"Transplants to Bend came here with thought and purpose. We came here for a reason. At least we have that. You don't." And you wonder why the long time residents and natives don't appreciate you? LOL
Lisa | Bend, OR | Report Abuse

Maybe change your negative attitude and the natives may chang their mind about you.
Mikki | Bend, OR | Report Abuse

I moved here from the midwest many years ago because I love the mountains and the outdoors and all it has to offer. If you like winter Bend is an ideal place to live year round because of the ski and snow activities. But I don’t blame Californians as the sole cause of high housing costs. It was Oregon citizens that passed their Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) law years ago, which took the power away from the cities to annex and expand as they desired without first getting state approval. There are miles of nothing but Juniper trees around much of Bend - lots of land ripe for new housing. Economics 101 tells us that restricting supply increases demand, and therefore the price people will pay. Bare land prices are high now and builders must charge more for new developments in order to profit. The Bend City council along with the state have a policy of building “density”, (building up, or cramming more housing on small pieces of property, kind of like in San Francisco), which I call “congestion”. A high percentage of tax revenue goes to Parks and Recreation because of a vote for that years ago. So they build multi-million dollar skate parks for teenagers while the city seems more concerned about their carbon footprint than infrastructure. Californian’s and others pay nearly 10% in Oregon income and capital gains taxes (third highest in U.S.) and I don’t recall hearing any complaints about that.
William | Bend, OR | Report Abuse

As a person who's parents hauled them all over the country, the last place we landed before I was able to leave home was California. I loved it then. But I was long ago and I was too young to understand politics. This state is a cesspool. My brother was born in Oregon. Lives there, and loves it. My husband and I are conservatives who find our voices drowned out more and more each year. Should we leave, and we hope too, Bend is one place we would consider. I hope we would be welcomed once the locals realze we didnt come there to bring the foolishness .. but to be free from it.
Karen | Yosemite Lakes, CA | Report Abuse

Wow. If you are trying to convince us that "non-natives" don't suck, you have really missed the mark. You come across as a real jerk in this post. You are exactly the person people are complaining about. Please, go back to wherever your "mother spit you out." We don't need your negative energy in Bend.
Heath | Bend, OR | Report Abuse

Growing up in the midst of Silicon Valley in California, I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the world. This opportunity is not everywhere in the US! My life is enriched because of the cultural differences, as well as my community. Was my native city changed over the years? Of course, with time all things change. I will be looking to move when I retire, due to the cost of housing. I considered Bend and am not so sure I want to live in an area where nearly everyone is just like me: born in US, white, etc. Boring.....
Ellen | Sunnyvale, CA | Report Abuse

As a fourth generation of Bend, screw you, my family has been here longer than the town. We built this town. We do own it. The culture exists because we exist, all the fun stuff you like to do in Bend, was built and maintained by us natives and our families. For decades we have been watching our culture deteriorate in the massive influx of new residents. You came here with purpose? Good for you, we live here with purpose you arrogant young man.
Nick | Bend, OR | Report Abuse

We don't dislike everyone that moves to Bend. It's just the Californians that can't drive and vote liberal that everyone hates.
Tanner | Bend, OR | Report Abuse

California population has doubled in last 20-30 years. Natives seek more peaceful setting and less congestion similar to what they had before. Bay Area is over crowded and it’s not from natives..same issue for those that have been in Bend for a while.
Thomas | Belmont, CA | Report Abuse