areas NOW under construction being smaller (new development off of Springhill for example - nice homes, but smaller than the standard N. Albany lots - also the new construction development off Crocker Lane is the same).

Keep in mind that North Albany is actually Benton county (the county line runs with the river).

jjpop - thanks!

[tpmrjd]

I have been back from my trip where I visited Ashland, Eugene, Corvallis, Albany, Salem and Portland. I was so impressed with Corvallis downtown. I really enjoyed my walk around the downtown area and the charm of most of the neighborhoods that I saw. It would be my first choice if I based my decision solely on a walkable, attractive downtown.

I also saw Albany and feel that DaveP has been accurate in his description of this town. It may not have the charm of Corvallis but I would probably spend more time doing the daily stuff we all need to do and then go to Corvallis on a Sunday for a nice day out. I would probably buy one of those new homes in North Albany. Oh and I had lunch at this Asian/Gelato place in North Albany Village (sounds like a strange combination but it works for me!). It was quite good!

However, I will probably end up in Portland because of the greater possibility of getting a good job there. When I really retire, I may end up in the Corvallis/Albany or Eugene area. I liked Eugene too - although the downtown is just so-so. How nice that Oregon has so many attractive (and for a Californian) affordable towns!!

[schumachermd]

We are looking at a house that is close to Highway 99 and the railroad track. Does anyone know when the train runs through this area?