Need advice for Corvallis/Albany area... (Portland, Salem: attorney, relocate, estate)

[skygal12]

Hi,
I'm looking to relocate to the Corvallis/Albany area and am looking for some advice on where to live. I am a 38 yo female, just ending a long term relationship (in other words, I am single hah!), but am not necessarily looking for a "singles" scene - I prefer a quiet lifestyle, however don't really like to be submerged into a "family" atmosphere. I don't want to live near college partiers, but I don't want to live in the suburbs, either. I have 2 dogs, so need a house with a good sized yard. I work in Salem 2-3 days a week, or travel (via air), or work from home. I love the outdoors (hiking, boarding, climbing, etc).

I would also like to continue my Masters Degree, part time of course so would not like to be too far from the university.... I am not adverse to living in the country

Any suggestions...?

Thanks.

[jjpop]

I'll make a pitch for Corvallis. Away from campus there is no distinctive "singles scene", however I know several single people in their 30s and 40s and they don't seem to be lacking friends. I think Corvallis is a bit quieter than Albany--certainly less commercial. Corvallis has a lot of activities for families, but I don't think there is an in-your-face mentality about family. We're pretty live and let live.

There are several neighborhoods that have homes with room for 2 dogs but are not overly suburban feeling. Check out some of the neighborhoods in the flats of NW Corvallis--particularly north of Grant Ave which will get you away from most of the campus influence. I'm thinking of the area bounded by 29th Street on the west, Walnut on the north, 9th Street on the east and Grant on the south. Use Google maps or another website to look this area up. These aren't the newest homes, but they are pretty nice nonetheless.

[skygal12]

Exactly what I was looking for - thank you so much!!!!

[jjpop]

You're welcome. If you have any other questions, go ahead and post. There are a few others on these boards that know a thing or two about the Corvallis/Albany area and may give you a different perspective.

[Dangerous Dave]

I live in Albany in a newer development. As long as you stay away from the apartments and the immediate area around the university, you should be fine.

The neighborhood where I live is good for families and singles alike. I have a lady in her 60's behind me, and a couple in their 50's next to me. There's a park and a lot of walking nearby. Also good acccess to the freeway.

My house is actually up for sale, 3 bedroom 2.5 bath if you're interested.

May be a bit big for you though.

[skygal12]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Dave

I live in Albany in a newer development. As long as you stay away from the apartments and the immediate area around the university, you should be fine.

The neighborhood where I live is good for families and singles alike. I have a lady in her 60's behind me, and a couple in their 50's next to me. There's a park and a lot of walking nearby. Also good acccess to the freeway.

My house is actually up for sale, 3 bedroom 2.5 bath if you're interested.

May be a bit big for you though.

Yeah, that's a bit bigger than I was looking for, I am moving out of that size house right now that I share with my boyfriend...sounds nice though, too bad you have to leave.

[Dangerous Dave]

Originally Posted by skygal12

Yeah, that's a bit bigger than I was looking for, I am moving out of that size house right now that I share with my boyfriend...sounds nice though, too bad you have to leave.

The developer also has smaller, 2 bedroom houses that are going for well under $200k now. They're nicely finished too.

Last time I was actually looking, there was one for sale for $170.

[tiffela74]

check this out.....this is part of a little blurb in todays paper...

Corvallis Ranked Among Smartest Spots In Nation

"CORVALLIS, Ore. - Corvallis ranked fifth on a list of "America's Smartest Cities" compiled by Forbes online magazine.

Forbes used data compiled by Sperling's Best Places, a Portland company that compared cities in the United States based on the percentage of people ages 25 and older with at least a bachelor's degree.

The study found more than 93 percent of Corvallis residents had graduated from high school and nearly 48 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher.

It also found that almost six percent of Corvallis residents have a Ph.D. And about two percent have a professional degree, required for doctors, attorneys and architects.

A common theme among cities chosen is that they are largely college towns with universities driving the education level of residents higher than most."

[hawaiigirl87]

Check out the Lexington Estates area or the Lehigh area in SE Albany. There are retirees, single folks and families. Close to everything -- just blocks away; you can walk to banks, stores, movie theaters, Dutch Bros, etc. Good place to check out would be the East of I-5 of Albany, lots of developments going up out there with nice apt/townhouses, brand new. There is virtually no traffic here in town. I've been in the Beaverton area and now THAT's traffic! LOL!

[DavePautsch]

skygal
I've lived in Albany for over 6 years. We moved here from Hawaii when I got a position at Oregon State.

Both Corvallis and Albany can be great places to live...both have a lot to offer (and many of the comments above reflect that). I was working at OSU and we chose to live in Albany because it was (and is) significantly more affordable.

Median sale price right now in Albany is around $200K and for that, you can get something in a nice newer subdivision or an older more established neighborhood (lots tend to be a little bigger in the older neighorhoods). Lots availalbe for less...plenty for more.
More rural sound better? Check out Tangent or Millersburg, or perhaps North Albany - lots tend to run larger there as well. All are an easy commute to Corvallis for your degree work.
As an alumni of the College of Business (MBA) program, I'd be happy to give you any info...I really enjoyed the school and the faculty in the 4 years I spent there (I was a part-time student, full-time faculty...so it took me 4 years to finish a 1 year program! ) I would say that OSU has a great reputation for some programs, and for others, you may be better off at U of O or another school. Which Master's program are you interested in pursuing?

Albany also offers lots of opportunities for community involvement - great local Rotary club(s), concert programs (River Rhythms, Mondays at Monteith, etc...), Soroptimists, etc...

And I have to agree with Hawaiigirl87...Dutch Bros is some good coffee (I just finished an Irish Latte a few minutes ago!)

All the best with your move.

DavePautsch