Floridian looking for advice: Bend or Portland? (real estate, find a job)

[rjl2001]

Alright, well to start with I'm 26 years old and have lived in Florida for the majority of my life so far. I got out of the military where I was stationed in Chesapeake, VA for a few years. I plan on using my veterans benefits to pursue helicopter training. Turns out Oregon has the best benefits for me, and Central Oregon Community College in Bend, or Portland Community College both offer great helicopter aviation degree programs.

The closest I've ever been to the Northwest is So Cal where I was born. So I'm just looking for any input on living in Bend vs. Portland.

Some areas of consideration to me are:
1.cost of living, makes it easier for a broke student
2.weather, i'm used to warm beaches
3.outdoor activities, i like to kayak, mtn. bike, hike, etc.
4.night life, if i do get the time or money i like hitting up the bars
5.public transportation, could i get by if i sold my truck before moving

Weather is probably one of my main debates. Sounds like Bend gets way more sunny days, but also gets colder winters. Not sure which would affect me more. I'm not a fan of cold climates, and even living in SE Virginia I found myself becoming a lot more lazy and less happy overall during the winter. But for flying purposes the more sunny days would probably make sense.

I know it would be nice to fly out and see both places myself, but tickets to either place are pretty pricy from FL. Maybe once I decide between COCC or PCC, I'll make a visit before moving.

thanks, look forward to any advice

[delta07]

Originally Posted by rjl2001

Alright, well to start with I'm 26 years old and have lived in Florida for the majority of my life so far. I got out of the military where I was stationed in Chesapeake, VA for a few years. I plan on using my veterans benefits to pursue helicopter training. Turns out Oregon has the best benefits for me, and Central Oregon Community College in Bend, or Portland Community College both offer great helicopter aviation degree programs.

The closest I've ever been to the Northwest is So Cal where I was born. So I'm just looking for any input on living in Bend vs. Portland.

Some areas of consideration to me are:
1.cost of living, makes it easier for a broke student
2.weather, i'm used to warm beaches
3.outdoor activities, i like to kayak, mtn. bike, hike, etc.
4.night life, if i do get the time or money i like hitting up the bars
5.public transportation, could i get by if i sold my truck before moving

Weather is probably one of my main debates. Sounds like Bend gets way more sunny days, but also gets colder winters. Not sure which would affect me more. I'm not a fan of cold climates, and even living in SE Virginia I found myself becoming a lot more lazy and less happy overall during the winter. But for flying purposes the more sunny days would probably make sense.

I know it would be nice to fly out and see both places myself, but tickets to either place are pretty pricy from FL. Maybe once I decide between COCC or PCC, I'll make a visit before moving.

thanks, look forward to any advice

So Cal isn't the northwest, so I wouldn't look at that as a comparison! Even though Bend and Portland are in the same state, they are very different places. If you are coming from FL you may find Portland a very difficult transition. The summers are absolutely gorgeous and if you visit during that time, you may get a false impression of the city. The weather for almost 9 months of the year is relatively overcast and rainy. Yes, there are breaks in the clouds and rain, but for a person used to endless sunshine, I imagine you will be affected by it. I'm originally from CO, which gets tons of sun, and I know I couldn't live there. However, I moved to Bend last year, and it reminds me so much of CO. It is cold though.

In terms of cost of living, both are high, but I don't know about compared with FL. If you will need to work while going to school, Portland is a better choice, but still not great. Oregon's economy is terrible right now!

Bend's recreation can't be beat. You will find something for everyone and right out your doorstep. However, like so many young people who move here with recreation in mind, there is a price to pay. Wages are incredibly low, if you can find a job. The other thing that may be a concern for you has to do with COCC. Classes are extremely overcrowded right now, and some programs have a waiting list. I would check into that before you make the decision to move here. It may not even be available.

Night life is okay in Bend, but certainly not what a city like Portland has to offer. You may find it fine though. Public transportation on the other hand sucks compared with Portland. However, Bend is small and you can pretty much ride your bike anywhere you want.

In all honesty, I would really think about making a move to either place right now. It will be a big transition for you and you may end up wanting to leave. If you are dead set on moving west to pursue your career path, look into other places with a better economy. Denver right now has been ranked great for economic recovery. You will also find the sunny weather that you won't in Portland. Just a thought...

[pw72]

Sounds like you already have a good understanding of the area.

I will add that Bend is suffering more than the rest of Oregon right now with 15+ % unemployment. The fact that this is a vacation/recreation area has hit the area hard. It also was an area of steep real estate increases before the current recession. Now the bottom has fallen out.

So unless you have a job lined up in Bend, I would say be very wary.

Weather? Yes, you have it correct. Warmer in the summer, colder in the winter than Portland. But still relatively mild compared with the upper midwest.