whybend.com

On my first visits to Bend it really seemed to be a different kind of place. Aside from the obvious natural beauty that surrounds it, there does seem to be a real sense of community here. It stuck me at one point that the real difference with Bend is that people live here by choice. In California, where you live is often determined by where you work and you find a community that minimizes your commute time.

I’d guess, however, that not too many people move to Bend just for work. There aren’t too many big companies here and no major industries to speak of. People come here because it is a great place to live. Over and over, I’ve heard people say the same thing, about how they’ve always loved Bend and decided to move here first and find work second. I would guess that telecommuters will continue to make up a growing portion of the city’s residents. In any case, it’s great to live in a town with other people who want to be here and embrace the things that make Bend special.