Over the years, particularly in the past 5 years, Bend has received accolades in publications from Forbes to the Wall Street Journal, Sunset, Outdoor, and myriad other magazines and newspapers. As a mecca for all outdoor recreation except maybe ice hockey, Central Oregon is the epitome of that elusive goal for most Americans: Quality of Life. But Newsmax magazine commissioned Peter Greenberg, best-selling author and travel editor of NBC's Today show, to compile a list of the nation's most uniquely American communities.
Greenberg sought out cities and towns that embody America's core values. In addition to ranking the top 25 American locales, Greenberg graded each town and city on a 1 (low) to 10 (high) scale for 9 different categories including hospitality, culture, scenic beauty and business-friendliness. BEND WAS #4 on Greenberg's list. For the complete list, see www.newsmax.com/cities. For Hospitality Bend ranked #8; for Wholesomeness #9; for Family Friendliness #8; for Business Friendliness #7; for Devotion to Religion #6; for Culture #8; for Community Activities #7; for Scenic Beauty #10; for Education #6.
Greenberg wrote, "Bend is a great example of a community that set a goal -- to make the town a national tourist destination -- and succeeded.
"The city ranked third on the 2008 'Best Performing Cities' (small metro) list, according to the Milken Institute, a California-based think tank that tracks this list annually based on wage and salary growth, job growth and high-tech sector growth. Much of the credit goes to residents' efforts to grow from a regional destination to a national one in just five years.
"A large chunk of its tourism revenue flows from the nearby Cascade Range, where features include the Mt. Bachelor ski resort, Cascades lakes and the Deschutes River.
"From 2003 to 2007, room tax collections in Bend grew more than 55%. Three million people a year visit Bend, and 61% of those participate in outdoor activities. The tourism industry pumps an estimated $300 million annually into the local economy and employs nearly 16% of the Deschutes County workforce. Trade, transportation and utilities beat it out only slightly.
"Bend has the highest average number of sunny days in the state, so it's not surprising that it's also quickly becoming a prime retiree destination. Apart from its high desert climate, retirees, locals and tourists alike gravitate to Bend for its cultural offerings, great dininng and nightlife, excellent healthcare and small-town feel."
All this and Bend is "on sale!" This article is just one more example of the attractiveness of our beautiful area. People want to live here. To visit Bend is to be smitten by the beauty and friendliness. So whether you are looking in Bend for homes for sale, Central Oregon ranches and farms or just checking through the MLS listings for Bend, we should talk seriously about the values available now and the low interest rates, making investing in the future of this fabulous town that is Bend and the future of Central Oregon a smart move. And it is WAY more fun than a 401(k)!!!