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| "Big City" Pluses in a Little City - 10/2/2012
Living in the surrounding Bend area gives you the availability of great restaurant food and convenient shopping in a small city atmosphere. Much is going on here...many award winning breweries, a large proportion of great restaurants to choose from. Spending time outdoors along the river parks is a huge pleasure from Spring to Fall. Cannot think of any other place I would rather live at this time.[read more...]
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| In 2012, Remains "Poverty with a view" - 9/26/2012
Having lived here one year, moved from the Midwest, and having lived in several states, I agree with those readers who term Bend "poverty with a view". Beautiful town, high desert with mountains half an hour away. Boringly beautiful.You can count on sunshine almost every day. Doesn't warm up til July, summer consists of July through September, if you are lucky.
The town is divided into the retirees and wealthy, usually those who tele-commute to work in other states, and those fighting to keep food on the table. You might have a chance if you are in the medical profession or have the money to start a restaurant.
Bend is the first place I've encountered 'age-ism' when applying for jobs. There are literally hundreds of people lining up for part time, no benefits jobs. Almost everything is part time here,IF you can get it. Unemployment and underemployment rampant here. This is a very youth and fitness oriented town. Anyone over 45 is going to have trouble landing work. There are bicyclists and runners everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE, a dream come true to the eco/green/fitness freaks in their 20s and 30s. Bend's traffic is awful, roundabouts full of bicyclists everywhere, very poorly planned. The amount of runners and bicyclists actually make driving hazardous and there are many unfortunate collisions with autos every year.
There is a small airport in Redmond, about 18 miles north of here, otherwise the closest major airport is in Portland, about 2.5 to 3 hrs north, across mountain passes. Forget it in the winter. You are stuck unless you can pay the extra to puddle jump from Redmond.
Bend is an oasis in the high desert of Central Oregon, contributing to the lack of jobs, there are few surrounding towns of any size that offer employment.
For the wealthy and well off retirees, or possibly those in the medical field, professional athletes or idealistic young fitness freaks, Bend is a wonderland. For the average person, its a dead end. Its a very transient town, with people constantly moving in and moving out. I can't wait to get out of here. Like living in a campground only with no money. Fortunately my partner is one of the well off retirees and pays the bills because if I were trying to survive on my own out here, I'd be living out of my car.[read more...]
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| housing - 8/10/2012
Not as expensive as it used too be![read more...]
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| What's wrong with you? - 7/3/2012
It is amazing that nobody does thier homework....Yes, it rains a lot on the Oregon Coast.....but have you checked into Bend??????? Right in the middle of the state.....4 beautiful seasons...So just move elsewhere if you don't like it![read more...]
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| Bye-bye Beautiful Bend - 3/4/2012
Bend is a beautiful, bustling and friendly town and it is the largest in Central Oregon. However, my husband and I are retirees as well as transplanted Southern Californians who are not used to the cold winters. The novelty has worn off of having four distinct seasons. Also the health insurance coverage in Oregon is more expensive and limited compared to Southern CA. We are looking to relocate in 2 to 3 years.[read more...]
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| I like Bend - 2/24/2012
I went to visit Bend last summer of 2011 and then recently last month of Feb of 2012 and I have visit Oregon four times in my life time and I always like Oregon,Washington and northern California but I like Oregon the most because the weather is just right in Bend. I love the surrounding mountains near Bend with snow on it all year round. The ocean is not very far to drive and its nice to see the west coast ocean because its very clean and blue and neat to look at. The weather always been nice everytime I visit oregon, sometimes its a little wet and cloudy but not too bad. I like Washington state but would never live there because its too wet there but the summer is awesome in Washington and Oregon. Bend is a very nice small city with many restaurants and shops, its also very clean and more trees to the west. Housing is affordable but not real chaep and the rents there are good not expensive. I made up my mind that Bend is the place where I want to move to in the near future because overall I really like Bend because the weather is the best in that part of the state and its a very pretty area. I am done with Texas because I really hate the hot weather in Texas and like Oregon weather so much better and there is so much more things to do and lot of sight seeing in Oregon than Texas. So bend is the place where I want to be soon.[read more...]
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| Not a skier, I'm outta here - 1/16/2012
Too much ice & snow for me[read more...]
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| Moving from Tucson, Arizona to Bend, Oregon....nee - 1/11/2011
What is it like in Bend for the 20-30 year old crowd? What is cost of living? Will 45K a year cover a single's living expenses?[read more...]
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| The Weather is Crazy and the People are Vanilla - 10/8/2010
I think that Bend is a wonderful place to raise your children if you don't care if they have friends of other cultures or experience much diversity. Also don't try to plant anything because the weather is so unpredictable, there is frost here on the grass until July![read more...]
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| Biased reviews! - 9/30/2010
Let me clarify on the City of Bend, Oregon.
First of all, bend is like two cities. The West Side and the East Side. The west side is much more white collar and the East side is Generally more blue collar, however there are plenty of acceptions.
The east side has its little jewels if you can find them, but the West side is really where it's at. It is more quant, safer, more beautiful, has nicer housing and has most of the good restaurants (Upscale diners and eateries on the west side, Burger King, McDonalds, Hardees on the east). The housing is also more expensive on the west side, partly because the property cost more, but mostly because the houses that are built are more architecturally unique and substantial. The west side also has the best access to the mountains.
If you love active outdoor endeavors enough to find a way to make it here, you can. Start a business, an online store, trade stocks, buy real estate investments now that their cheap, etc, etc. People that are not motivated and smart will not make it here in this economy. I think that is why the people are so unique on the West side of bend, they all have a certain lust for life and a motivation to take them where they want to be. No, it is currently not a mecca of high paying jobs (not sure where it is), that is for sure, that is also why real estate is very cheap right now. People do not move to Bend for good jobs, they move here because they are motivated by the joys of life. As far as cold weather and lots of snow, that is all relative. Bend averages only 30" of snow/year, thats only half as much as where I'm from so to me that is not much. If your from the midwest, this is typical in the mid latitudes. Bends winter temps are mild compared to the midwest, but cold compared to the West coast, with an average hight of 40 and an average low of 20 during the absolute coldest month of the year. Bend i not cold 8 months out of the year unless you are talking about the nights, which are wonderfully brisk most of the year with an average low around 44 degrees by morning even in mid summer. This is because the air is so dry it cools off quickly at night. Days average around 82 degrees in the summer and wonderfully dry with almost no bugs at all. Bend is very sunny and dry! Yes there are some cloudy days here, some of which are storms blowing around the mountains which is amazing to witness. If you can't handle snow, temps below freezing, and occasional cloudy days, don't come here. If you love snow, like a change of seasons, like dry weather and amazing cloud formations with the occasional thunderstorm, but mostly sunshine, this is your place. Schools are excellent too. If you think it is clickish, you probably don't fit in. It is not good ol downhome country boys willin to cook up a pan of gritz for you, but if you ski, bike, etc, you will make friends by joining clubs, or just doing what you love. People in bend (more so on the west side than the east) are generally very motivated individuals that have followed their dreams, not their job. People here put family and health above their jobs but still take their jobs very seriously. they are very professional. If you visit here and don't feel that you click with the people, do not live here. The standard of living in bend is not hight relative to most cities, it is actually lower. Only real estate was during the 05-07/08 boom. Now that has come down too. Day care is only $30/day, you can find a restaurant in every price range, etc, etc. There are also excellent high paying jobs in the medical field, in real estate (if you are motivated and hard working) in lending, etc. There are very few general corporate jobs here. Bend real estate taxes are not high, but of course this is relative too. They are about $1000/year/100,000 in home value. I've lived in some places that were half that and others that were twice that. Usually towns that are beautiful (like bend) and have bike lanes on the roads (like bend) have higher taxes than bend.
Bend DOES NOT have high crime. It is very safe. But of course, crime of any kind can happen anywhere if your not savvy and at the wrong place at the wrong time. There is some meth in the area, but it is mostly in LaPine (about 40 miles to the south). Although, even LaPine has some very nice housing areas, it's just far from everything.
We have found that 99% of the people that we have spoken with (mostly from Bend's west side) have fallen in love with the place and could not be happier. Most of those who are not happy leave because they don't have the motivation to find or create income and there for cannot stay.
To sum it up, everyone is different. If you are considering a move to bend, you shoud go there and mingle for a couple of weeks. If the vibe does not feel good to you, THEN DONT COME HERE... YOU DONT BELONG. There is nothing wrong with that, it's just common sense, don't live where your not comfortable. Where we are from we could not stand the people. And likewise, they would hate it in Bend. So there you have it, don't listen to others that rip on Bend because they made a mistake, just do your research and move to where you are happy and feel like you fit in. [read more...]
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| help - 9/8/2010
I am moving to Bend oregon, this month. Just moved to Rogue River, Ore. From Arizona.This past May. I think i should have stayed, there, Arizona.. I cannot live in the climate here, in southern oregon.. And Bend is the close by here, savings is running out.. But the posts are saying to stay away.. I am single 59 year old women.. All my things are in storage, just waiting for the day to come this month to leave. Gosh is it really as bad as everyone says? I am not rich, at all. But have seen alot of lower rental prices... Somebody , help me.. I have no where else to go. But have to leave here.. help me.. Linda[read more...]
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| Thinking about moving to Bend? I've seen the revi - 6/24/2010
My wife and I are thinking about moving to Bend. We have three young children our oldest being 11.
I own my own company and I can work "virtually", so finding employment isn't a consideration.
A matter fact I hope to employ qualified people in Bend.
And yes I'm coming from Southern California, looking for a lower cost of living and better life for the kids. Whats the REAL story about Bend?
It appears to be all over the board, from poverty with a view, gangs?, crime, and of course amazing and wonderful...
Please HELP?
Thanks, OCK[read more...]
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| Bend Not Perfect - 6/19/2010
School's closed 2 days earlier than expected, and for next year 2010-2011, they have planned atleast a 3.5 day early release from the school year. Just received email from school board announcing an increase for the amount of kids in the classroom. We have middle school overcrowding issue's here. Alot of people are leaving Bend...aka "Poverty with A View", not able to sell and so are just walking away leaving the house vacant. Average family home selling for $349,000. The only drawback...you are the only house in the neighborhood and you get that incredible view of dead clump grass, the white utility pipes coming up from the ground, the dead sagebrush rolling over the flattened plots. Look, come here for yourself and VISIT before you MOVE. Do your research, don't buy first but maybe rent because it's easier to walk away from a rental when you are told you've been laid off than to try and sell a house that will probably be worth less than you paid. Check out the crime rates, city issue's, voting issue's, is anyone hiring, costs of gasoline, food, etc. And if you are like me, you'll keep looking for that place that sounds like a dream. [read more...]
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| Awful Weather - 6/16/2010
Chamber of commerce would have you believe that Bend has 300 days of sunshine...The truth is, that we have 300 day's of freezing overcast. I'm
sitting here on June 16Th(Summer) and it's 42 Degrees @ 10 AM...Please don't move here unless you want to wear a heavy parka all year long.[read more...]
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| Bend, a great place to move to - 3/27/2010
Wow, what a great city. Considering you can sell a 2800 sq foot home in San Diego and buy a new 3000 sq ft home in Bend and have money left over to buy a winter place in Palm Springs what could be better.
Plus, many new residents that are not hidebound by remembering what the "old Bend" used to be like and did not take advantage of the opportunities in real estate. Much like those in Ca that never bought or did not sell when prices obviously were crazy and do nothing but complain.
No traffic, slower pace of life, and lots to do at reasonable prices. Golf fees way under the San Diego area levels, gas prices cheaper, same for heating and air. Pool maintenance cheaper along with lawn and garden upkeep. [read more...]
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| Why Bend is an ideal place to live and play. - 3/27/2010
Wow, after selling in Ca. you can buy a great home of 3000 sq ft for around $400,000 and use the rest to buy a place in Palm Springs for the winter. What could be better. Lower costs, great views, and people. Plus money in the bank.
No traffic, slower pace of life, and lots of new residents not hidebound by the past and whining about how things aren't as good as they used to be. That's what happened to Ca., the old timers that never bought homes or didn't sell when prices went ballistic do nothing but complain. If you don't like it,tough, leave. [read more...]
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| Don't COme - High Taxes, No Jobs, - 3/1/2010
Too expensive to live, High taxes, no jobs, "poverty with a view", low paying jobs if you can find one, COLD weather all but maybe 4 months, no infrastructure of high teck businesses to supply jobs, resorts are how the city/county gets their money and they don't supply high paying jobs, high cost of living, high property taxes, high business taxes...This place is the 2nd highest taxes just behind Denmark, no life for singles over 40, no places to go in winter unless you want to go through dangerous passes you are house bound for months, BELOW zero weather in January and sometimes December. Can have a LOT of snow, this year was mild winter but that is rare and uncommon. Forzen water pipes, High heating bills and AGAIN NO jobs and those that are available are taken up by retirees looking for something to do or they pay minimum wage. ALSO, if you don't know anyone here, it is harder to find jobs as it is very CLickish. Look elsewhere for a betteer outdoor life with jobs that will provide you a living wage. I am single. 9-10 dollars an our doesn't pay the bills or provide a great quality of life.[read more...]
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| Think Twice before you move Here! - 3/1/2010
I moved here 5 years ago because I was laid off work in CA when my company moved out of state. I was told it was a freat lifestyle and cheaper and this is where I needed to be....What a wake up call I got. First off there AREN'T many jobs to be had. Those that are, generally pay very low and you can't support any lifestyle on that. Top that off with all the people that retired from CA and take up what little jobs there are available so they can have something to do and it turly is "poverty with a view" so the insiders call it. I am single and only have one income. The ONLY jobs I could find were in the mortgage business (lots of turnover) and because of the failing market I have had 4 layoffs in 5 years. There is NO work here to be found and we have about 5,000 + homeless and the the people just passed 66 * 67 tax bill which is now forcing buisness to lay off more people and new businesses don't want to come as the taxes are too High. It is VERY cold from about October to April and below zero in January so look for frozen pipes and staying indoors with high heating costs for several months. The joke up here among those of us who are not wealthy is we have two seasons, Winter and August. That is about right as it can and has snowed at the Sisters Rodeo in July. Sure there is a LOT of outdoor recreation, but if you cant find work that will pay you enough salary to pay your mortgage and bills and leave something left over to do something with, you will not find the outdoors that enjoyable because there is no money to do anything with. If you are single and over 40 ...good luck with that as there is no single life and no population really to date...I for one am looking to leave but this economy is now bad everywhere. It is usually very bad here in good times as they did not build the infrastructure to bring in high teck businesses that can withstand and slow economy. It is mostly retail and hospitality and that is what they rely on the taxes from the resorts so they want to keep building more...instead of bringing in good solid healthcare tech businesses and the like to help keep jobs in the area...no they build more resorts and have admitted that that is where they get the bulk of their money...the heck with the little person.....they all need to be fired! Then maybe they will experience the "poverty with a view" for themselves and do something about it...[read more...]
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| Pretentious Place - 12/6/2009
If you enjoy upitty peaple and feeling like your under some one in life this is the place to be.Outragous cost of living and the wages barely keep up.After the recenssion came,it got a little easier to make it,but before some that was a worker in the union had a struggle to make ends meet!I am now in a apartment,but for the first 2 years of living in Bend, I was forced to live with my parents without the thought of getting out on my own.This place has a saying "Poverty with a View". And if you have spent anytime here you can see it very clearly.The problem of homeless peaple is also a huge problem.Many corners coming out of stores you find them sitting and begging for money or just plane old help.Its sad is there not peaple that are crazy,they are peaple like you and I but feel on really hard times.This is a depressing place to be and a bit lonely for anyone that doesn't have family here to rely on or just to be there for.[read more...]
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| Poverity with view - 12/1/2009
This town is extremely expensive!If you expect a average income will cut-it, think again.Its beautiful, but for some one that hasn't got deep pockets will be living out of there car.Even if you make 30k a year,you still might need food stamps.I was 22 and HAD TO live with parents and would be considered to make a descent amount but wouldn't cut it with the average cost of living.If you plan to live off the Dollar Store, you will make it just fine.Many peaple try to keep up with the latest and can be very pretentious.[read more...]
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