Homeowners in Deschutes County are defaulting on their mortgages at the rate of 10 a day, according to a report by OPB’s Ethan Lindsey this morning.
Lindsey takes a close-up look at a neighborhood near Mountain View High School in northeast Bend where new developments sprouted during the bubble years but now “the for-sale signs swing in the wind” on many homes.
“What I’m noticing now is a lot of for-sale signs with auction dates, or bank owned homes,” says resident Patsy Dryden. “Far more of them, as I’m jogging down the neighborhood.”
“Many of these neighborhoods stand on what was abandoned farm land in the 1990s,” Lindsey writes. “And, as the wind blows through unmowed lawns on the outskirts of the neighborhood now, it’s hard not to imagine it abandoned once again. A disproportionate number of foreclosures are coming from this part of town. The Mountain View High main office says the school’s enrollment is down this year. Officials say they can’t know if that’s due to families forced to move away – or some other reason.”
Meanwhile, in other cheery news, the official seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Deschutes County hit 12% in January – up half a percentage point from the December number, the highest rate since 1990, and far worse than the national jobless rate of 7.6%.
KTVZ did some interesting comparisons between our jobless rate and those in other small Western towns and found that Yakima, WA (11.1%) and Chico, CA (10.6%) were faring almost as badly as Bend, while Boulder, CO and Idaho Falls, ID were doing much better at 4.8% and 4.7%, respectively. It’s hard to account for the wide disparity, although Idaho Falls and Boulder appear to have more diversified economies than Bend and Yakima.
KTVZ’s Nina Melhof dutifully quotes one local who’s convinced Bend will bounce back because of – what else? – its wonderful “lifestyle”: “I think we’re a great destination for skiing, and livability, great people,” says Nick Norton. “I think this will end – it’s got to end somewhere.”
According to some analysts, one reason Bend’s unemployment rate is so high is that people keep moving here for the “lifestyle” even though they don’t have jobs. They end up swelling the jobless rolls and putting more strain on local social services.
Maybe it’s time to give the “Bend is Paradise!” meme a rest until the economy starts to get back on its feet.
This article appears in Mar 5-11, 2009.
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The question that I keep asking myself is who,what, where and why are these jobless people moving here ??? The only answer I can come up with is there must be some perverse RE agents posting ads all over the US inviting people to the land of paradise where there are cheap homes,awesome outdoor recreation and endless job opportunities. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time.
What I want to know is why is Bend considered the land of paradise? I can think of a lot of towns closer to a paradise then Bend. Maybe it’s a paradise town for the NW. Anyhow…The reason of your high jobless rate is due to your paradise town growing and needing all those people to work the then available jobs. Mostly the restaurant industry. Then your recession hits and all those that bought house that never could afford them to begin with all move away, the ones that stay here stop going out and supporting the businesses that they created by going out all the time. So now all your newly created business such as restaurants start letting people go or closing themselves…now where do all these people go that cannot afford to move somewhere with a more stable job market? They stay here and collect unemployment until either jobs become available or they find a way to move out of town. So there is your town of paradise…use to be a cool blue collar town, became a place for the wealthy, now the wealthy aren’t so wealthy, Bend will be come small and ghost like within 5 years…too bad so sad.
It is not a paradise town for the NW? This town is for the good ole boys who cashed in on it over the past 15 years and for the 2nd round of “yuppies” (not sure what they call themselves these days.) You know the ones – Bend is a town that has an ego bigger than I have ever seen and I still after all these years can’t figure out for what???? Certainly can’t be Bachelor. Crap that place is barely hanging on as they continually fix all the unsafe practices/buildings/equipment/unqualified staff etc etc etc they have been allowed to get away with for the past 10 years. So if not Bachelor, it can’t be the fishing cuz there is a ton of better fishing elsewhere in the NW. So it must be the mountain bike trails – nah – they are all over the NW (most don’t kick up that red pumice crap for 6 months of the year). God, it can’t be higher education because this is a cheap attempt (although some call it glorified High School) at that – lots of great college towns around the NW. I am stuck – maybe the gated communities in a place where there is little crime?? (sure gives status though huh? even better than saying “I live on the WESTSIDE”- neato)I am stuck again. What is it? Take the family out of crime ridden California or even Portland and bring them up in good old wholesome Bend? – maybe. I am stuck again. Wait, maybe the golf courses the poison the almost dead landscape they call a “beautiful desert” (smells like cat piss to me) Can’t be the Art Walk – tons of towns do those and did them YEARS before Bend had a “great idea”. Can’t be Bite of Bend – that was done by tons of towns YEARS before Bend came up with the “great and original” idea……Help me out – what am I missing???
If you live in Bend and do not like it here, hopefully you will be leaving soon.
The newley elected messiah is not doing much for the economy is he? Every time he opens his mouth the economy gets worse.
“What I want to know is why is Bend considered the land of paradise?”
Bend isn’t “paradise” and never was. When my family and I moved here in the mid-1980s it was a nice, pretty small town. Now, thanks to 20 years of uncontrolled, poorly planned (or unplanned) growth, it’s just a sprawling ugly mess with a shitty climate.
IMHO.
And for those who will ask the inevitable question, “Why don’t you leave?” my answer is: “I’m working on it.”
“the almost dead landscape they call a “beautiful desert” (smells like cat piss to me)”
LOL! Reminds me of a true story from a number of years back, when some famous French climbers came to Central Oregon to tackle Smith Rocks. A reporter asked them what they thought of Central Oregon and one said: “Eet ees ver’ beautiFULL, except for ze smell — eet smells like cat pees! I ask somebody ‘Qu’est-ce que ce’st?’ and he tells me eet ees ze zhun-i-PAIR.”
To Jed: What does the “Messiah” have to: (1) do with my comments (2) have to do with Bend overall? You must be one of those Rapepublicans….. why don’t you move? The Messiah may be coming here….. gasp! It is people like you who make this town on the gaggy side….. like HBM – TRUST me I am working on it….
Oh yeah Jed – you didn’t answer my question(s) – in your mind what makes Bend a “paradise”. Help me out here. Let’s hear about the attributes from someone with a defensive position – mark get set go…….
“If you live in Bend and do not like it here, hopefully you will be leaving soon.”
From your keyboard to God’s ear, Jed baby.
BTW, I do agree the desert landscape of Central Oregon is beautiful. Too bad so much of it has been paved over and covered with ugly buildings.
Sounds like you guys haven’t gotten out into some of the other big cities in this world!
We are lucky to live in a country where we do have the liberty to leave a place we don’t like and plant our roots in a place we do like.
I personally love this town! I don’t love it just for the things I can do here, although that’s a plus! But, I love it because most of the people I meet are friendly and outgoing. It’s not littered with horrific crime. OH, there’s crime…but, it’s NOTHING like most other cities I’ve known.
I love the events here. I love the climate here. I love the changes we go through here. After all, nothing stays the same. And, change is almost always a good thing. Good thing is…if we don’t like the way things change, we can change!
It’s frustrating to hear about how it ‘was’ great. Trust me, it wasn’t a ton better before, it was just different. You got used to it and didn’t like the changes!
What we are going through right now with the housing market is difficult and frustrating for so many. Most of these homes that are now being foreclosed on are because people go themselves in over their heads. They made bad investments and the value sank. They were all happy and fun loving when their investment was going to make them money.
Getting back on the change topic. Businesses succeed when they make changes to adapt to what is going on around them. People make it through the difficult times by making changes to adapt to the situation and circumstances surrounding them. Maybe we need to stop looking back at what we ‘had’ and start looking forward and working together to build something different that we like.
I am writing in defense of Bend,like the old saying goes “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” Bend to some is like marriage,for better or worse,til death do you part. After 36 years of living here I have often asked myself, why am I living here ? Yes the winters suck and the summer rain showers after a thunderstorm bring the infamous cat pee smell,which I don’t think is all that bad. That’s just part of living here, it’s my home. I can say for certain that any place you live can have pros and cons.
When I moved here Bend WAS a much different town, It was a paradise to me after moving from the valley. The desert, mountains, lakes and streams, very little traffic or people. I really miss those days, but they are gone, and life goes on.
The recent downturn in the economy has brought a sad reality to those who recently moved here to be part of the “bubble” in paradise. It reminds me of my first dose of reality during the first big “bust”. I’m not certain but I think that is when Bend was first dubbed “poverty with a view”. You then either love it or leave it. I just happen to love it, for better or worse I’m staying.
“Bend to some is like marriage,for better or worse,til death do you part. After 36 years of living here I have often asked myself, why am I living here?”
Your loyalty is touching, but I can’t quite understand where you’re coming from. A commitment to a place isn’t the same as a commitment to a human being. You don’t have to spend your life in a place just because you moved there or were born there.
Bend was fine for me at a certain stage in my and my family’s life. It isn’t anymore. I’ve changed, my family circumstances have changed (daughter has grown up and moved away), and Bend has changed — a lot, and mostly not for the better IMO. Why not move on?
You are right – beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I don’t argue that. What I find so wrong with this town is that it won’t “grow up”. It isn’t the little town it was yet politicians and people run it and talk about it like it still is. Ah…. that awesome community feeling…. where??? That to me is such a disgrace, almost bordering on stupidity. For example, the City was flush or if not flush at least had money to build, build, build yet legal things like ADA compliance sat untouched and now the City is asking for forgiveness or “more time”. I look at that and think, wow how hill- billyish, how stuck up, how elitist – that is but 1 example. There are many many more. Forget the beauty, the so called quaintness, the cat piss smell, the Mercedes’ with bikes on the roof, unbeleivable stupid gated communities in a town like you said that has not a lot of crime (compared to what – this town has more crime of anywhere I have lived including a city of 3/4 million!!) ….. simple thing is that Bend promotes itself like it is something it is not. That is the problem. The leaders and influential citizens in this town (the good ole boys) are what is destroying things and the little citizens go along their merry little way like, oh well not my problem. Yes the depression era right now is bad, but that is not my focus at all. My focus is on how pathetic this so called town is to call itself a paradise. That is just a flat out lie…. When a town makes national headlines for (1) drying LAUNDRY (2) stinky people using the city buses (3) now balsalmic vinegar. Come one, that says it all!
Oops – I have traveled extensively. My SO is from NYC – don’t even think my comments come from a base of nieve. Not true!
Lived here in 91-92 then came back last year….Bend has skiing….which is poor at best. Mountain trails not well maintained and rude people on trails. Restaurants are closing (thank god) way overpriced for lack of quality and service. Real Estate agents were still sooooo positive when I bought and would not acknowledge that there was an “OVER PRICED” market. Very unfriendly community unless you are in your early 20’s….too many street people who are ALWAYS on the same corner….some with samll children.
Sorry I came back and looking to leave as soon as possible. Need to sell an home that has depreciated hugely…what a mess….welcome to the paradise.
Can all the negative folks who bitch about how bad living in Bend is please move away? We don’t want your sour attitudes here. You don’t own this town and you can’t control what happens to it. Things change and you need to accept it.
I moved my family here 8 months ago and we don’t regret it one bit. Aside from the “we want our old Bend back” old-timers, we stand by what made us move here in the first place — the weather and the fact that it’s a great place to raise a family. We don’t ski, we aren’t yuppies, and we don’t live on the West side. We don’t even live in town.
Those who do not like where they live now, will probably not like where they move to. You make or ruin your own paradise. You control your emotions and feelings, no one else.
To Lou & HBM: I feel sorry for the areas you move to. I am sure you will think they are as terrible as Bend.
Bend…paradise? Wow, can I have some of what they’re smoking.
BTW, Boulder isn’t a “small town”. It’s home to the University of Colorado. The school alone has more people attending than who live in Bend.
Personally? I’m outta here in two weeks, and I never plan on looking back.
jmr – besides telling people to leave, you seem to have what it will take for the next Bendovers to make this place a more enriched and better place to live. Don’t look at attitudes as being sour, for they are not, just stating opinions. I think dlg’s read on Bend is more in line with what truly is….. I am sure it is probably a decent place to raise a family, but that like beauty is relative – depends where you come from and what you look for. If your kids are not yet in High School, I would love to hear from you about say…. their sophomore year….. you just might have a different read. And yes, the skiing is extremely mediocre – it is a very unsafe place and no one at the MT will admit that or better yet fix that…. you have no idea. Hope your kids don’t ski… I am not a Bend “old timer”, I doubt I could have stayed that long to claim that title. I figured this out within less than 8 months of being here – a very very dysfunctional place.
Gotta go with the others here: What’s so great about this place?
I hear people all the time complain about how it’s gotten too big…is there such a thing? And even at that, how could it have? I’m a dust cloud in a couple of weeks myself, and this city is smaller than a SUBURB of the city I’m moving to. How is it “too big” when it’s not even big enough to qualify as a burb if you were to move it? The tallest building isn’t even 50 feet tall.
This is an area where companies offer you $11 an hour for jobs that would pay 60-70 grand a year just about anywhere else.
It has no fine dining to speak of. At all. When the majority of residents say their best dining experience of all time has been at a place like Tumalo Feed Company or Applebee’s, you know there’s a problem.
I’m glad people in this thread mentioned the smell. I always thought it was just me that thought it smelled like that.
It’s 3 hours through dangerous mountain passes to get to a real city, or exposure to any real culture or nightlife.
The housing market has been a joke for some time. This area priced its own residents out of their own market years ago. Very few cities manage to do that.
Bachelor has been a joke ever since Powdercorp took it over.
That lava rock garbage they put on the roads doesn’t seem to do much other than chip my paint.
Businesses are failing left and right. The town is literally on its last legs. Heck, even old time staples like that doughnut shop on Franklin & 97 went under. His rent couldn’t have been anything.
Flying into or out of RDM is always an adventure. Anyone who does it with regularity knows what I’m talking about. Expensive as all get out, too.
Don’t get me wrong, the town isn’t all bad–I love the golfing here, and COCC is a godsend (the exception to the typically well-deserved “community college” stereotype). The people are for the most part friendly and there’s NO crime here to speak of. Maybe it’s good for farmers and old retired people, but it’s not a place to settle down when you’ve still got some vibrancy left in life.
I’ve been here 5 years and, to be honest, it feels like 50. This town has sucked so much life out of me, I can’t even describe it. The one thing I’m definitely not gonna do as I exit the city limits for the final time later this month is shed a tear, unless it’s a tear of joy. The way I’m leaving isn’t exactly how I had planned, but I’m nonetheless grateful that the time is finally here.
Wow, Chance. Apparently you enjoy defining yourself by where you live rather than who you are. The town’s “sucking the life out of you”? You certainly give a lot of power and credence to an arbitrary location on a map. Perhaps you should visit a shrink rather than blame a town for your pessimistic shortcomings. Bend isn’t perfect, and if you want to be a naysayer, you could find plenty wrong with this town. But to make sweeping generalities suggesting that the difficulties you encounter in this town differ so greatly from that which you’ll find in other communities in this great country is small-minded and rather ignorant. This is a beautiful area, and while you may not be pampered to by such amenities as “fine dining” these days, if you are comfortable in your own skin, don’t feel you need to be catered to and can appreciate the natural beauty of such a diverse selection of “God’s Country,” Bend isn’t half bad. Having lived in middle America and experienced communities that work too hard at surviving to offer the amenities to with many of you feel entitled, I wonder what promises Bend has failed to match that put such pessimistic strain on your lives. To blame a town for the current state of your being seems silly to me.
“To Lou & HBM: I feel sorry for the areas you move to. I am sure you will think they are as terrible as Bend.”
I didn’t think Bend was terrible at all when I moved here — my family and I loved it. But it’s changed. The Bend we moved to is not the Bend of today. We knew the drawbacks when we moved here — long winters, isolation, lack of cultural amenities, little economic opportunity. We were willing to accept those in exchange for the advantages — small-down ambiance, friendliness, low crime, no traffic congestion, wide-open spaces at our doorstep. Those advantages are gone now, but the drawbacks remain.
I still don’t think the place is “terrible” but it isn’t what we want and need at this point in our lives.
And, no, it is not and never was “paradise.”
Whenever somebody tells me they moved to Bend for “the weather” I always wonder where the hell they moved from. Minnesota? Buffalo? The Falkland Islands? Vladivostok?
Actually the trouble isn’t that Bend winters are so harsh — they’re not — but that they’re SO DAMN LONG. They last from November through May, sometimes into June (as was the cased last year).
And of course the “300 days of sunshine” claim is just pure Chamber of Commerce crapola.
WOW,it’s amazing how 2(or 200)people can stand in the same spot+see such a different view?Iv been in the area for 25 years+have seen a lot of change-some good,some bad.As with anywhere?I dont think its the paradise it once was, but its still not bad-no smog,it rains some but thats a necessary ‘evil'(I kinda like the rain+it does get rid of the cat pee smell)we have no tornadoes or hurricanes,maybe an occassional tremor+they do predict a possible eruption someday,+wildfires can be a prob but beyond our control(mostly).There are lots of trees+water, blue skies,views in all directions,alot of rec ops+ one of the only places I know of where you can ski,bike+golf all in the same day?Some of the politics have gotten a little out of hand+invasive as well as the authorities(just my opinion)but tell me somewhere its much better+I’m there!Seems to me that no matter WHERE you are,your life is what you make it+you choose what to do with it-we’re each responsible for our own happiness + our surroundings or other people don’t dictate that-UNLESS we allow it?!
I have vacationed in Bend twice within the last year, last July and just a few weeks ago in February, and I’m really stunned by the negative comments posted here about Bend. My husband and I find Bend to be a lovely town with a seemingly endless supply of outdoor activities. We are planning to move there (we have no children and don’t plan to, are in our mid 30s). My husband is an aviator by profession and we have lived in a many places in the U.S., including Ashland for nearly 2 years, and most of these places were MUCH less attractive and interesting than Bend. It shocks me to read your negative slant on this town.
And this comment is really confusing … “it’s not a place to settle down when you’ve still got some vibrancy left in life.”
“Vibrancy” in what sense? Like exerting yourself with activities such as skiing, hiking, rafting, mountain and rock climbing, yoga, fishing, boating, and I’m sure I’ve left some out …
And one of the most bewildering criticisms I’ve read here is re: the junipers … just how is the town of Bend accountable for the smell of its flora? You do realize that is really stretching and picking on a place. I can see complaining about a sewer plant’s smell, or some type of man-made factory … but the trees? seriously.
As for “paradise”, well you’re wasting your time looking for that. You do know it is a fictional locale, right? Live life with your eyes open and stop looking for what does not exist, and you are more apt to find (and appreciate) that which does.
Good luck, hope you find your place, and, much as I have hated living in the south, here’s an appropriate little parting … don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you.
HBM: I have found that as you grow older, the winters here seem longer than the previous one . It tends to make one cranky as hell, look on the bright side we are over half way through, unless it snows in June !!
Yes, I too am leaving Bend in about week. I have been living here near 4 years and am over and done with this place. I moved here for a job opportunity that I couldn’t say no too. Like most jobs here, that has dried up and long gone away. During my time here, this was a neat and fun place at first. Moving from a big city, nice change, felt like living in the suburbs with a desert/mountain scape. Fine for a little while but soon the isolation kicks in…No good live music, same old bars/style of restaurants, the mountain biking just so XC and nothing else…Bachelor as my only option for decent snowboarding? Everything else is hours away, and these days that is expensive in travel costs. So what is one to do? Move..yes move!!! Once the recession fades, I for-see Bend being a lot smaller, after the mass exodus from people in search of jobs and a real paradise town…Bend will be a residential ghost town over run by the gutter punks squatting in the big fancy houses once the gates are torn down, and the tumbleweed blowing through the Old Mill.
Jed said:
If you live in Bend and do not like it here, hopefully you will be leaving soon.
The newley elected messiah is not doing much for the economy is he? Every time he opens his mouth the economy gets worse.
Well Jed, I am leaving your quaint town, and sounds like hundreds maybe thousands more are too. That will do wonders for your town of paradise…Good luck with that! As far your Obama comment…are you really that redneck? Do you think anyone can just snap their magical fingers and make everything better? You deserve Bend and all it’s bleakness, maybe Bush will by a summer home here and everyone can enjoy the town/current state of economy you have created.
ALLAH ALLAH ALLAH ALLAH DIRKA MOHAMMED JIHAD
“I have vacationed in Bend twice within the last year, last July and just a few weeks ago in February, and I’m really stunned by the negative comments posted here about Bend. My husband and I find Bend to be a lovely town with a seemingly endless supply of outdoor activities. We are planning to move there”
A word of friendly advice: I strongly recommend against moving to Bend — or any place — just on the basis of a couple of vacation experiences. Vacationing in a town is VERY different from living there year-round for year after year. If you’re seriously thinking about relocating, rent a place for a year (at least) and find out if you really like it.
Another point: If either of you has allergies, asthma or sinus problems, moving to Bend could be a disaster. We have some of the highest pollen counts in the West, especially when the juniper and Ponderosa are doing their thing, and the cold, dry air is absolutely brutal on sinuses. (I speak from personal experience.)
Even if you don’t THINK you have allergies now, you might develop them after living here for a few years. That’s what happened to me. I had severe allergies and asthma while living on the East Coast. When I lived in California for a number of years that all cleared up. Then I moved to Bend and, to my amazement, after three or four years the allergies CAME BACK (or I developed new ones to the new pollens that were here). The dust doesn’t help either.
Final point: If and when you do move to Bend, bring plenty of money — you’ll need it. We have a proverb here that says, “The best way to make a small fortune in Bend is to start with a large one.”
csante: You got THAT right. I used to enjoy the winters, but now if I never see another f’ing snowflake in my life it’ll be too soon for me.
And snow in June is not beyond the realm of possibility. One “summer” a friend of mine and I tried to go fishing on the 4th of July and had to turn back because of snow. I ain’t kidding.
My favorite thing about living in Bend is all the BREASTS!!! Such wonderful BREASTS!!!! Big fake BREASTS, natural BREASTS….summer BREASTS, winter BREASTS….BREASTS BREASTS BREASTS
An Outsider said:
I have vacationed in Bend twice within the last year, last July and just a few weeks ago in February, and I’m really stunned by the negative comments posted here about Bend. My husband and I find Bend to be a lovely town with a seemingly endless supply of outdoor activities. We are planning to move there (we have no children and don’t plan to, are in our mid 30s). My husband is an aviator by profession and we have lived in a many places in the U.S., including Ashland for nearly 2 years, and most of these places were MUCH less attractive and interesting than Bend. It shocks me to read your negative slant on this town. ”
Stunned…. give it some time after you move here and you will understand the stunned part. If you are a recreation-ist (not hardcore about your sports), like to sip wine, drive a Subaru, live life like an ABC 90’s sitcom…then Bend is prefect, otherwise when you wake up and see what hides under the propaganda cloud of Bend, there are plenty of towns in the mountain that offer a lot more including a thing called JOBS!!!!
Wow – of course any place you live you have to take it for what it is and see the benefits. Could it be worse? Of yeah it could. It is interesting to read all the negative comments – and the few positive ones. Besides the housing mess Bend put itself into before this depression, the egos are what is incredible around here. Almost humorous. It is not neighborly the way it wants you to think it is – like Mayberry or something. Today’s Bulletin (sorry) had an article about economic development – what a joke that was. A nice feel good report for an area that has been told the same thing for 2 decades but can’t get it together, yet groups keep paying for this high priced economists to tell them their fortune in a crystal ball. Juniper Ridge is a start and should be pursued – a 4 yr university is a must – and local guys in town who try to undercut all of that to benefit their own pockets should be called out and named. I heard of a guy thinking about starting a tech park in Tumalo (a local 50+yrold) while Juniper Park was struggling to get going. This is the Bend I am talking about. Here’s a supposed local (raised here) instead of jumping on the band wagon and supporting smart tech business growth, he pursued a goal of starting his own Tech Park so that what …. he could benefit financially. THAT is what constantly goes wrong with Bend. I don’t care about the juniper smell, it is weird. I am talking about “those people” who are beyond what you would call an entrepreneur – it is called personal GREED. That is Bend! Things are not done for what is best for the “group” but rather what is best for the individual….
Quote: “To blame a town for the current state of your being seems silly to me.”
My current “state of being” is fine. I’m blessed in that my success is not tied to the success of this city. I actually work in Las Vegas (well, I work all over, but Las Vegas primarily). When I say this area has sucked a lot of life out of me, I mean in regards to how the lack of culture and entertainment has really worn me down over the years. It becomes such a hassle to either wake up at 4 in the morning to catch a flight out or town or else have to spend all day driving just to get to a real city to do something for a couple days. Especially during the winter months where the passes are horrible and the air is choppy enough to throw around the tuna cans that fly out of here like rag dolls.
I was refreshed when I first moved here. I was thrilled with concepts like not having to lock my doors, getting to remove theft insurance from my car, all the mountains, how the people here were so nice and how the night sky would just be littered with stars. But little by little over the years, the lack of any sort of amenities started wearing me down to where I’m at presently–which is being all depressed the day before I fly back from a real city, thinking “Ugh, I’m gonna have to go back to Bend”.
Like I said, if you’re a farmer/rancher type who wants the slow pace of life that this area offers, or an older person….I’m sure this place is appealing. But for people who are into things like museums, fine dining, healthy concert schedules, diversity, and new events every week? This just isn’t the place. I see a lot of people point to the “outdoorsy” stuff you can do here, but honestly–there’s a reason why when you go do something “outdoorsy” you only run into a few other people. It’s not something most people are into. And furthermore, if that’s your thing, Portland, Seattle et al all have better.
I could never raise a kid here. I see and talk to so many younger (18-22) people who’ve spent their whole lives here, and it still shocks me how unaware of the world a lot of them are. It’s not something you’ll see of people who have spent a good deal of time in a more populous setting. They essentially live in a bubble out here. And most of them, honestly, aren’t even aware that this is the case. I couldn’t do that to my kid, leave him/her so thoroughly unaware and unprepared for the world.
So. Yeah. 5 years later, I still think the people are (for the most part) nice. And I’ll miss not having to worry about locking my doors. And I’ll hate having to pay that extra cash for the theft insurance again. But at least I won’t almost die trying to get over a snowed over pass anytime I get a craving for a Brazilian Steakhouse, Greek food, real Mongolian, fondue, etc. or when I want to go see the new Impressionist exhibit at the museum, or catch the theatre when it passes through town. If my favorite band goes on tour, I know they’ll stop by locally. I know my next car won’t be pockmarked by lava rocks. I’ll know that if there’s ever anything I need to get, I won’t have to go far to get it–unlike here, where half the time I have to order it online because it can’t be obtained locally. And while I won’t be able to see those stars anymore, I’ll still be able to look up and see something I like seeing even more–the skyline of a well-developed downtown.
Trust me on this, I’m getting the better end of this trade.
Chance: Blah blah blah blah, Dude give it a rest already, move on to the big city and enjoy your culture, fine dining and gang bangers (Portland has plenty of em’). I’m sure that none of us long time hillbilly Bendites give a rip if you move on, just one less snob to contend with.
“When I say this area has sucked a lot of life out of me, I mean in regards to how the lack of culture and entertainment has really worn me down over the years. It becomes such a hassle to either wake up at 4 in the morning to catch a flight out or town or else have to spend all day driving just to get to a real city to do something for a couple days.”
Well, dude, if you move to a (relatively) small town you can’t justifiably complain that it doesn’t have the amenities of a big city. My bitch is that Bend has developed a lot of the hassles of a big city (traffic congestion, sprawl, urban blight) without gaining the amenities.
” Chance: Blah blah blah blah, Dude give it a rest already, move on to the big city and enjoy your culture, fine dining and gang bangers (Portland has plenty of em’). I’m sure that none of us long time hillbilly Bendites give a rip if you move on, just one less snob to contend with. ”
Boy, if you think that PDX has “a lot of” gangbangers, you really haven’t traveled much. PDX is one of the cleanest, safest, and secure metro areas in the country.
“Well, dude, if you move to a (relatively) small town you can’t justifiably complain that it doesn’t have the amenities of a big city. My bitch is that Bend has developed a lot of the hassles of a big city (traffic congestion, sprawl, urban blight) without gaining the amenities.”
Really? You think there’s traffic? I never see any, and I’ve been here for years. At least nothing that would qualify as traffic in my world.
You think there’s sprawl? I can go from the North end of Redmond through the South end of Bend in 30 minutes. I can get through Bend north-to-south in 10 minutes. You can’t even get through downtown Seattle in 10 minutes. That’s not sprawl.
Urban blight? Where? The tallest building is 4 stories tall. The only blight is the hodgepodge of mom-and-pop buildings that litter 97 and the surrounding areas that have no rhyme or reason to them. That’s a rural issue–it’s something I see in every small town.
And what I was complaining about was that this area, for all it’s supposed “growth”, isn’t actually growing–at least not in a way that enriches quality of life. Growth generally implies new shopping options, more people which equates to more shows coming through town, etc. Growth is not taking the same existing structure and putting a new store in it every 4 months.
Well, the ‘long time Bendites’ might not ‘give a rip’ if ‘snobs’ move on, but you’re missing one very important point: Those ‘snobs’ brought in a lot of tax dollars that this area is going to lose as they leave, which means this city is going to become even more impovershed, the businesses are going to have an even harder time surviving, and the politicians are going to have even less money to work with. ‘Hillbillies’ really should try to understand that. Taking all the money out of the county via people leaving the area is just going to leave you all broke and broken down, not better off.
“And what I was complaining about was that this area, for all it’s supposed “growth”, isn’t actually growing–at least not in a way that enriches quality of life.”
I’m with you there.
“Those ‘snobs’ brought in a lot of tax dollars that this area is going to lose as they leave, which means this city is going to become even more impovershed, the businesses are going to have an even harder time surviving, and the politicians are going to have even less money to work with. ‘Hillbillies’ really should try to understand that.”
There are many of the “hillbillies” who are hoping the local economy will deteriorate to the sad state it was in during the mid-1980s. Why? Because back then everybody was poor like them and they didn’t feel inferior or looked-down-on. And there’s a big element of schadenfreude. They want to see the “rich snobs” go broke even if that means they go broke too.
Bend is a very odd place. It could use a 4 year university and that would solve so much of the backwardness of it. It is a very very look at me town. I love the comments about the “breasts” but you know for the most part they are FAKE! We had a friend come down from Seattle who took a booth at i think Summerfest. He had never been here and is a worldly and very intelligent guy. It was so funny for me to here his comments about what he saw strutting their stuff downtown (you call that a downtown for a city of 85000?)His first comment was about the old men with the trophy wives on their arms. And yes, he did go into the fake breasts part too!! God, I felt so relieved to hear these comments from an outsider. It wasn’t just me! I have never seen so many law enforcement (fire incuded)espcially in a town this size and for the short time I have been here, who are criminals and kicked out of the force. Another oddity! I guess hillbillies isn’t quite the word, close though. Being red necks is for sure – expand that defintion to include people who haven’t even gotten out of this STATE! What?? I would encourage my kids to leave like you said. It is just one weird odd place. Like someone said (1) laundry drying outside in PLAIN PUBLIC VIEW – gasp!! (2)stinky people who ride the bus – oh my! (3) now a balsamic vinegar thief (who is probably a trusted employee!!) All national news – give me a break!
HB,
I kinda gotta agree with you on your last. My federal pension which is annualy adjusted for inflation, four rental houses all paid for and never vacant, a spouse who is a registered nurse, and my primary home paid for, am starting to feel pretty good about myself. What recession? Retired at 56 and not care in the world. I like the demise of Mcmansion Bend. Folks loseing there homes think my rental looks real good. I have been through every Bend recession since 1980 and I will be here after you folks are all a fuzzy memory. Your ilk has came and gone at least four times in four decades. And once again, bye. I knows what smells like cat piss, and it aint the land. Yellow cat piss.
How do I go from reading a feel good story to reading HBM rant and rave about how bad Central Oregon is? This is a good change from ripping on the Bulletin but come on, is it really that bad? You have never been in a small, bad market and left to fend for yourself have you. Yes I feel victim to the closing of businesses and the layoffs that followed, and I’m not planning on moving. Am I bitter about it though, no! I find exercise helps!
Did you ever think past your feelings of anger? Some preach on how this was better as a blue collar town, well what are you crying over then? This town is turning more blue collar by the day. Before I heard the sob story of a response I’d just like to inform you that jobless rates are high everywhere and also the housing market is dead everywhere. So where are you going to move HBM? You responded to a couple who posted here about how Bend is great and told them not to make this a destination to live, making Bend sound like the ghost under your bed at night. So what is it you are looking for in a town to move to and how does it enrich the lives of the people in it? Are you going to go where the jobs are, where it is sunny 24/7, where there isn’t diversity in people or is it the straight out amenities? Your rantings are pathetic and tend to always end with a complaining whine. You not only wrote the blog but have commented more words then you have written.
“Final point: If and when you do move to Bend, bring plenty of money — you’ll need it. We have a proverb here that says, “The best way to make a small fortune in Bend is to start with a large one.” Do you research? That’s not a local Bend saying, just your way of trying to prove the glass is half empty! Exercise and a shrink is what you need, no new town or president can assure inner happiness!
HBM; I have no problem with people with money, bring it on , we need money to keep our business running. What I have a problem with are “posers” who think they have money and we all need to cater to them. What they really have is an attitude which comes across as snobbery and I for one donâ ™t feel the need to accommodate them at any price.
I am not naive enough to think Bend will go back to the 1980’s , wouldn’t even want it to, what I would like to see happen to Bend is “get real”, not try to be something itâ ™s not. Bend is not a big city, it is, what it is, a small city. We’ve had such a push to become all things to all people that weâ ™ve lost what brought people to Bend in the first place, clean air and water, good neighborhoods, decent schools, parks and outdoor recreation.
I really hope Bend will recover from this economic blight itâ ™s experiencing and come out better that is was before, with more theaters ,concerts , dance, good affordable restaurants, museums and family activities. HBM just because Iâ ™m a long time Bendite doesnâ ™t mean I feel inferior or looked down on, I have no reason to feel that, I just donâ ™t feel that people need to treat anyone with disrespect with or without money or complain Bend does not meet their expectations.
The Bend you are left with today is the result of environmentalists, pretentious yuppies and real estate people. The environmentalists legislate an economy based on abundant natural resources out of existence. An economy that provided good paying jobs to population that worked hard and lived simply. Then the locals are coerced into a tourism based economy that pays nothing. The real estate agents bring in the developers and the pretentious yuppies who shun the stores in favor of upscale boutiques. The locals get taxed and priced out of town. The yuppies are left scratching their heads while patting themselves on the back wondering why nobody will work in all the minimum wage jobs they’ve
created. There was a time in Bend when you went into a “cafe”, your “food” was “cooked” and “served” to you. Now, you go into a “bistro” and your “entree” is “created” and “presented” to you. In the old Bend, you ate to live. In Bend now, you live to eat….and have an experience. Now Bend is left with its tourist economy totally dependent on the automobile in an age of high gas prices because there’s no Amtrak, a joke of an airport in a neighboring town, and no scheduled bus service. Good luck Bend, at least you have the real estate industry to fall back on.
Bend will re-cover…every town/city will recover…some just won’t be the same as probably the case with Bend. A lot of people with money and business have or will be leaving Bend. People rather they want to or not will be leaving Bend. Without the jobs, or stable economy which for Bend was all about consumerism, there will be a lot of people leaving. Results will be hundreds of empty houses, empty buildings were thriving business once were. When the dust settles, Bend will be here, just with a different attitude. Over time it will re-build to what it is now or even more, but maybe the next time it won’t built on such greed and foolish spending
“The environmentalists legislate an economy based on abundant natural resources out of existence.”
With all due respect, sir, that is bullspit. The timber industry east of the Cascades died because the timber companies didn’t practice sustained-yield harvesting. They cut down all the big valuable trees, leaving nothing but skinny pecker-poles.
The natural resource was abundant but not inexhaustible — and the timber companies exhausted it. It was as simple as that.
And please don’t tell me about the spotted owl. The spotted owl doesn’t nest east of the Cascades.
I came to this city to do systems administration at Columbia Aircraft. Starting salary: $74,000 a year. Acceptable.
The other day, I was called in for an interview for a job as a systems analyst (same basic job function) where I was offered, get this: $11 an hour
I didn’t spend 4 years in college, 2 years acquiring certifications, and god knows how much money in tuition, fees, etc. to make $23,000 a year. And it’s not the first time I’ve been given such an insulting offer. Just how this city operates. How do I operate? Bend Population: -2.
I don’t see why Bend is a paradise town. overall its pretty ugly…take away the cascade range and the area is flat with ugly zit looking buttes everywhere. beyond the landscape, bend has personality within the look and styling of the town. does bend not look like just another suburban town in any town america? even the downtown is bland… everyone has their reasons for living here, but apart from having nice weather here compared to the valley, how can bend be a paradise? just an ugly town in oregons high desert….oooooooohhhhhhhh aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh
I’m astounded by how many comments this post has drawn — a record, I think — and by the heavy consensus that Bend is NOT “paradise.”
I suspect a lot of people here thought so all along, but were too intimidated by the local “boosters” to say anything as long as the real estate boom continued. Now the bloom is off the bubble, so to speak, and it’s okay to speak the unspeakable truth.
to HBM – here here —- Blackcloud – You are too funny…. I bow to these old wise master of Bend…. you seem to say you sit back on your a** and your wife STILL keeps on working- nice…… probably for the health insurance right?
Some guy in the grocery store was heard aughing when he says he walked away from 4 homes, all rental, and just let them go into foreclosure. WOW!!! Not quite what I would consider comments in public. And he lives on Awbrey Butte BTW
“you seem to say you sit back on your a** and your wife STILL keeps on working – nice”
Yeah, it is. She’s younger than I am — not Social Security age yet. When she’s ready to retire, she’ll retire. I’m not making her work.
BTW, I’m not on her health insurance. Pay for my own, as I have done ever since I left The Bulletin about 15 years ago.
March 16: Another lovely day here in “paradise” aka “the Oregon Sunbelt.” GOD, I am SOOOOoooooo f’in sick and tired of the endless goddamn winters here!
I said earlier that it would be spring in Portland by the end of the month. I misspoke. I was in Portland last weekend, and it already IS spring there. It won’t be spring here for 10 more weeks — maybe.
Regardless of what the refugees from Minnesota and North Dakota may think, Bend winters SUCK. And they’re eight months long.