Photography by Ross Chandler
Location: Bend, Oregon
September 1, 2006
That vision certainly appeals to those shopping for first or second homes in the area, says Stan Duczeminskyj of Coldwell Banker Morris Real Estate. "People are coming here to hike, fish, hunt and generally take advantage of a beautiful place, and they certainly don’t want to see that ruined anymore than folks who have lived here forever," he says.
For those who truly want to buy a piece of old Bend, the city’s mountainous and historic west side is the place to be—at a cost. A typical millworker’s home from a bygone era occupies 900 square feet on a 7,000-square-foot lot. "Unrestored, something like that will go for $400,000 now, and much more if it’s been renovated," says Romy Mortensen, vice president of sales and marketing at Brooks Resources Realty, whose new development, a 486-acre mixed-use project called NorthWest Crossing on the west side of Bend, features homes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
NorthWest Crossing broker David Quiros remembers moving to Bend 23 years ago. "I was told this place would become the Palm Springs of the Northwest," he says with a laugh. "Well, that just may wind up being true."
Well, maybe not. For all its desert beauty, Palm Springs remains largely a retirement community whose climate ranges from hot to oven temperature. Comparatively, Bend’s mild climate, its change of seasons and, perhaps most important, its history as a multigenerational community make it a somewhat rare—and still affordable—gem.
FACTS & STATS
THE OTHER OREGON: Bend is the hub of central Oregon, a lesser-known inland
empire that does not trip off the tongue as easily as cosmopolitan Portland,
Shakespearean Ashland or coastal Cannon Beach. But the rains that routinely
visit those destinations leave Bend largely unscathed; thanks to a handy
mountain range holding back those clouds, the city enjoys more than 300 days of
high-desert sunshine a year. And getting there is becoming less of a chore.
Where long road trips from points north, west and south used to be the order of
the day, now the area’s Redmond Municipal Airport—just 16 miles north of
Bend—hosts direct flights from major Western hubs such as Denver and San
Francisco. For more details, contact Bend’s Visitor & Convention Bureau,
800.949.6086, www.visitbend.com, or try www.ci.bend.or.us for information on
everything from city planning to neighborhood characteristics.
NATURE RULES:
For residents and visitors alike, Bend’s natural beauty is a constant source of
entertainment. Golfers can sample the 27 courses laid out across the central
valley, which is exemplified by Pronghorn, a private residential community
that boasts Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio courses side by side. The same bounty
awaits hikers, anglers and river rafters, all of whom have outlets for their
passions in the surrounding Cascade Range and meandering Deschutes River.
Consider a trek up Mt. Bachelor (800.829.2442, www.mtbachelor.com),
which often has good skiing well into summer, or perhaps a river run with Ouzel
Outfitters (800.788.7238, www.oregonrafting.com).
RAPID RISE:
The only thing hotter than a high-noon summer sun is the real estate market in
Bend. For the past five years, demand has increased for everything from vintage
homes on the city’s historic west side to new construction on ranch land just
out of town. While the median home price hovers around $300,000, most
single-family homes actually start at around half a million. Among those
offering insights are Brooks Resources Realty (541.318.8002, www.brooksresourcesrealty.com),
Coldwell Banker Morris Real Estate (541.382.4123, www.bendproperty.com) and Melrose Realty
(541.318.5171, www.melrose-realty.com).
advertisement
