Is Bend Oregon the place for a not so religious family? (real estate, living in)

[itsjustmehere]

My husband, three kids and I are interested in moving to Bend because we are in need of some real weather besides summer and something more to do then go to the mall. Also we are looking for people a little less plastic and materialistic and conservative.

We are from a smaller town in Southern California which is extremely conservative, evangelical and judgmental (especially since the election). In other words if you tell someone you are not a christian you will loose business and/or friends . I am worried about raising my children in such a hateful and judgmental community. It is just dangerous.

I am looking for a place to raise my children that is a little more free thinking or at least a place where they can make a clear decision on their religious or spiritual path. I am happy to live amongst christians, but not the ones that refuse to look at me or let our kids play together because we don't share the same faith.

Is Bend OR, the place for us? Or is it another small town, with the same issues?

[humboldtrat]

Why not post this on the Oregon forum????

[Twinkle Toes]

Last time I checked, Oregon wasn't part of the State of California. But, maybe it should be.

[Waterlily]

I moved this over here from the CA forum.
Oregon racks up there as one of the least religious states. If you don't want plastic people I would say there are better cities to live than Bend. There are lots of well off retirees from other states living in Bend.

[Silverfall]

Oregon in generally is pretty accomodating with different spiritual beliefs. We rank fairly low for church attendance in Oregon. I have friends that are non-religious and they are just fine there.

[vette-dude]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

Oregon in generally is pretty accomodating with different spiritual beliefs. We rank fairly low for church attendance in Oregon. I have friends that are non-religious and they are just fine there.

Bend, isn't that the town where the man, but actually a woman physically having their 2nd kid....

[delta07]

I just moved to Bend from a town in CO that sounds very similar to where you are currently at. I have found Bend to be a welcome change. I am not religious myself, and I have never felt that to be an issue here. Sure, I've had people knock at my door trying to "sell me" their religion, but I politely tell them I'm not interested, they leave, and that's it.

Yes, Bend does have it's fair share of wealthy people that have moved in from out of state. However, it's easy to escape that (with the exception of real estate) by not frequenting the places the well-to-do like to hang out. Bend seems to be a down to earth kind of town, with genuine people, and a good environment for kids. If you love the outdoors then Bend is your place.

In general I have found all of Oregon to be very tolerant of everyone. I think you would do well most anywhere in the state. Take a trip here and check it out for yourself.

[minorbrew]

Originally Posted by itsjustmehere

My husband, three kids and I are interested in moving to Bend because we are in need of some real weather besides summer and something more to do then go to the mall. Also we are looking for people a little less plastic and materialistic and conservative.

We are from a smaller town in Southern California which is extremely conservative, evangelical and judgmental (especially since the election). In other words if you tell someone you are not a christian you will loose business and/or friends . I am worried about raising my children in such a hateful and judgmental community. It is just dangerous.

I am looking for a place to raise my children that is a little more free thinking or at least a place where they can make a clear decision on their religious or spiritual path. I am happy to live amongst christians, but not the ones that refuse to look at me or let our kids play together because we don't share the same faith.

Is Bend OR, the place for us? Or is it another small town, with the same issues?

I am sorry to learn that you found religious intolerance where you have been living, especially since it was in a town in Southern California. But it does tend to prove that religious intolerance can be found anywhere. Unfortunately, every institution (religion included) has some members who do not represent the highest principles of the organization.
I lived over fifty years in Southern California and didn't find it any more intolerant than most other places. (try Utah, for example) In fact, Southern Californians tend to tolerate all sorts of things.
Now, my wife and I divide our time between Northern California and Southern/Central Oregon. As far as Bend is concerned, I think you'll find that the "new Bend" which has developed during the past 15 years is quite cosmoplolitan for a town its size. I don't think you'll find any appreciable amount of religious intolerance in Bend unless you are forced to be around such persons because of your work or some other social situation such as that.
There are many good reasons to move to Bend or the neighboring towns in Central Oregon. If you like the area, go for it! Any religious issues that might arise can be effectively dealt with, if you are willing.
minorbrew

[itsjustmehere]

Originally Posted by Waterlily

I moved this over here from the CA forum.
Oregon racks up there as one of the least religious states. If you don't want plastic people I would say there are better cities to live than Bend. There are lots of well off retirees from other states living in Bend.

Thanks for moving this for me. I was trying to figure out how to do this a little too late last night.

[itsjustmehere]

Originally Posted by delta07

I just moved to Bend from a town in CO that sounds very similar to where you are currently at. I have found Bend to be a welcome change. I am not religious myself, and I have never felt that to be an issue here. Sure, I've had people knock at my door trying to "sell me" their religion, but I politely tell them I'm not interested, they leave, and that's it.

Yes, Bend does have it's fair share of wealthy people that have moved in from out of state. However, it's easy to escape that (with the exception of real estate) by not frequenting the places the well-to-do like to hang out. Bend seems to be a down to earth kind of town, with genuine people, and a good environment for kids. If you love the outdoors then Bend is your place.

In general I have found all of Oregon to be very tolerant of everyone. I think you would do well most anywhere in the state. Take a trip here and check it out for yourself.

Thanks, I plan to do that soon. I appreciate the info.