honest opinions about Bend (Portland: real estate, to rent, house)

[aquafit2]

Hello all! My husband is interviewing for a job in Bend. I have been reading as much as I can about Bend in the past month. During my searching I have come across the Mod cut. After reading that I have a very bad taste in my mouth. I was wondering if this guy is just really negative or if everything he says is true. I would love lots of input.
We have a 16 yr old and a 10 yr old. We would be moving from Florida. I am a Colorado native and my husband is a Utah native. We left the west 22 years ago and are dieing to get back.

THANKS!!!

[delta07]

Well, seeing as your link was cut, it's hard to know what you are talking about. However, I'm guessing that this is the same blog that was posted about in another thread about Bend. I wouldn't take the opinion of one person to be a said all about Bend. So far, I am really loving it here. I just moved to Bend from CO, and it really reminds me of CO in so many ways.

I guess we would need more information to know what you are worried about.

[aquafit2]

I was referring to a certain blog about the bubble in Bend. It really is so very negative and after reading it you think Bend is about to implode!
I know you could ask twenty different people and get twenty totally different opinions.
So as a new comer to Bend how does it feel like to you. A bustling community full of life or a dieing economy hanging on for dear life?

THANKS!

[delta07]

Coming from the town in CO that I did, Bend certainly feels like a bustling community full of life. There always seem to be things going on, from farmer's market, saturday market, music in the park, to all the street festivals that I sometimes find it hard to keep up! Despite a few longtime restaurants going out of business (from what I have heard), there are still plenty of eateries to suit whatever taste you have in mind. Downtown and the Old Mill District have some great shopping, and the outdoor activities are endless. If you are looking for big city types of activities, you will probably struggle in Bend. However, if you want small city life, where the community supports each other, then I think Bend is the place. It seems that your kids will like the community as well, especially if you get them involved in the numerous classes and after school activities that take place. The Bend Parks and Rec District offers numerous things for kids to do.

The housing crisis is affecting Bend, but not unlike other areas of the country. There are some big name builders going bankrupt here, and with that many forclosures on the market. However, real estate prices don't seem to be falling at the rate they are in other parts of the country. Bend is a very desirable place for many. Many people are upset because they bought at the height of the market and now realize they paid too much. If your husband's job offer seems to be a stable one, then I would certainly make a trip out here to check Bend out. We decided to rent a house when we moved here instead of buy, and it was a smart decision. We can now wait for the perfect home instead of jumping on the first home that will suit our needs. There are certainly going to be some deals to be had!

So, overall, my impression is not that Bend will implode! It will not continue to grow at such an astronomical rate that only the very wealthy can afford to buy here anymore either. Hopefully it will level off and become more affordable for the average joe again. Now is a great time to move to Bend!

[coosbaytv]

Bend was and still is (as far as I know) one of the fastest growing areas in Oregon.

Yes, I think the combination of your Utah and Colorado upbringing would make you very much at home there as you would know what to expect weather wise.

So, here is an idea. If the job your husband is being offered is a $75k - $100k Admin or Gov job, you should have quite a comfortable lifestyle with money to spare to explore Oregon and the NW while you are there. If it is more of a $30k - $40k Blue Collar job, then you need to consider there isn't a lot of finances to explore and play which may change your entire outlook on your life no matter where you are...

Overall, Bend is moving forward with new money coming into the area.

[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?

[seashelly]

Bend. If for no other reason, the future of your kids.

[coosbaytv]

aquafit2:

WOW!

Sounds great...

At that kind of money you can probably take overr Bend and fly to Kentucky on the weekends

Seriously, Bend is now my final vote.

enjoy

[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!

[Smiled]

Well, don't buy a house - it's the most overvalued place in the nation. Think about Sacramento and the other places you've heard of where prices have fallen 40%, and you'll get the idea. Bend is in for hard times, and it's not commutable to Portland.