Three Rivers South (Bend, La Pine, Sisters: homes, live, zip code)

[whirnot]

We are considering moving to Bend to retire in about 4 years. We have been there on two "Recon" trips and plan more in different seasons.

Since the next trip is a couple of months away, I thought during that time I would throw this one out for your opinions.

We are considering a property in Three Rivers South. Looks to be about a 36 minute drive. Being from Colorado, driving in Winter is not an issue for us, but we are just wondering if a drive that distance will seem too far to enjoy the things Bend has to offer.

We are wanting at least a couple of Acres and it has to be in the trees, prefereble Pines, So I am thinking it will have to be either there, or the Sisters area?

The property we found is really what we are looking for as long as it does not seem too remote.

Your thoughts?

[delta07]

Well as Colorado native, and someone very familiar with driving in snow, I can tell you that Oregon snow is much different. I was very surprised by this and a bit caught off guard. The main highway will be plowed, but it's slow going. I don't know how well the plowing is down there, but here in Bend it isn't the greatest (I've talked with several former Colorado/Utah residents here and they all agree with me). The snow, especially in town can be a little on the wet side and tends to ice over pretty badly at night create sheets of ice on the roadway. I used to commute between Bend and the High Desert Museum south of town, and when it snowed, the drive became pretty treacherous (I also lived in Fairplay, CO if that gives you a reference for snow).

Given that, and the fact that you are 36 miles out of town, you probably won't be driving to Bend all that much in the winter unless you have to. However, most of the festivals and things that happen in Bend occur during the summer months when the weather is nice and predictable. I guess it just depends on how well you can stand cabin fever!

Since you'll be vacationing here in a few months, have you considered staying further south in Sunriver? That might give you an idea of what to expect during the winter.

[Larry Caldwell]

Have you looked out Century Drive?

[Dry Side]

You will be far from most medical services. Hwy 97 between Bend and La Pine can be very challenging Dec - Feb. If you can time it to avoid the mornings and late after noons it is better.

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by Larry Caldwell

Have you looked out Century Drive?

I don't think it ever came up in a search for vacany land.

[whirnot]

Thanks for the responses. As I mentioned we are not that worried about Winter driving, we both drive 4 wheel drives and up to a year ago we had a cabin in the colorado mountains.

Our biggest concern is just how far it is when we want to do something in Bend, or attend something. We will be making many more trips, guess we will feel it out.

Thanks again for your input.

[skypros]

I lived in 3 rivers south (state recreation rd and foster) zip code 97707

I loved it there... in good weather it took me 25(ish) minutes to get to Bend (where the 97 forks to 3rd st.... IE: basically Walmart area) The real problem lies @ Lava Butte..... there are so many accidents in the winter.... and it closes down hwy 97...... and there is NO real way around it, so you are STUCK.

Also it gets cold and snowy there.... the closer to the mountains the more snow you will get..... and "where i lived" the temps would get into the minuses (lowest I seen was -21 in 2009) and really would not get above +9 degrees for many days/weeks (I don't thinks these extreme temps are typical for 3 rivers south) and did I mention snow

One thing to keep in mind.... If you live by the Deschutes River in TRS, there is LOTS of marsh land..... and in the summer the mosquitoes are very bad...

Here is an area I think you will like.... Take hwy 97 to Vandervert, make left on so. century follow (making sure you veer right where it intersects with huntington)..... go over the Deschutes river.... and start looking around.... I think there is many homes on acreage in this area.... and I believe it has Ponderosa's.... along with them "nasty lodgepole / jack pines".

As far a Sisters...... I would pick Sisters over TRS, but Sisters ia ALLOT more expensive.

[whirnot]

Thanks Skypros,

That is exactly the kind of information we are looking for. The property we are looking at is right near the area you recommended, except on the east side of the Deschutes. I wondered about the skeeters, will keep that in mind.