honest opinions about Bend

[bluebird39]

I lived in Louisville and Southern Oregon, and they are very different, but I'd do Bend in a heartbeat. If you're from the West, there shouldn't be too many bad surprises. I left Oregon partly because of the poor state of the schools there (plus quite a few other reasons). I'd look into the schools if you have kids. That being said, I attended public schools in Louisville many many years ago, and they weren't that great there either at that time. Louisville is a really nice city, but Bend is in a while different class (IMO). If you're aching to get back out West (as I am too), go for Bend. Maybe you can rent for a while and wait to see what the market does.

MY main concerns about Bend would be that it seems to be attracting a lot of retirees, but if you're in Florida, you may be used to that. Also the high housing costs, and explosive growth. It's also a much smaller city than Louisville, and of course much drier. But it's BEAUTIFUL and if you're into skiing (rafting, hiking, camping...), it's a great place to be.

Good luck.

[Bendite]

Originally Posted by aquafit2

LOL! We are flying to Bend on Thursday. I've never been there before.
Are there any must eat at restaurants??? Any must do activities? we will be there until Sunday morning. Thanks you guys for all your input!

We have a lot of great places to eat. Some of the best in Bend: Bistro Corlise; The Blacksmith; Cork; Chow (breakfast/lunch only); Typhoon.
One of the best restaurants in Central Oregon is Jen's Garden in Sisters.

Places to go: it's kind of cool this week and getting downright nippy at night, so for outside things, be prepared with a hoody or something. The High Desert Museum and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, plus Lava Lands, Lava River Caves, Lava Cast Forest (all south of Bend towards Sunriver) McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway, Shevlin Park (640 acrea - nice walking, picnicing, bike riding), Downtown Bend and Drake Park; Tumalo Falls (nice hiking area)

[Bendite]

Originally Posted by aquafit2

Thank you for such wonderful input. Ok now if you had a job offer in Louisville, KY for $450K or Bend for $350K which one would you take?

Wow, I didn't think anyone living in Bend made $350k. Those people all seem to just have second homes here Seriously, the average wage is low because many jobs are in the service sector - average is about $15 an hour.

[aquafit2]

Thank you Bluebird for the comparison. It is nice to talk to someone who has actually lived in both places.

Thank you Bendite for all the other info. We are really anxious and so excited for our visit this week! I will take your list of places to eat and see with me.

THANK YOU!!!!!

[kickerofelves]

Originally Posted by aquafit2

Thank you for such wonderful input. Ok now if you had a job offer in Louisville, KY for $450K or Bend for $350K which one would you take?

It's not that easy a decision I think.

I'm from Oregon but spent a large part of my life in the South, mostly North Carolina. Two of my good friends ended up in Bend for a few years and though they loved their time there both ultimately moved back to North Carolina.

They missed the South--namely NC--and everything that comes with it; bbq, traditions, friendliness, familiarity, sunny weather, etc.

They loved Bend but I think it struck them as a transient village compared to their own home state. Now these are two people who can trace ancestors back to the battle of Gettysburg and the Revolutionary War so it made a difference to them.

Having lived in NC I can see that, much as I love the NW the South has its own draw and I've thought of moving back myself.

[aquafit2]

I understand what you are saying. I have roots in North Carolina (Aunts, Uncles and cousins) and my Mother was born and raised there. I have visited there many times and I have always said that if we had a good job opportunity there I would jump on it. Especially in the Durham area. It is beautiful there. I think there are so many places that have a lot of draw. I am just hungry to get back to the west to live closer to my siblings and parents.