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
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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medicare doctors - 11/14/2009
If you are on medicare good luck in finding a doctor here, they only take a certain percentage of medicare patients, if you're not one of the lucky ones you could go six months without getting in to see a primary care
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Bend, Oregon - 10/19/2009
Rivers, Mountains, open space, clean air, and the best weather in the North West. Beautiful, charming downtown, an abundance of recreational opportunities, 21 golf courses, and low crime. This is the
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Bend, Oregon: A jewel in the middle of nowhere - 10/11/2009
When we moved to Bend, Oregon nine years ago from Long Island in downstate New York many or our friends were not aware that anything existed in Oregon other than Portland. And when we mentioned that Bend was in the dead center of the State in the High Desert, people asked us if we - had to be worried about Indian attacks;would have electricity and running water; would be cattle ranchers. OK, we don't fight off wild animal, or Native American war parties and don't live on a cattle ranch (but you could if you so choose). Gas, Water,Electricity and Cable TV are all plentiful. Also plentiful is sunshine and happily lacking is that sticky humidity that prevails on the East Coast, in the South and in the Midwest. The weather is always soo nice that you always want to be outside! There is plenty to do here, from rock and mountain climbing,hiking, camping, birdwatching, skiing, snow boarding, biking - mountain and street and of course, fishing, boating,hunting and shopping and fine
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