What BestPlaces Users Say about Bend
Bend, Oregon is a small city located in the central part of the state. It is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, craft breweries, and vibrant downtown area. With a population of just over 100,000, Bend has been steadily growing in recent years, attracting newcomers from all over the country. To gain a better understanding of what it's like to live in Bend, let's take a look at some user reviews from BestPlaces.net.
According to John, who has lived in Bend for 3 years, "The outdoor activities in Bend are top-notch. From skiing to hiking to river activities, there is always something to do here." He also mentions that "the local community is very friendly and welcoming, making it easy to make new friends."
In contrast, Stephanie has a different perspective. She moved to Bend from a big city and says, "The pace of life is much slower here and it took some getting used to. But now, I appreciate the laid-back vibe and being so close to nature." She also adds, "The cost of living is a bit higher than I expected, but the quality of life makes it worth it."
Another user, Sarah, has been living in Bend for 10 years and has seen the city change. She says, "The growth in Bend has brought some challenges, such as traffic and crowded trails. But overall, I still love living here." She also mentions, "The food scene has improved significantly and there are always new restaurants and breweries popping up."
Lastly, Brian has a mixed review of Bend. He says, "I love the natural beauty of Bend and the outdoor activities, but the job market is limited and the cost of living can be a struggle." He also adds, "The city is definitely becoming more touristy, which can be a downside for residents."
Overall, the majority of user reviews about living in Bend are positive, citing the abundance of outdoor activities, friendly community, and beautiful scenery. However, there are also mentions of challenges such as cost of living, job market, and growth impacting the city's small-town feel. It seems that Bend may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate a laid-back lifestyle and love for the outdoors, it could be the perfect place to call home.
based on 100 ReviewsGet to know Bend with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Bend
Ken's Corner-My 360 degree View of Bend - 6/16/2015
WOW, I can't believe how many different opinions there are regarding living in Bend, but here's the truth about Bend. It's an amazing place to live, great schools, great people, considered one of the top outdoor and sports towns in America, not to mention, we have epic snow sports during the winter, to include our hallowed Mt. Bachelor.
I moved my family of five from Orange County, CA. to Bend five years ago, we've never looked back and we love it X 10, but here's the other side of the coin.
If you don't have a job, before you come to Bend or you haven't secured one ahead of time, well that's where the whole poverty with a view comments are coming from. Sure, if your in your 20s still going to school or just looking to take a break in life, and you can live off retail and hospitality jobs, then you'll be OK. Although, if your a family, you'll need to have an income and work strategy prior to coming to Bend.
Another thing to note is if you don't
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You'll probably love it here... with some reservat - 2/23/2015
I've lived in Bend for 18 years; having moved from the SF Bay Area, I did experience some culture (and weather) shock at first, but lots of things have changed since then. It does seem like a lot of potential newcomers are romanticizing life in Bend; you have to weigh the realities yourself.
Here are some of the good things, in no particular order. Our water is really, really good. You can drink it right out of the tap. We have those 'big sky' vistas with the mountains in the background, and on a clear, blue day, it's gorgeous. If you can afford some property with room for horses or alpacas and views of those mountains, well, that's exactly the Oregon dream, and it doesn't get much better than that.
Dogs rule: just about everyone has one, and they are welcomed in many places. We have good dog parks and good pet stores and plenty of groomers. If you like to ski/snowboard, it's heaven. Slopes are not far from town, and Mt. Bachelor usually has more snow than
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Bend oregon - 12/20/2014
Beautiful town, active friendly people. Multi recreational, easy access to both mountains and
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Horrible Weather - 10/22/2014
Bottomline: Bend is too cold and snowy in the winter and too hot in the summer. Nice place to visit but a horrible place to live. They have had high unemployment in the past, hard to find a job in Bend. Lots of rednecks with pickup trucks and rifles. Visit but don't stay, the place really sucks as a place to
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Poverty With A View - 1/4/2014
My wife grew up in Bend,I met her in Florida and when the economy crapped out she talked me into moving here. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE! Bend oregon is full of the dumbest people I have ever seen! Everyone drives 20mph and stops like every other block in the hopes that they can let someone in ahead of them. People just walk right out in traffic and expect you to stop. It's against the law to pump your gas here,im guessing because the people are to stupid. There is so many round abouts you get dizzy driving around and around and around. People here can't even master the 4 way stop everyone sits there and waves and goes "no you go ,No you go then when one decides to go they all go and have to hit the brakes I swear to god they did this 4 TIMES one day. The weather is HORRIBLE, There is JACK to do unless you like to ski which I don't. If you want a good idea on how to make money here just start a BROWN paint store because every freeking house is some shade of tan or brown,never seen
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Poverty with a view - 1/4/2014
My wife grew up in Bend,I met her in Florida and when the economy crapped out she talked me into moving here. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE! Bend oregon is full of the dumbest people I have ever seen! Everyone drives 20mph and stops like every other block in the hopes that they can let someone in ahead of them. People just walk right out in traffic and expect you to stop. It's against the law to pump your gas here,im guessing because the people are to stupid. There is so many round abouts you get dizzy driving around and around and around. People here can't even master the 4 way stop everyone sits there and waves and goes "no you go ,No you go then when one decides to go they all go and have to hit the brakes I swear to god they did this 4 TIMES one day. The weather is HORRIBLE, There is JACK to do unless you like to ski which I don't. If you want a good idea on how to make money here just start a BROWN paint store because every freeking house is some shade of tan or brown,never seen
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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
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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
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