Hello! Just wondering what people think about Bend, Oregon. If you've lived there, I'd love to hear what you think. Is it a nice place to raise children? What are some of the things you love about it? What about some of the things you don't love?
Any and all info is appreciated =)
My sister in law lived there for about 8 years. We visited a handful of times. It was really nice, good climate, the schools were good for her kids, at least I never heard her complain. The cost of living was high (to her) and one of her chief complaints. Her family has since moved to Eugene and LOVES it there.
My in-laws live there, so we visit every year. Love it! Seems like a great place to raise children, with quality schools and pretty, safe neighborhoods. It's a very outdoorsy town, with everyone out riding bikes, canoeing, hiking, golfing, etc. Very cute downtown with shops and restaurants.
Summer weather is beautiful! My in-laws don't love the winters there, though, and now go to Arizona during the cold months. Too much snow and ice for them.
I'd say the big drawbacks we notice are the fact that it's very isolated -- you're not near any major cities -- and that there aren't many professional job opportunities.
I haven't lived there but in general LOVE LOVE LOVE Oregon !!!! the people are in my opinion so kind... I know for sure there are some people on here who live in Oregon.. I am sure they will post and let you know how wonderful it is.. Where I live now is nice but if I had to move somewhere else, Oregon would be on my list..
I love Bend. But only as a tourist passing through. I don't know it in any depth.
Oregon is a wonderful, beautiful place to live. I was born here, and have always returned because it is home. That being said, I am from the Portland area, and the Oregon that is the Willamette Valley is what most people talk about when they say how great and wonderful it is.
I have been to Bend once, so I can't really tell you a lot about it specifically, but I can tell you that it is in the middle of NO WHERE. You are not close to any cities, you do not have access to a lot of specialized care that many families need. The nearest bigish city is Eugene (University town with 30,000) which is about 2.5 hours away, but is not generally accessible in the winter time. Portland is about 4 hours away and is where the majority of amenities are going to be.
Bend is all about winter sports because it has snow so many months of the year. Generally is is affluent people and retirees who live there. The cost of living is high because it is not near a major city. The people tend to be more conservative than those in the Portland or even Eugene areas.
So, how do you like the cold? Are winter outdoor sports important to you? Do you need to see a lot of doctors, specialists, pediatricians? What about activities for kids? Do you need to fly out a lot? There is a small airport in Eugene, but basically you fly to Portland and catch the connecting flights out. Will you be able to find a job?
I hope that helps. If you need more information or help, please let us know!
I've not lived there, but I have visited a number of times. Yes. It would be a great place for children. And adults. Lots of outdoor recreation. Good food. And great beers (Try anything by Boneyard.)
no, but i swear, EVERYONE i talk to who has lived in or even BEEn to oregon loves it! i need to check it out!
khairete
S.
