Work-hard, Play-Hard Mecca
The national media have heaped praise on Central Oregon, hailing it as one of the world’s top ski towns (National Geographic) a premier golf destination, (Golf Digest), a leading adventure town (Men’s Journal), a fantastic fishing locale (Field & Stream), the best trail running town (Outside), America’s number-one mountain biking town (Mountain Bike Action) and a craft beer boomtown (The New York Times). Once you visit here, it’s easy to verify these claims.
Typically, visitors begin devising a way to work and live here. Fortunately, Central Oregon is much more than a vacation spot. It attracts work-hard, play-hard go-getters, who have ignited a thriving business environment, a trend also identified in national media. Entrepreneur magazine called Bend “the most entrepreneurial city in America,” and The New York Times named it one of the best small cities for “finding big start-up ideas.” Many resources offered by the City of Bend and other local entities make it that much easier—another reason why building here is viable.
Carolyn Eagan is the city’s business advocate, who helps people figure out how to bring or start businesses here, and how to help businesses expand here. All of the assistance from the city is free of charge. “We typically hear from people who say, ‘I just retired, and I’ve always had this idea …'” says Eagan. She helps with business planning and works with other groups such as the Bend Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development for Central Oregon. “We are going to get you to the right person right away, so you don’t waste time floundering, trying to find a tax accountant or filing your business forms with the secretary of state.” The business culture has been referred to as “beer, bio, rec and tech” because Bend is home to industry clusters and companies such as those in craft brewing, bioscience, recreational and outdoor equipment, software development, aviation and more.
The area’s low taxes and cost of living make it competitive with other cities on the West Coast. According to national data compiled by the City of Bend, compared to Boulder, Seattle and San Francisco, Bend has the lowest average home prices ($220,800), the lowest average commute time (18.4 minutes) and no sales tax. Broker Judy McCombs says, “As a resident of Bend since 1992, I’ve enjoyed the amazing growth of our area. Once people discover the beauty and wonders of Central Oregon, it’s only a matter of time before they star t searching for the perfect vacation home or future home.”
Source: Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty
