One of America's Great Small Towns
For most of our graduate students, campus location is one of the important factors affecting their decision to attend Oregon State. A beautiful college town nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Corvallis is consistently ranked among the top 10 college towns in the nation and is known for innovation, education, entertainment, and overall livability. Corvallis embodies the spirit of the Northwest, with beautiful landscapes, friendly citizens, and an outstanding quality of life.
If you are coming to Corvallis, schedule a college tour before your visit. The Office of Admissions also offers a Corvallis visitor's guide.
- No. 1 Safest College (ADT Security Systems, 2018)
- No. 2 Friendliest College Town in America (Great College Deals, 2016)
- No. 3 Top 100 Best Places to Live (Livability, 2018)
- No. 5 Best Small City for Business and Careers (Forbes, 2016)
- No. 5 Most Beautiful College Town in America (Travelers Today, 2017)
Relocating to Corvallis
Corvallis is located within the traditional homelands of the Mary's River or Ampinefu Band of Kalapuya. The city is about 50 miles northwest of Eugene and 90 miles south of Portland and has a population of about 58,000. Small, local businesses surround the Oregon State campus, and major national retail stores are only a short drive away. (Source: Visit Corvallis Video)
Downtown and the Valley
Not only does Corvallis have a bustling downtown, but it is also in the heart of the Willamette Valley. There are dozens of wineries to visit within a short drive during summer and fall. In late January, you can visit the Oregon Truffle Festival in Eugene. Enjoy the combination of some of the most delicious food to sample alongside wonderful local wines. (Source: Register-Guard Video)
Campus Opportunities
There are many on-campus resources available to students and their families. You don’t need to be an enrolled student to participate in activities at the Craft Center or have family access to the Dixon Recreation Center. Of course, there are always on-campus events, such as guest speakers or athletic events, that are open to the Corvallis community.
Getting Around Town
Corvallis is one of only a handful of communities nationwide rated Gold for bicycle friendliness by the League of American Bicyclists. Corvallis also has one of the few fareless transit systems in the United States, and a free university shuttle operates three routes around campus. ZipCar rentals are available on campus, and Pedal Corvallis offers a bike-sharing service for your convenience.
Beyond the City
There are many outdoor activities in the western Oregon region and due to the temperate climate, outdoor activities are possible most of the year. Oregon is home to 13 national forests, 21 national wildlife refuges, and 361 state parks, as well as national scenic areas and national grasslands.
The Pacific Ocean is a mere hour’s drive away with miles of scenic coastline dotted with charming seaside towns offering numerous attractions, in addition to public beaches, tidepools, surfing, shellfishing, and seafood.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Marys Peak is the highest point of the Oregon Coast Range and about an hour west of Corvallis. Given good weather, you can see both the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Ocean from the peak. It is only one of many outdoor recreation opportunities in the area. (Source: Visit Corvallis Video)
Community Resources
We know that relocating to Corvallis is sometimes more than a simple move. Many graduate students come with partners and families. Corvallis has always been a family-friendly town, and its many resources are among the reasons it is consistently ranked one of the top small towns in the United States.
Forbes called Corvallis the fifth smartest city, and it’s no wonder with Oregon State University having been here for more than 150 years. We are also proud to have HP and Samaritan Health Systems call Corvallis home.
