For the past decade, the Central Oregon region has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the best places to live and recreate. The area enjoys a relatively unique geographic advantage in the country with its sunny, dry, high desert climate yet very close proximity to the Cascade Mountains and rain forests less than one hour away. Most hiking, camping, and motocross opportunities are just an easy half-hour drive away. Here’s just a sampling of recent national press on the area:
- USA Today, May 2008, characterizes Bend as “the new Boulder” for year-round outdoor sports fans in its Destinations & Diversions section.
- Business Week Magazine, October 2007, highlights four cities with “golden opportunities for retirees who can choose when and where they want to move.”
- Outside Magazine, August 2007, Bend named as one of the 30 Best Towns in America and the “best place in the Northwest” based on beauty, recreational and job opportunities.
- Mountain Bike Magazine, June 2007, “Forget Moab (Utah)” says writer Jonathon Allen, “Bend has become the porch preference for some of mountain biking’s biggest big dogs.”
- U.S. News & World Report, June 2006, “Good Riddance to the Rat Race” cites Prineville as a haven for those seeking a saner lifestyle.
More than just an outdoor recreation mecca, the region has a sophisticated network of high-quality amenities often found only in larger metropolitan areas. These amenities include a concentration of 29 world-class golf courses, a portion of which are part of the region’s nine destination resorts (three additional in the planning process), and two ski resorts. These resorts and other attractions have built a solid tourism industry that accommodates approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. Other amenities include a vibrant arts (visual and performing) community, outstanding restaurant scene, extensive and respected health care network, and quality schools. The combined investment in these amenities totals in the billions of dollars and acts as a magnet for professional talent from across the U.S. and abroad.
Other pages of interest regarding quality of life include: Arts and Culture, Healthcare, Livability, and Public Safety; you may also be interested in Tourism pages regarding Destination Resorts, Golf Courses, Winter Sports, and Other Recreation. For the most up-to-date, detailed information about events and lodging for visitors to Central Oregon, go to Central Oregon Visitors Association