We're the Best!

• The view from Pilot Butte at sunset. Photo by Corbin Gentzler.

Seriously, though. According to this quirky little real estate blog MOVOTO, Bend is the best city in Oregon. (Portland comes in at No. 7).

Now, this comes as no surprise to Bendites both native and recently transplanted. For all our kvetching about road construction, building heights, and water rights, we're pretty effusive with our praise of the little city we love so well.

But why does MOVOTO think we're awesome?

For Oregon, they ranked the 50 most populous cities based on amenities, cost of living (percent above or below state’s average), crime rate, education, median household income, home value, distance to closest 5-star rated hiking, distance to closest ski resort.

Apparently, we were a shoe-in. Here's what they had to say about good ol' Bend:

"This city certainly didn’t have to bend over backward to make it to the top of our list—it won outright. Bend is not only just a few miles away from some of the best hiking trails and ski resorts in Oregon, but it also has a stellar education system, with a high school graduation rate 10 percent higher than the state average, and some of the highest home values in the state as well.

Over the past five years, Bend’s population has been booming. Outdoor enthusiasts flock from far and wide for parks like Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, skiers to Mount Bachelor, and runners to the Haulin’ Aspen Trail Marathon. It truly is a wonderful place to raise a family—or at least, raise your heart rate."

Sweet! Considering that No. 2 on the list is Sherwood (really?), we see no reason to leave anytime soon.