“Quality of life” is what most people would cite as their reason for living in Bend and Central Oregon. But just how do you measure the quality of life in a given community? Benchmark test scores and drop-out rates for the local school system may be important factors for some (few?) to consider. Others might analyze crime rates, commute times, median income statistics, or even the quality of the powder. Some might be interested in the local air or water quality. CNN’s Money Magazine included Bend Oregon in its “Top 100 Best Places to Live” list for a variety of reasons,
not the least of which is the 300 days of sunshine per year. For us, it’s as simple as the call of the sentinel quail in the morning, the yip of the coyotes at night, the celebration of four distinct seasons, the eclectic mix of downtown restaurants, a river running through the center of town, the early morning sun on Broken Top, Mt. Bachelor a mere 20 minutes up the road, Drake Park, and the diversity of the land. It’s also the great folks we call friends, and the realization that Bend is a tremendous place to raise a family.
Located on the dry eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, in the center of Oregon (pronounced “Orygun”), Bend has, for decades, served as a vacation spot for in-the-know folks from the urban enclaves of Portland, the Willamette Valley, and Seattle seeking respite from the wet. Bend became known as a lumber town, with mills springing up on both sides of the Deschutes River. Central Oregon became an economic hub. Then, as the logging industry flagged, the area evolved into a mecca for what was to become known as the classic “Central Oregon outdoor lifestyle”-- skiing, snowboarding,
biking, boating, tennis,
kayaking,
and climbing. “Golf” became Bend Oregon’s middle name, with world-class designers like Nicklaus, Kidd, Weiskopf, Jacobsen, and Fazio adding their signature tracks to the landscape. Golf certainly helped put this town on the map. Fly-fishing aficionados began flocking to the area to challenge the offerings of the Deschutes, the Metolius, Fall, and the Crooked River. Beer, canoes, and backpacks became hot commodities. Microbreweries became popular, and people started having fun . . . though not necessarily in that order.
Today, local denizens of all ages on an esoteric array of watercraft floating down the Deschutes River through the center of town are a common summer mid afternoon sight. Mountain bikers and roadies are ubiquitous in their spandex (the Central Oregon Trail Alliance has blazed miles of single track. “Mountain Bike Action Magazine” voted Bend as the “America’s best mountain biking town” in it May 2009 issue). Visitors and locals alike enjoy the nearby Cascade Lakes.
On warm summer evenings, folks stroll the riverfront promenade and the outdoor restaurants are packed. Bend is, and always will be, a bastion of fun!
Bend Oregon Real Estate
Though today’s Bend OR real estate market no longer enjoys the unparalleled growth and astronomic appreciation realized from 1995 until 2005, it is safe to say that we are currently in the midst of the best home buyer’s market in recorded history. Bend home buying activity is now being fueled by affordability, and low interest rates. We have also seen a rise in “distressed property”– foreclosures or short sale situations.
The Bend OR MLS housing inventory offers properties in prices ranging from under $100K to over $3M; there are a myriad of choices: mill cottages and quaint bungalows, mountain-view ranchettes, riverfront homes, gated communities, northwest lodge styles, destination resort homes,
and sprawling horse properties. For mid-range options, there are some good values for you to discover. For only $300-700K, you can purchase a four bedroom, 3000 square house with stunning Cascade views. If you want convenience, economy, and a no-maintenance lifestyle, Bend townhomes and condos
and urban style lofts are becoming increasingly popular.
If you like golf as much as we do, perhaps a luxury Bend OR home with mountain views in a gated golf course community like Awbrey Glen, Broken Top, Tetherow, or Pronghorn will the right place. If you like horses, we have some stunning ranches and equine properties with mountain views and plenty of room to roam.
Your Central Oregon Real Estate Brokers
If you are relocating to this part of the country, you are probably already excited about living here. We want to make the transition to the Bend Oregon lifestyle as enjoyable and hassle free as possible. Get inside information on the best fishing, skiing, biking, or other outdoor recreation activities. We can also scout-out prospective properties for you before you even arrive.
As your Bend Oregon Realtors, our mission is to ensure that you have the most comprehensive and up-to-date real estate information possible, so you can make the wisest choices when purchasing a home in Bend. Our job is to help you find the home and neighborhood that best suit the needs of your family.
We know the schools, the neighborhoods, and the builders. We know the golf courses (too well!), Mt. Bachelor, the streams, the Phil’s Trail network, the best twisties to ride a motorcycle . . . and we’d like to share them with you. We want you to know all of your options, and we will not allow your transaction to proceed until you are completely comfortable with the home, the neighborhood, and the paperwork. Our personal and professional reputations are staked upon the satisfaction of each and every client. You will be afforded all due-diligence and every professional courtesy. Expect no less than red-carpet service and attention to detail.
Let’s have some fun!!
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