Bend vs. Sweet Home/Lebanon/Albany/Corvallis area (Basically Benton and Linn County) (Portland: buy)

[JeffreyRynearson]

I have become estranged from my blood brother. We grew up together, but we both moved our separate ways. I miss him very much. After seven years, he and his wife are FINALLY considering moving closer to us, along with their five young children. We live in Philomath/Corvallis area. They are considering moving to Bend with their family of seven.

Where we both used to reside growing up, was the Ontario/Payette area. That place is a poo-hole. Outside of having nice people, there is virtually nothing there.

Now that they're getting a lot closer, I told him about the mountain pass that is in the way. I told him about the weather he would experience compared to the wonderful weather we have and some of the benefits that come with said weather. It peaked his fancy a bit. I would love to have him move to the other side of that mountain though. I could visit him a lot and I think it would be a better fit for him. It's closer to all the big cities and he wishes to be closer to the Ocean.

Can you nice people help me come up with some reasons why someone should live further west on Highway 20? I would like some help in persuading him.

So far I have:

Long growing season
No to very little snow
It rarely freezes
REAL FORESTS
Ocean
Clubs (he likes to party still)
Portland
Salem
Eugene
Foster Lake
And several other things I can't think of right now.

[Billy_J]

Small town people need to go to the big city for one thing or another at least once a month or so. Medical, buy a part for something, shop in a store with things not available in small towns, whatever.

REALLY nice to be on the same side of the "hill" as I-5, especially during the winter. (I'm talking trips to Portland, Salem, Eugene.)

[PNW-type-gal]

Except that it means living in Willamette Valley weather, which isn't for everyone. Bend is large enough to provide most services such that a trip over the Cascades isn't necessary, barring highly specialized medical care.

What attracted him to Bend in the first place? It may be a better fit for him, and certain things on your list (forests, nightlife) are just as available - maybe even more available - in Bend as they are in the cities you listed. If winter recreation like skiing is on his list, Bend is a far better choice.

[delta07]

I definitely can't help you make the west side of the Cascades more attractive than Bend/Central Oregon. I really love Bend and living here and know I could never handle the wetter weather that the the valley brings. You mention your brother is coming from the Ontario/Payette area, which is a much drier climate that where you are. Perhaps that's your brothers biggest issue. I know it's mine.

Bend, although smaller than many of the cities along the I-5 corridor, actually has everything that most people need. We've only had to drive to Portland a handful of times in 6 years for something we specifically couldn't find in Bend. Even then, we usually enjoy the trip and make the most of it.

I think Bend's forests are wonderful and the outdoor recreation here is really hard to beat. The only thing we don't have are a ton of nightclubs, but there are plenty of bars and breweries that offer live music and a party-type atmosphere, if you so desire. I've yet to become bored with the nightlife here.

We do have snow, but I prefer that to the constant rain. Sorry, I just can't say that your part of the state is better than Bend!