Need An Honest Opinion About Bend (Portland, Eugene: transplants, vacation, work)

[kiwi29]

Hi Everyone

We are considering moving to Bend from Lake Tahoe (yes, California). I was hoping to get the real scoop from some locals or people that have lived there.

I went on Craigslist for Bend and was shocked in the "rants & raves" section about the disdain for Californians. I understand the frustration around the influx of Californians - probably similar to how we feel about tourists in Tahoe. But, at the end of the day, is it a sensible feeling within town? Would we feel unwelcome because we're newbies? Would it be difficult to start a local business if people knew you were from California?

Secondly, keeping in mind that we are coming from Tahoe, is the weather really that bad? I see such mixed reviews. I can deal with a cold winter - obviously. BUT, I can't deal with a cold, cloudy summer. Is that the case?

I appreciate the input - thank you.

[PNW-type-gal]

All through Oregon and Washington (and who knows, the rest of the US), Californians are a popular target for the local ills. Bend has a particular axe to grind, as a lot of the "growth" has been in upscale vacation homes for out-of-staters perched on the local (previously unbuilt) hills - huge homes that sit empty 10 months of the year. Housing prices as a result of the boom didn't just double or quadruple, they simply skyrocketed in a very short period of time, and a lot of locals find themselves priced out of town. That's happening on a smaller scale all over the northwest, but it's particularly bad in Bend. In general, "Californians" are the THEM, discussed in broad terms, whereas the new people next door from California are your new neighbors and treated as such.

Coming from Tahoe, you've probably seen pretty similar sentiments pointed at tourists and the "vacation" people, and it's not really any different.

For weather, you can check the City Data page and it'll give you an overview:
http://www.city-data.com/city/Bend-Oregon.html

The other thing I like to do is go to a weather site like wunderground.com, which has a section on "historic data" - you can look through years of climate data by month, and get actual temps and precip data.

[JakeDog]

Bend's weather is pretty comprable to Tahoe- but less snow. If you can handle Tahoe's winter, Bend will be a breeze. Bend is VERY dry and unlike Portland/Eugene, etc. does not get a ton of rain. There is a decent amount of sun all year round. Even when it is cloudy it has a different look and feel to it than Portland/Eugene. It is probably drier than Tahoe- similar to parts of Utah or Colorado in weather. I doubt there would be a California backlash- most of that stuff is in jest. In addition, Tahoe isn't really what people think of when they get upset at Californians (Los Angeles is). If you opened a store called "California Rocks" it might not be popular, but I doubt anyone would care where you were from.

[jhwest]

I'd l.ove to live in Bend but can't afford to. Perfect climate, I think. Maybe if you're quick to point out that you're not from So. Cal people will be nicer. I think it's the Southern Californians that people hate.

[Imperial1904]

Bend really isn't all that expensive compared to other small towns in Oregon.

[Rawlings]

You basically have two Bends. You have the older, more conservative part of town near downtown which is comprised of mostly native Bend folks and Oregonians. Then you've got the newer parts around the buttes which are largely made up of transplants and some Portland folks--but especially Californians. This area is more wealthy and much more liberal.

You've got class, political, and geographical warfare. So, to answer your question, depending on who you talk to, yes, you could feel a lot of blowback from natives for being from California. I mean, you guys kind of did totally change that town. That could spawn at least some animosity.

[Imperial1904]

Originally Posted by Rawlings

You basically have two Bends. You have the older, more conservative part of town near downtown which is comprised of mostly native Bend folks and Oregonians. Then you've got the newer parts around the buttes which are largely made up of transplants and some Portland folks--but especially Californians. This area is more wealthy and much more liberal.

You've got class, political, and geographical warfare. So, to answer your question, depending on who you talk to, yes, you could feel a lot of blowback from natives for being from California. I mean, you guys kind of did totally change that town. That could spawn at least some animosity.

Oregon should come up with a new slogan for the state, something like "Welcome to Oregon... except for Californians!"

[rgates2000]

At what point does one become a Californian? I only lived here for six months.

[andystearns]

We have all kinds in Bend. Colllege kids, retirees, regular folks who work for a living. Young internet types. Lots of small business owners. You can find your way if you are determined. As for Californians, we get all kinds, so you take the good with the bad. The issue isn't where you are from, but how you treat people when you live here.

[Imperial1904]

Originally Posted by andystearns

The issue isn't where you are from, but how you treat people when you live here.

If you look around the forum, you can see the huge amount of replies targeting Californians.