Anyone in Bend? Thinking about moving..

kimfoley88

We are ready for a change, and were thinking that Bend seems nice.. They have a lot of affordable places to live and they are all pretty new and big. I'm not really familiar with the area, so I don't know where we should start looking. We have a 15 month old daughter, so schools aren't a big issue right now, but of course we would want a safe neighborhood.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

newlywed827

We just moved to Bend in January and we have a 13 almost 14 month old!  We live in SW Bend and really like it.  There are lots of good neighborhoods I guess it just depends what you are looking for.  Do you want to be close to downtown?  Is some space more important?  Price also varies by location.....westside tends to be more spendy.... 

 Let me know if I can help! 

raechel25

We live in Bend, and we love the area - the only problem is that there are almost no jobs, and the ones that are open receive thousands of applicants, so it's hard if you don't have a job before moving (my company moved me here, so I didn't have to worry about that).  Of course work is difficult anywhere, but in Bend, unemployment is way higher than anywhere else in Oregon (and increased almost the most in the nation).  My husband had a hard time finding a job, and ended up working at a call center with people who are working way below their experience and education - including an aerospace engineer!  So make sure you have that ironed out, especially with a child in the picture!  That said (if you're not scared off by now - LOL), we do really like the area.  The westside is the best for families, I would say - the NE and SE areas are both referred to as "the ghetto", although they are cheap.  SW is probably your best bet.  Good luck!   

SBwifey

I live in Bend and its a great area but the previous poster is right about the job outlook here.  Its pretty rough.

I live in a very nice neighborhood in SE Bend and it IS NOT the ghetto. There are definately some sketchy areas all over Bend that I would avoid, but they stay in "pockets" and overall there are a lot of nice family friendly areas.  I would agree that NE Bend has the biggest pocket of ghetto, but compared to other towns its really not that bad.  Definately steer clear of anything off Wilson Ave, or Tucson.  Both are pretty run down areas.  The Westide of Bend is older, but more expensive so most of the riff raff stear clear of that area, however there are a few large but hidden trailer parks on the West side that I would definately avoid.  Your best bet is probably just to come visit the area.  When you drive around you'll know the bad areas, they stick out like a sore thumb

Hope this helps!! My son is only 4 months old but I would love to meet other mommies in the area.   Good luck with your move!!