California Artists seeking home & business in Oregon... (Bend, Ashland: living in, prices)

[Eyesee]

Hi,
We are looking for some input and feedback for our move. We are currently living in Bend, by way of Malibu, and are looking to expand our kid driven business. We think bend is beautiful, but waaaaay too cold for a our beach blood. The people are really nice here, although I find Bend a bit too "Stepford Wive-ish" for me. We are artists to the core, but love to be around family values, but were hoping for a little more open-mindedness. I'm not dissing Bend at all, it really is a terrific community in general here, except we are not the general type of person...
Our biggest priority is a kind, thriving, & open-minded community. A place were there's a bit of a cutting edge feel to it too.
Cost is an issue for us as far as our business is concerned. The cost per sq foot for a commercial space is ridiculous* here and comparable to So Cal prices! hoping for some guidance
If you're already rich and more mainstream, Bend is for you. Businesses fail all the time here due to very high overhead costs. The art & music community is not quite our style either. We are more alt/rock n roll & edgy- but super nice people!!=) Thanks

[freedom]

Originally Posted by Eyesee

Hi,
We are looking for some input and feedback for our move. We are currently living in Bend, by way of Malibu, and are looking to expand our kid driven business. We think bend is beautiful, but waaaaay too cold for a our beach blood. The people are really nice here, although I find Bend a bit too "Stepford Wive-ish" for me. We are artists to the core, but love to be around family values, but were hoping for a little more open-mindedness. I'm not dissing Bend at all, it really is a terrific community in general here, except we are not the general type of person...
Our biggest priority is a kind, thriving, & open-minded community. A place were there's a bit of a cutting edge feel to it too.
Cost is an issue for us as far as our business is concerned. The cost per sq foot for a commercial space is ridiculous* here and comparable to So Cal prices! hoping for some guidance
If you're already rich and more mainstream, Bend is for you. Businesses fail all the time here due to very high overhead costs. The art & music community is not quite our style either. We are more alt/rock n roll & edgy- but super nice people!!=) Thanks

The best weather in Oregon IMO. Is in Southern. From Ashland to Merlin.
Each main city has art nights, they call them first friday, and the music scene has some newer styles, no where near L.A. obviously, but you could bring it and help it grow.

freedom

[tiffela74]

what kind of kid buisness do you have? that might make a big ole difference too!