Moving to Bend / Redmond from FL and need some school advice (sale, how much)

[ILtoFLtoOR]

We will soon be moving to the Bend/Redmond area from Florida. We are a family of four, with two boys ages 13 and 9. My husband is already out there, the kids and I are waiting until the school year ends to make the move. My husband is currently staying in Redmond. We all spent the past summer there, and I did prefer the overall feel of Bend just a bit more than Redmond. My main concern is the schools...mainly middle and high schools. Is there a big difference in quality between the schools in Redmond vs the schools in Bend? I have researched online, but in my humble opinion, sometimes statistics don't give you the true story. I would like to get some opinions from people who are familiar with the schools. We're open to living in either city. Cost and employment is not a deterrent. Also, would one city be recommended over the other as far as being family friendly?

I appreciate any information and advice anyone is able to give! Thank you!!!

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Bend has a lot more going on. Redmond is more of a bedroom community for people who work in Bend. Although, Redmond has recently had a lot of useful businesses open up, and some good restaurants, so it is turning into a better place to live; less sleepy than it used to be.

All the schools are perfectly fine for children who have parents who are actively involved in their children's education. If you make sure your child is making it to classes and doing their homework, the kids will be fine. If you don't know where your kids are or what they are doing or what is happening in their education, the kids might be fine, or they might not.

There are no slum druggy areas bigger than a square block in either town, so not enough bad kids to drag a school down. Pay attention to who your kids are hanging out with and that is a non-issue. teachers throughout the school districts tend to be very good quality. Good teachers move into the area for the lifestyle, so we get good teachers.

[redguard57]

Not sure what part of Florida you're coming from, but the schools in Deschutes county are pretty good by national standards, especially southern state standards, in both Bend and Redmond. Bend is slightly better than Redmond but generally they're both good.

If you're really worried about college prep there are some private schools ie: Redmond Proficiency Academy which does a good job.

Both Bend and Redmond are family friendly - the biggest difference in my opinion will be how much you want to pay for a house. The nicest houses in Redmond are in the 400s while in Bend that much will get you only an above average house. Generally speaking you can add 30% to the sale price of whatever kind of house you're looking for in Bend vs. Redmond.

Bend is somewhat more walkable and bike-able than Redmond.

[BendLocal]

The nicest properties in Redmond are in the million dollar range.

[redguard57]

Originally Posted by BendLocal

The nicest properties in Redmond are in the million dollar range.

If you're talking about enormous new custom-made homes in eagle crest or places with significant acreage & they're mostly outside of town.