Should we even consider Bend??? (Portland: houses, housing, estate)

[Nina-in-Ashland]

Great post, mumstheword. You & your husband were very fortunate to grow up in such a magnificent & stunning part of this great country. My husband and I (living now in NC, both born & raised in MD) just visited Bend last week, and fell in love (we hiked every day, went on a day rafting trip, and met up with friends we made when we lived in Ashland 2 years ago).

I completely second your description of the town, and I am glad to hear that as a native you are not disappointed with the growth (it happened in our town in MD, too, but it still holds a special place in our hearts). We are giving the Bend market a little time to adjust and we will keep our eye on it from NC. The people we met while there seemed very friendly, and we hope we can soon plant our roots in Bend and become members of what looks like a delightful community. Best of luck to you! P.S. Sisters is adorable.

[MerryTavlin]

After living in Central Oregon for 28 years, I have thought many of the things that buzzkirk so articulately expresses.

"an overdeveloped ghetto for the rich and arrogant...Bend's original inhabitants, very nice and real people, have been squeezed out by astronomical property taxes due to hyper-escalated property values driven by Californians...Because so many new people have moved to Bend recently there is no real sense of community, demonstrated by the gutting of the downtown of locally owned businesses" (Masterson-St. Clair comes to mind-MT) ", replaced with boutique chain stores carrying overpriced crap which is probably fun for the wealthy botoxed visitors with money"

As for tomatoes, I have grown them successfully--once.

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by MerryTavlin

As for tomatoes, I have grown them successfully--once.

I've never understood the claim that you can't grow tomatoes in our part of the world - I started them from seed in the house, couldn't get them in the ground until the end of June because of night frosts, and got my first tomatoes this week. Yes, I've had to use water cloches, cover them and pamper them a bit, and they are a bit small, but garden fresh tomatoes are wonderful. This week I'm also picking garlic, fava beans, fennel bulbs, snap peas, pole beans, carrots, green and yellow zucchini, green and yellow patty pan squash.

I even planted watermelon this year (a small variety) and they are about the size of two fists. I have hopes they'll come along before the first frosts, which are mid-September.

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by Larry Caldwell

There are some social differences between Oregon and the Midwest. People out here don't "neighbor" as much as they do in the Midwest. Instead, people form associations and friendships based on mutual interest. Your school age children will provide an almost immediate circle of associates, and you can find your friends there.

Beyond that, you are going to have to look at living expenses, the potential of the new job, and decide if the move makes financial success. If you are in an occupation like insurance sales, Bend would be a gold mine. They are projecting a population of 117,000 there within the next 20 years, and most of those people will be looking for a local insurance agent. There are other businesses that cater to a growing population, which is Bend's primary economic appeal.

Strongly agree with that "social difference" between Pacific NW and Upper Midwest (Minn and Wi). PNW is about 20 years ahead of the Midwest, and that, more often than not, is not a good thing. As I've found, and therefore base my opinion upon.

[JNelly20]

Believe it or not, there are small towns left in CA, alot of them. Our golden state is not one huge metropolitan. Generally we do have such things as tight knit communities, good schools, and healthy, green morals. When I read the article in Outside mag listing Bend as one of the best places to live, I was immediately intrigued. I myself enjoy a healthy dose of outdoor activity, but would like to have the luxuries of a mid sized city. When vacationing in Bend this past July, we did not meet one person who had originated from OR, and contrary to popular belief, none were from CA either. A waitress I spoke with had read the article as well and moved to Bend from the midwest...because she fell in love with the atmosphere. Eastern OR natives should be proud that their region can attract people...memorizing them with spectacular views and offering an array of activities for all different types of people, while still providing the conveinience of city living. Also someone posted earlier about sellers capitalizing on profit, that is essentially what drives prices. People see a demand and realize they can charge for it. So unfortunately buzzkirk, it really is a give and take relationship. Your beloved Bendites could choose to be steadfast and refuse to give in to these CA "gluttons", but unfortunately, as you say, the majority have chosen to help Bend blossom and grow....emerging into a beautifully prosperous future, which ultimately helps towns to not be desolate and forgotten. There are still plenty of rural areas outside of Bend, just as there are rural areas outside the metropolitan cities of CA. Bend is beautiful, the people are extremely accomodating and the relaxed charming atmosphere is thriving...So mncamper, when you asked if we would move to Bend or reccommend doing so, the answer is yes, most definitely...in a heartbeat. And much to Buzzkirk's dismay, he can add two more californians to his list of invaders...

p.s. Buzzkirk we have family scattered in the midwest, dominantly in minnesota, and visit there frequently. Good luck with the blizzarding, frostbiting, freezing cold winters and with the humid, mosquitoe infested summers (yah, good choice)...I'll think of you often as I'm shredding the fresh powder at Mt Bachelor in May....and probably then again in August when the high reaches 84...thanks for making room for us...bc thats how we californians roll.....

[pastorglen]

I have found many of those who have moved away from Bend have over-exaggerated their complaints and are living in "nostalgia land". Maybe it's their way of covering up "Bend-envy" now that they have moved away and wish in the hearts, they never had. We've been here five years and we are very pleased. As far as weather goes, Bend has an ideal and pristine four season climate with low humidity and a reasonable range of temperatures. We had a fantastic summer here this year- 70's, 80's, 90s from about May through the end of September with clear, crystal blue sunny days. I like the fact that it cools off at night because that means that it's rare you need to use your A/C in the summer- you just open the windows and let the cool dry air in! Yes, gardening is a little difficult, but there are varieties that work well in the high desert climate. It's now early October and the weather is changing, but we usually see some nice color in the aspens and other decidious trees and many sunny days in the fall. Even during the stormiest and coldest months of the winter, Bend often gets sun or frequent sun-breaks- which is more than you can say for West of the Cascades who get socked in for months on end with cold, dreary rain-laden weather. I like a snowstorm on occasion and Bend has that, but it rarely stays snowy for too long.

The people in Bend do represent a diversity- retirees, younger families and transplants from CA, etc. But I would not say that Bend has become too "hip" or "unfriendly" as some claim. Bend is a bit isolated from larger metropolitan areas, but that to me is an advantage as we avoid some of the creeping problems of the bigger cities into smaller communities.

There are problems in Bend (growth management, roads, transportation, etc), however these are problems in many cities of the same size as Bend. Given the outstanding climate, the fantastic views of the Cascades, the abundance of recreational opportunities, and the middle of the road cost of living here (i.e. compared to CA), I think it is a wonderful place.

The shopping could be better, but it is improving as major retailers are coming to town. Another great thing about Bend is virtually no air pollution and the cleanest and best tasting water in the West- comingfrom deep volcanic aquifers.

We like it here for many reasons. Folks can complain all the want- including the guy from Duluth, MN, but when I put Duluth and Bend side by side, there is no comparison. I'll take Bend any day!!!

No place is perfect. Let's give up on the illusion that there is some place in America that is a utopian shangri-la. It just isn't true. You put up with certain things to gain others. In Bend, you put up with some isolation and the occasional cold in the winters to gain 6 months of mostly wonderful weather and endless recreation in the mountains, lakes, rivers and rocks!

[Estherp]

HI, You will love Bend area! There not only Bend but Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Madras and a few other small townes with in a 20 mile radius. This is a peaceful quite area with plenty to do for everyone. The schools are excellent too. So what are you waiting for come for a visit. Let me know and I would love to show you around. If you need additional information pl let me know. Esther email me at
epre361706@yahoo.com

[Baby Sister]

There are some of us that remember the OC before it was popular, like in the 1950s. Now, too many people, no sense of community, it's no longer an agricultural place.

[thehamster]

Some information about Bend from someone who's lived there for 24 years and can't wait to get out:

1. Climate. If you like eight months of winter a year, you'll love Bend. Winter starts in mid-October and ends in mid-June. There is no spring and barely any summer. Even in the middle of summer you need to wear a sweater if you want to be outside after dark. BTW, the "300 days of sunshine a year" claim is simply a lie.

2. Recreation. You'll hear there's lots of outdoor recreation in and near Bend. It's true. Unfortunately that's just about the only recreation there is. Unless you're into outdoor stuff -- I mean, really, REALLY into it -- you'll be bored stiff.

3. Isolation. Bend is a former logging town smack-dab in the middle of Oregon, which is a big state. (If you're from the East Coast it's hard to imagine how big.) It is at least a three and a half hour drive to the nearest thing to a big city, which is on the other side of the Cascades. Heavy snows in the mountain passes make the trip difficult in winter, and sometimes impossible.

4. Economic Opportunity. There is none. After the timber industry went away Bend's economy became dependent on tourism and construction. The collapse of the real estate market killed construction, and tourism doesn't pay living wages for most people.

In brief, my advice for anyone thinking about moving to Bend: Don't.

[Smiled]

I'll bet Estherp has houses for sale. How much you wanna bet?