Portland, OR/Bend, OR (Klamath Falls: highrise, real estate, apts)

[Imperial1904]

I'm planning to move soon to either one of these places. Bend seems to be a middle-upper class town, lots of green trees, sort of what I expected when I moved to Oregon. I have lived in Klamath Falls and it is not that great of a town. Probably one of the weirdest places I ever lived. I'm a big city guy (San Diego most of my life, Denver, CO for a year) so I'm used to the big city atmosphere. I personally would prefer to live in a high rise but I also like the homes in Bend as well as the cost of living.

If anyone can break down the pros and cons of each, I'd appreciate it. I have researched as much as possible for both places as well as looking into Seattle, WA, which I'll be asking about in another part of the forum.

Thanks.

[sunshine48]

We've been in Bend for 8 years and are ready to leave, for several reasons....mainly the cold.
Many of the changes here, as anywhere, have not been great. Population has gone from 33,000 to 70,800 since 1999. Most of the housing is craftsman style, which we do like. Starter homes are $325,000 to 350,000 and we're talking on a lot as small as 4000 sf! Acres and acres of beautiful trees are mowed down regularly to make room for subdivisions, large & small. Wasn't like that when we moved here. Even large expensive homes can be about 10 feet apart.
3 brm. 2 bth. home rent starts at about $900. Apts. probably less.
I think Portland is more reasonable for housing, as long as you stay out of Mulnomah County, which has the highest real estate taxes in the Willamette Valley. Portland has lots of rain (hence all the green), lots of cloudy days and some snow and ice in winter. Bend has alot of sunshine, but long, COLD winters, more snow than I want (most winters) which makes it great for winter sports lovers! When the sun goes down, even in summer you'll need a jacket or coat, except on rare ocassions. It's nothing to have a 90F day and a 30F night.
There are many parks, hiking trails and such for outdoorsy folks. Downtown is small, quaint and has lots of independent restaurants. Shopping options are increasing. Cost of living in Bend is VERY expensive and there are not many good paying jobs, so that's important to check out. It's primarily a retirement/resort community and folks have moved here mainly from CA. and back East with lots of money from selling homes there. If you like living in a highrise, you won't find much here. A few buildings have penthouse condos, and there are view townhomes near the Old Mill District, but those are usually in the $700,000 & up prices. They are beautiful, but..............
Best of luck and try to do some more research and visit both areas........winter & summer....before make a final decision.

[Imperial1904]

Thanks for the reply. I will definitely visit each place before making my decision.