Anything on Bend (Portland: lawyer, relocate, real estate)

[bensdad7]

Hi, my wife and 9-year-old son and I are considering a move to Bend from Minneapolis, Minn., and are looking for an "insider's" view of the community.

We know that it's a boomtown and that there's a lot of outdoor recreational stuff to do (which is a major attraction for us) and that the housing market is VERY expensive...

What I'm looking for is more of a general "feel" of the community: What are the people like? What are the teachers and administrators in the schools like? Are the local people, who have lived in Bend their whole life, ticked off that their town is growing so fast and are unwelcoming to newcomers? Stuff like that.

We've been to Oregon several times, and we especially love the coast. We've just never been to Bend. We are going to be there the week of June 18 for a job interview, so we'll find out a lot on that trip, but I'm hoping someone can give some insight before then.

Thanks!

Kevin Hanson

[Waterlily]

Okay we have some threads from the past on Bend. Try using the search at the top. Here is another thread here. Is Bend REALLY that much sunnier than Portland?

[Alexious]

Since I moved up to Bend I've met nothing but friendly people who are happy to be here. I think the negative attitudes about growth are present, but not focused on individual people. Besides, you aren't from California! ;o)

[JakeDog]

Dude, you are going to love it. My second favorite place after San Diego. I've never understood the negative comments on here about it.

[lscooks]

We moved here 2 years ago after considering many places around the country. Like many of the newer residents, we escaped the pace and cost of the SF Bay Area, and have never looked back. Positives include 4 mild seasons (see below), housing costs (see below), no sales tax, very little traffic compared to any large metro areas, very friendly people, good restaurants, lots to do outside, and some incredible scenery. You never get over the "ooo's and aaah's" of seeing the Cascades or crossing the Deschutes at the Healey Bridge.
Negatives include the 4 mild seasons, which are totally unpredictable. It has in fact snowed here on the 4th of July. We haven't gotten snow on Christmas the last two years, but it's snowed on Easter. Plan on 10 inches of rain and 32 inches of snow as an average. Mid-June thru October is beautiful. Warm, occasionally hot, and cool nights.
I definitely disagree with the people who talk about dust and pollution. It's a very clean place to live. We do get smoke occasionally, as does any locale where there's lots of forested areas nearby. This also happens in San Diego and various parts of L.A. Fact of life.
I'm a real estate broker, and housing is interesting, currently. It's way cheaper than the Bay Area, but still higher than many parts of the country. Portland's higher than we are, and the traffic and rainfall up there are ridiculous. It's a 3 1/2 hour ride when you want to visit.
Overall, a very nice place to live. You're isolated enough from the hustle and bustle, but it's still accessible when people want to visit.

[Jessa]

My boyfriend was born in Bend, and went back a few years ago.... He said he got lost It has grown a bit since he was a child, but Oregon is a beautiful state to me, no matter where you are.... I hope you love the NW as much as I do!!

[seashelly]

Isn't that hiking path circling up the side of the that old cinder cone mountain, Pilot Butte State Park, on the east side of the city along Hwy 20 overlooking the City of Bend cool?

[Kiwi]

Iscooks,
Did you relocate with school-age kids? I was wondering what your impressions were of the schools compared to the Bay Area? (You can leave me a private message, if you'd like.)
Thanks,
Kiwi

[joycwriter]

Iscooks and Kiwi - We are in Marin and are considering a move to Bend. Any input on how you found Bend vs. the Bay Area? Pros and cons? Any regrets?? Any input on schools?

Any info is appreciated!

[Nalahacjr]

Hello All!! I am currently living in St. Pete, FL while attending law school down here. I am 24 year old and am getting married at the end of the month. My fiancee and I have lived in FL all our lives, but really want to get out and experience nature's true beauty. She has family that lives in the San Juan Islands and we both love the Pacific Northwest area. I have been trying to do some research about Bend and other areas in Oregon, but love hearing advice from those that are living it! I have read the good and the bad about Bend; all saying it is beautiful, with some saying there are too many people moving there and it is losing its luster. What do those that reside there think? We love being outside and want to be able to enjoy the hiking, rafting, skiing, and such that Bend or other areas of Oregon provide. Besides Bend are there some other areas you might suggest?

Also, I would like to practice Elder Law and Estate Planning at a law firm in the Bend area and was wondering if there are any contacts out there that I could make with lawyers and law firms in the area. I have heard that a lot of retirees are moving to Bend, so I thought this area of practice would be a good one, is this true?

Thank you so much!!!
- Ryan