Love Albany!
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6/19/2011
I moved her one year ago with my 2 young boys and my husband. We moved into a neighborhood in SW Albany very close to Good Samaritan hospital. We love our house and our neighbors and enjoy all that the city has to offer. There are several parks very close by that I walk to with my children. We often walk downtown to the downtown library, local coffee joints and shops. Downtown has been undergoing improvement and attracting many new restaurants and shops (even with the down economy)! I love the feeling of downtown and most people I come into contact with are very friendly and open.
If you want to drive you have endless opportunities that all of Oregon has to offer....
We moved from Corvallis, and though some may prefer Corvallis life, I feel that Albany is more connected to it's neighbors, more down-to-earth, and accessible. Albany's vibe doesn't have the "snobbery" (?) that Corvallis does, and it was very easy to become a part of our new town. It is interesting that Albany has some of the most revered restaurants in the area (ie: Sybaris, Calapooia Brewing Company, BoMack's BBQ, etc.) that attract many people from Corvallis.
Home prices are SOOOOO much more affordable here and there are many large (and small) beautiful homes with character to choose from. I prefer the feel of SW Albany with it's older homes and proximity to downtown. If you are looking for newer homes, check out North Albany. You will still be able to find great prices, and you'll have great schools and parks too. There is a large shopping center in North Albany with a Starbucks, Ray's grocery store, restaurants and amenities.
We're all looking forward to the summer with River Rhythms, the Air Show, Movies by the Moonlight and block parties! Really, really love it here.
Stacie | Albany, OR