Ignore the 1 and 2 star reviews
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12/2/2021
I have visited Bend for many years and moved here last year with my family. Every person that complains about Bend does not understand how economics works. The main gripe people have about Bend is that housing is more expensive than it used to be. Well, ever looked for housing is Vail, Park City, Oceanside CA, or Lake Tahoe? Highly desirable places are more expensive. Get used to it. Bend is expensive because of its proximity to Mt Bachelor, the best mountain in the NW. it’s in the high desert, gets tons of sun, but doesn’t look like a desert… there are rivers and hills and pine trees everywhere. Bend has a very outdoorsy vibe. Kind of like the REI store in real life. It feels like everyone here hikes, bikes, skis, and runs. The city is clean, the people are much more laid back than in bigger cities like Portland. Can’t afford to live 30 minutes from the mountain? Move to Redmond, 20 minutes away, or La Pine, 25 minutes away. Or Madras or Metolius (very cheap). People with lower incomes always commute longer if their job is in a desirable area. The city used to be filled with sports enthusiasts and retirees. But then it was “discovered”. People love it here. They tell their friends. Yes, many have moved here from California, but people move all over the place all the time. Most people move for work. People move to Bend for a better lifestyle. Like us, many have moved here to raise their kids in a safe environment. Bend and Central Oregon will continue to grow exponentially as long as the bigger cities like Portland Metro and Salem experience record crime and homelessness.
Chris | Bend, OR