Hey, I got the Bends. (Portland, Eugene: house, buying, university)

[POhdNcrzy]

Well folks, I have been sorta lookin' in to Oregon as a prospective place to move to lately. I lived in Boulder, CO for 15+ years and grew up in the Northeast.

First off, I did learn how to pronounce Oregon correctly! (It's NOT "Orr'-Ih-Gone", right?)

I've heard Bend described as what Boulder, CO was like twenty years ago. Similar topography and proximity to much outdoor activity and skiing, anyway.

I want a place that has a more prominent counter-culture than Boulder. Boulder is definitely more funky, trippy, spiritual, culturally vibrant, consciously-expanded, open-minded and weird than a lot of places, but I just want more, more, more subverting of the dominant paradigms, shall we say.

I understand that the area from say Ashland up to Portland sort of meets this description, but I'm not sure to what degree.

Like in Colorado, Oregon also has the factor of somewhat "snooty" wealthy outsiders movin' in and crowdin' in and causin' a ruckus of sorts amongst the locals.

Someone said Bend was a "tourist hell", and the areas near the Alvord Desert and Lakeview and points east are "redneck hell".

I understand it's a beautiful outdoorsy state, kinda laid-back with a slower pace of life. Lots of green around.

Jobs are rather scarce and pay is kinda low relative to the cost of living.

Weather is coldish and cloudy in Winter, but generally awesome unless you're a complete wimpy pansy. Air quality is somewhat bad in some areas.

Well, guys, have my investigate skills paid-off? What else makes Oregon different?

Any interesting Colorado-Oregon-California comparisons would be appreciated.

Thanks, CD-Peeps.

[John Shaft]

You've done your homework. Bend is not nearly as "countercultural" as Boulder.

Also, if you really want to "subvert the dominant paradigms" of Portland, you need to start buying some "George Bush #1" T-shirts.

[delta07]

I just moved to Bend from Colorado, and while it is laid back and I love it, it certainly isn't really a counterculture hot zone. Bend will remind you of Boulder, and there are many liberals here, but it is also in Eastern Oregon, which tends to lean right. The amount of money in this town is pretty disgusting too! At least with the freefall economy home prices are finally starting to drop. Maybe now I can afford to buy a decent house in a good location!

I don't know much about the rest of Oregon, but I would say that Eugene would be a better fit for you, especially if you can handle to overcast, rainy winters. I prefer the sun! Eugene is weird in a good way!

[POhdNcrzy]

A "George Bush #1" T-shirt, you say?

No my friend, I will leave that in the closet with my "Charles Manson #1" T-shirt.

[Steve Miller]

OR-E-GUN

I've said for a couple of decades that they've been attempting to make Bend "Vale West"... Goal almost accomplished.

I would agree with another here that Eugene and perhaps Ashland would be a better culture fit for you.

Please define the term "tourist hell"? From the Cascades East, Oregon is rural with ranching and agriculture. If that's "redneck hell" then you'd better stay on the wet side of the Cascades.

All of Oregon has its charm, but the Green is typically on the West side of the mountains.

Jobs and weather are variable by areas. Not usually cloudy in Burns...

[POhdNcrzy]

Thanks for the input, kind folks.

Boulder is a multi-university town, and although all the young dips everywhere can get annoying, it does add a lot to a community IMHO and also is a big economic boost to a town.

West of the Cascades, I'm guessing the "college towns" are Corvallis, Portland and Eugene. Any others?

Are there any "college towns" east of the Cascades in Oregon?

[POhdNcrzy]

Hey Steve, I don't want to call you a space cowboy or nuthin', but I think you meant "Vail West", they are trying to make Bend into a "Vail West".

[Steve Miller]

Yes, you are correct... Vail... we do have a Vale Oregon close by, so my brain was probably flying like an eagle...

[Xplorer]

I have lived in Bend for many many years, I will also be moving back in a year or two.

Air quality bad in Bend??/ haha that is funny. I have never seen the air quality considered "bad" in Bend..

"redneck hell" Eh? NO. Like previously stated There are MANY farmers and ranchers in the area.

"tourist hell"? No. The west side can get crowded but I would never consider Bend to be "tourist hell".

Bend has been over run by Californians looking for a better life style. You ave to take that into account as well.

I think Ashland would fit you more.