Corvallis has a population of about 46,000 people. It combines the best features of a university town, a farm community, and a high tech community, with OSU, Hewlett Packard, and CH2MHill the dominant employers. Traffic is light at all times of the day and a 5-10 minutes drive in any direction takes one into fields and wooded hills.
Cultural activities are plentiful, varied, and inexpensive.
The spectacular Oregon coast is only a 75 minute drive from Corvallis. Skiing at Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor, or at several smaller ski resorts, is only 2-3 hours by car. Fishing, hiking, white-water rafting, golf, and a variety of other popular activities are all available nearby. The climate of Corvallis is sub-tropical and mild. Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures typically in the high 30s to mid-40s.