Southtown, a. k. a Southside, or simply, South Corvallis, might have a subjective reputation amongst the northerners for being "rough", at least from appearance. Unlike downtown, there aren't too many restaurants or grocery options, but rather a lot of industrial/commercial properties, the general sense of underdevelopment, isolation, and remoteness from the OSU college town life. Points of Interest include the south branch of the Corvallis co-op, Papa's Pizza, Sharon's Cafe, Fireworks pizza, and Murphy's bar.

Parks and recreation are truly the diamonds in the rough here. Avery Park, Crystal Lake Sports and Recreation, and Willamette Park are all worth checking out and bike-friendly. There is also a BMX park near the northern border, tucked under the OR-34 overpass. 

Main road artery through here is 99 West, a. k. a SW 3rd St. , in which North goes into downtown and South heads toward the Eugene Airport.  CTS bus route #6 is what you take to get through here and the neighborhoods, as there are many bus stops for you on Goodnight Ave., Mountain View Apartments, Midvale, etc. As of typing this (July 2014), the CTS bus system is fareless for everyone. Highly recommended if you don't like walking/biking up or down 99W.

Beware of the speed limits. If school isn't in session, it might not be enforced, but pay attention to the pedestrian crossings, especially at night. People do walk and bike around here.