Bend is a town of approximately 75,000 located on the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. For many years the local economy depended on resource extraction (forestry, etc.), now it is shifting to recreational activities and economic activity that supports a growing population.

Good mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, camping, hiking, road biking.

Pros: Beautiful outdoor-oriented place, laid back, good skiing, river, sunny about 300 days/year, affordable real estate
Cons: Far from major population centers (3 1/2 hours to Portland, 8 hours to San Francisco), smaller market for jobs/work, 2+ hours from nearest beach