Corvallis or Albany (Portland, Salem: live, move to, commute to)

[DavePautsch]

Originally Posted by Shorty77

Albany is not a place people choose to live---they end up there. Corvallis is a great place for families. Just look at the state report cards for Corvallis and Albany school districts and you will see the dramatic difference in school performance. Corvallis is a higher cost of living for sure--you get what you pay for. If you need more specific info about the area, just ask

I'd like to offer a personal comment here; My family and I moved to Oregon 8 years ago when we were transferred to the Naval ROTC Unit at OSU. We initially looked to live in Corvallis, but (as shorty77 implied) ENDED UP in Albany. As I look back on the past 8 years, I am glad we did! We love it here and have been very happy.
Albany housing was so much more affordable (which was the primary reason we made the decision we made).
Where I would argue with the statement above is in regard to the schools. The Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS) have been excellent and my children (in K and 4th when we moved here) have thrived in these schools. Excellent teachers, plenty of parent involvement! The last state Report Card (06-07) shows the Albany schools were mostly all Strong or Exceptional!

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by DavePautsch

I'd like to offer a personal comment here; My family and I moved to Oregon 8 years ago when we were transferred to the Naval ROTC Unit at OSU. We initially looked to live in Corvallis, but (as shorty77 implied) ENDED UP in Albany. As I look back on the past 8 years, I am glad we did! We love it here and have been very happy.
Albany housing was so much more affordable (which was the primary reason we made the decision we made).
Where I would argue with the statement above is in regard to the schools. The Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS) have been excellent and my children (in K and 4th when we moved here) have thrived in these schools. Excellent teachers, plenty of parent involvement! The last state Report Card (06-07) shows the Albany schools were mostly all Strong or Exceptional!

Albany is like Salem in that it gets a bad rap from people that lived there a long time ago and haven't seen many of the positive changes.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Oregonbeachlover

Sadly, I just heard that the paper mill near Albany is closing. That will have an impact.

I have memories of that paper mill from my childhood. Mostly, I'm afraid, they relate to the smell. I understand the economic impact of that industry and of that facility, though, so I am sorry to hear that.

[Shorty77]

No kidding--the smell is notorious

[malachai23]

Originally Posted by Shorty77

No kidding--the smell is notorious

Yes, I don't think I've ever smelled anything quite so foul since! LOL But lucky for Albany, western Oregon's winds normally come from the west - and blew that stench across the freeway instead of into town.

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by malachai23

Yes, I don't think I've ever smelled anything quite so foul since! LOL But lucky for Albany, western Oregon's winds normally come from the west - and blew that stench across the freeway instead of into town.

I worked in downtown Albany for two years and never smelled it. Smelled it in other areas east of town and of course when driving past Millersburg.

Paper mills just stink.

[Melissa E]

Can someone tell me ... sorry to butt in on this post, but I am wondering how long it takes to get to a COMMUNITY college from Corvalis? One place says Albany has one and that Albany is only like 10 miles away, but then another place says it takes 35 minutes to get to the community college from Corvalis. Mike may need to finish up some classes before starting school in Corvalis.

[Silverfall]

It takes 35 minutes to get to Salem from Corvallis. It really depends on where you live in Corvallis. There is Linn-Benton Community College right on 99 that is easily accessed, but if you have to go through Corvallis to get across town (if you lived way on the west side towards Philomath), I could see it taking 35 minutes with stoplights and such.

[burnhams]

Originally Posted by Melissa E

Can someone tell me ... sorry to butt in on this post, but I am wondering how long it takes to get to a COMMUNITY college from Corvalis? One place says Albany has one and that Albany is only like 10 miles away, but then another place says it takes 35 minutes to get to the community college from Corvalis. Mike may need to finish up some classes before starting school in Corvalis.

A lot depends on where you live in Corvallis and the traffic and time of day. For me it has been usually about a 20 min drive, sometimes shorter and sometimes longer. If your coming from south Corvallis I can see it taking about 30 min.

[Shorty77]

No it really only takes 15 to 20 minutes to get to LBCC, but they have the Benton Center IN Corvallis which is LBCC's home away from home, so he might not even have to leave town depending on the classes he takes.