Philomath, Oregon

The facts

What makes Philomath worth a look.

Philomath is what people picture when they say they want to live in Oregon: a quiet main street, friendly neighbors, and hills on the horizon. It is close enough to Corvallis that commutes are short, and the schools and community feel give families a reason to stay put. Homes here lean toward traditional neighborhood styles with generous lots and mountain views from the higher streets.

• Philomath began as the Marys River Settlement and took its name from Philomath College, founded in 1867 by church members who put a school at the center of the town.

• The 1867 college building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, now houses the Benton County Historical Museum.

• The town sits at the base of the Coast Range, about five miles west of Corvallis on U.S. Highway 20.

• Volunteerism built the fire station, the library, and community landmarks, a spirit that still shows up in local events today.

• Philomath hosts the annual Philomath Frolic and Rodeo each July and has a celebrated high school wrestling tradition.

• The community functions largely as a bedroom town for Corvallis and OSU, with a reputation for excellent schools.