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Quality of Life

What’s Special About Central Oregon?

For many places “quality of life” is the first thing promoted to new, prospective businesses.  Rather than pontificate on how the sun shines every day of the year (which is nearly true) or how communities are the proverbial Lake Woebegone “above average”, we think the scenery (see our photo tour!) and statistics speak for themselves. 

For instance, population growth in the Central Oregon region has greatly outpaced the state, Pacific Northwest, and nation as a whole. Our high technology industry is among the fastest growing in the United States.  We have the Northwest’s largest concentration of destination resorts and world class golf courses. We have excellent retail shopping opportunities, nationally recognized quality health care, a growing performing and visual arts community, schools producing students that consistently outperform state and national standards, and progressive cities and counties with vision.  Most importantly, Central Oregon is still an affordable place to live, play and operate a business.  We think the combination of these things define a high quality of life. 

The fact that Central Oregon has become a year-round destination playground for visitors and tourists worldwide perhaps speaks the loudest of the quality of our life.  It is probably one reason Money Magazine ranked Bend in its “Top 5 Best Places to Retire” for 2000.  At the same time, our population demographics show a healthy mix of ages from school-age children to active seniors – some of which are still skiing the slopes into their 80's. 

We would rather you take some time to visit and experience the area for yourself, but if that trip will have to wait, we invite you to check out the information below and within our comprehensive FactBook.

Health Care

Health care is one of Central Oregon’s crown jewels.  Also attracted to the region for quality of life reasons, the region has a disproportionately large concentration of outstanding physicians and specialists both within the four hospital system and in private clinics.  The largest, St. Charles Medical Center, is the regional trauma center for seven counties, and has received several awards including the distinction of being one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the United States. 

St. Charles Medical Center
Established in 1918 by the Sisters of St. Joseph near downtown Bend , the hospital now occupies an 80 acre site on Bend’s eastside, and has evolved into an independent, private, non-profit Oregon corporation. St. Charles serves 160,000 people in a 25,000 square mile are of Central and Eastern Oregon with a staff of over 200 doctors in 40 specialties and subspecialties. The main hospital has 181 beds and is the only facility east of the Cascades in Oregon to be designated a Level II trauma center, complete with LifeFlight services. The hospital has recieved the prestigeous Norman Cousins Award, recognizing its efforts for patient-centered care.  With outstanding research and care in cardiodiology, St. Charles introduced the first mobile electron beam technography (EBT) scanner in the country to help diognose heart disease easily and more accurately.  St. Charles orthopedic program was named one of the nations top 100, and, as an employer, has remained one of the top 100 Best Places to Work in Oregon .  Per haps most importantly, the hospital consistently provides care at a lower than average cost while maintaining a level of patient satisfaction that places St. Charles in the top 5 to 10% of all hospitals in the country (out of about 6,000).

St. Charles Medical Center - Redmond
SCMC-R is a fully accredited 48-bed hospital offering personalized, quality health care for residents of Redmond and surrounding areas which includes the services of: 24-hour emergency care; intensive/cardiac care; physical, respiratory, and nutritional therapy; radiology; and surgery. Physicians practice in a number of fields including internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, general/vascular, urology, orthopedics, pathology, and a range of other specialties. SCMC-R is in partnership with St. Charles Medical Center – Bend.   SCMC-R is beginning a $20 million expansion, remodeling, and construction project in 2003 to be completed in the next few years.

Mountain View Hospital 
Mountain View Hospital (established 1967) provides general acute care in its 106-bed facility in Madras . The hospital offers a variety of services including general medical, surgical, obstetric, orthopedic, respite and emergency care. Other physician services include urology, pathology, neurology, gynecology, and podiatry. A wide array of support is also available including modern laboratory, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and physical therapy services.

Pioneer Memorial Hospital
Opened in 1950 in Prineville, Pioneer Memorial Hospital is a community-owned not-for-profit acute care facility supported by the Prineville Hospital Foundation, and managed by Lutheran Health Systems.  The hospital has  a newly remodeled obstetrics/maternity wing, and has services in operative procedures, radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, home health, hospice treatment, and is a Level III trauma facility as well as an Air Life affiliate.   Medical staff encompasses family practice; internal medicine; laparoscopic, endoscopic, and vascular surgery; orthopedics, urology, ophthalmology, pathology, radiology, and dentistry.   

Bend Memorial Clinic
Established shortly after WWII, the Bend Memorial Clinic medical staff includes nearly 70 experienced and well-trained physicians, from family doctors and personal physicians to highly specialized physicians. The clinic provides most medical specialties, a full-service lab and x-rays, and optical shop. 

The Clinic facility is designed to be able to expand as needed.  In 1991, a family practice satellite office in Sisters opened and in 1994, an Ophthalmology satellite office was established in Redmond where the Ophthalmologists see patients and staff a small optical dispensary.  In October 1996, the Clinic opened the first stand-alone out patient surgery center in Central Oregon , The Bend Surgery Center. This new addition to the Clinic allows for BMC physicians to do out-patient surgeries on the premises and also allows for outside physicians to perform their surgeries.

Arts & Culture

Growth of the region over the past few decades has also brought an influx of new arts and cultural activities in addition to traditional community events held throughout the year.  These activities include the performing and visual arts as well as special events for every taste.  For more information, keep reading or link to the Central Oregon Visitor’s Association or the Central Oregon Welcome Center.

Performing Arts

When it comes to live performances, the word to remember in Central Oregon is “intimate” – top talent in a variety of genres have the region as a “must do” on their tours.  Special annual festivals include the week-long Cascade Festival of Music in August which is preceded by the Sunriver Music Festival, and followed by the Sisters High Mountain Jazz Festival in September.  Clear Central & Clear Summer Nights Concert Series run year round with top pop and jazz talent.  For an eclectic mix of pop and world music and local cuisine, check out the free Munch & Music in downtown Bend’s beautiful Drake Park every Thursday night during the summer.  Classical music enthusiasts will enjoy the Central Oregon Symphony, Obsidian Opera, Central Oregon Concert Band, and the Cascade Chorale – all which provide performances year-round.  

A number of other small venue opportunities exist for live music including weekly “Jazz Nights” at Broken Top, old-time country/gospel at the Diamond B Chuck Wagon, live band performances at a number of restaurants and clubs, as well as a variety of big-star concerts throughout the year at the new 15,000 seat Deschutes Event Center at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds Expo Center.

Theatre lovers will enjoy Central Oregon Community College’s Fine Arts Department theatre performances as well as those by the Community Theatre of the Cascades which has been providing intimate live performances of classical, modern, and musical and dinner theatre since 1978.  The opportunity is also available for classical ballet instruction and annual performances by the Central Oregon School of Ballet.

Fine Arts
Central Oregon’s outstanding livability has attracted a diverse and talented group of artists (photography, painting, sculpture, glass, etc.) who either reside or vacation here.  Consequently, a vibrant gallery community is present throughout the region that caters both to tourists and residents (contact the Central Oregon Arts Association at (541) 317-9324 for more information).  For those who appreciate the fine arts, First Friday Gallery Walk (April – December) in downtown Bend and Madras are popular monthly events. Numerous seasonal events such as the Confederated Tribes Artists Art Show, Starry Starry Night annual art benefit action, Bend Downtowners Art Hop, Redmond’s Walk the Art Beat, and the Sister’s Art Stroll.

In addition to the many events in the area, Arts Central is developing art throughout the communities in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook Counties.  The organization is providing leadership in public art projects, cultural tourism, technical assistance, marketing venues for artists and links to regional cultural partners.

Cultural Events

In addition to the periodic opportunities to experience the arts, there are a number of quality special events in the Spring, Summer and Fall.  For instance, Bend’s High Desert Western Arts Gathering houses traditional Cowboy poetry and song.If this type of entertainment is what you are looking for, there are a number of rodeos throughout the region, including Sisters, Madras, Prineville, and PRC events at the new $37 million Deschutes County Fairgrounds.Or check out the Bend or Redmond Summerfests featuring food, music and fine arts.  In Madras, the big shindig of the year is the annual Collage of Culture which features the performing and fine arts from a variety of ethnic origins. 

In reality, there are just too many events to mention (at least one or two every weekend!) so look up the Central Oregon Arts calendar or contact any one of the Chambers of Commerce in the region. 

Museums

Discover the legends, treasures and natural legacy of Central Oregon at the High Desert Museum  south of Bend, or celebrate the history of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute Indian tribes a the Museum at Warm Springs – Central Oregon’s two largest museums. 

Schools

We encourage you to visit the Education page of the within our Web site for further information on our educational opportunities, and the region’s quality schools.

Dining

Central Oregon, by all accounts, has one of the highest per capita rates of restaurants to residents of any place in the state.  Outstanding dining can be found of any ethnicity including Japanese, Italian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, German, French, and a host of fine establishments specializing in Pacific Northwest cuisine.  For a sampling of what the region has to offer, go to the Chambers of Commerce link on our pages and request a dining guide.  

Housing

Despite being a hot spot for tourists and mecca for destination resorts, world class golfing and skiing, the region has maintained affordability in housing.  It is one of the reasons Bend beat out other areas to be in the Top 5 Places in the U.S. to Retire according to Money Magazine. 

Clubs

Civic Service Clubs
In keeping with Oregon’s reputation for an active and engaged citizenry, the region has a plethora of civic, trade, and hobby organizations – more than 250 in the three-county area  - in which to become involved.  For example, if you are interested in working with children or youth, there are two dozen active groups such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Camp Fire Boys and Girls Council, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Child Care Council, Boys and Girls Scouts, 4-H clubs, as well as a number of locally founded programs and organizations. If you prefer a civic club with a familiar name, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanas, Elks, and a host of others are active throughout the region. 

Athletic Clubs
Not surprisingly for Central Oregon’s active and healthy lifestyle, there are a number of athletic clubs from which to choose.  Among them are:  The Athletic Club of Bend, Bend Metro Park & Recreation District, The Body Shop (Bend), Cascade Fitness (Sisters), Cascade Nautilus (Redmond), Etreme Fitness Center (Prineville), Gold’s Gym (Bend), Curves for Women (Bend and Redmond), Downtown Athletic Club (Redmond), InClimb Rock Gym (Bend), Juniper Swim and Fitness Center, Madras Women Only Gym, New Energy Fitness Center (Madras), Powerhouse Gym (Bend and Prineville), and Prineville Athletic Club. 

A number of these clubs offer full services including indoor/outdoor swimming and tennis, basketball, volleyball, handball, raquetball, weight rooms, stationary cycling, aerobic classes, rock climbing, and a host of other fitness specialities.

Golf & Country Clubs/Courses
Almost too numerous to mention, Central Oregon has been called the “Palm Springs” of the Pacific Northwest with dozens of courses – many in the nation’s top 100 to challenge the best of golfers. Among the clubs and courses are Aspen Lakes, Awbrey Glen Golf Club, Bend Golf & Country Club, Broken Top Golf Club, Crosswater Golf Club, Prineville Golf and Country Club, Lost Tracks Golf Club, The Greens at Redmond, Aspen Lakes Golf Club, Black Butte Golf Club, Crooked River Golf Club, Eagle Crest Golf Club, Juniper Golf Club, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, Meadow Lakes Golf Club, Mountain High Golf Course, Nine Peaks Golf Course, Orion Greens, Quail Run Golf Course, River’s Edge Golf Course, Sunriver Resort (Crosswater, Sunriver Woodlands, Sunriver Meadows), Golf Club at Black Butte Ranch, Tokatee Golf Club, Pronghorn, and Widgi Creek Golf Club. 

Recreation

With over 2.5 million acres of public land/open space, outdoor recreation enthusiasts from professional to beginner find outstanding opportunities for hiking, biking (mountain and road), skiing (cross country, downhill, telemark and water), snowboarding, motor cross riding, kayaking, white water rafting, rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering, fishing, hunting, camping, and horseback riding.

These opportunities are too numerous to list in detail but you can find more information about recreating in the region by linking to the Central Oregon Visitor’s Association.

Climate

Perhaps one of the leading reasons people are flocking to the region is our climate. With only an average of 10-15 inches of precipitation per year, warm days and cool nights it appeals to many from areas with a reputation for rain (Portland, Seattle) as well as those used to sunny, warmer climates such as (San Jose and Los Angeles). And when it comes to sun, Central Oregon has more sunny days than Houston, Texas, and just 14% less sun than Phoenix, Arizona.

However unlike Arizona, summer temperatures in Central Oregon range from an average high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 44 degrees Fahrenheit.  Winters average highs are in the 40s to lows in the 20s. Interestingly, every community in Central Oregon has its own variations of temperature and precipitation, relative to its elevation and proximity to the mountains.

Elevation:

Crime

For most people, the quality of living environment is greatly impacted by crime or lack thereof.  Communities in the region have maintained the “small town safety factor” that is attracting many residents of more densely populated urban areas where personal and property safety is an issue. 

Interestingly, even with Central Oregon’s steady population and job growth, economic expansion has actually created a situation where the already low crime rates are actually dropping in the three-county area. This trend actually parallels the state as a whole, which has had two consecutive years of decreasing crime rates, including a substantial drop in violent crimes. For instance, in Deschutes County Part 1 total crimes (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft. vehicle theft, and arson) were down over 9% from 1999 to 2001. Consequently, per capita crime is dropping even more dramatically. Contributors to our already low crime rate falling further are rising incomes, a caring and active citizenry dedicated to stemming the crime cycle by working with youth, and a bustling economy.  If you are interested in reviewing the crime report (in Microsoft Excel format, .xls), please click here.

Churches

With dozens of denominations/faiths represented by churches in Central Oregon, religious diversity provides the foundation of family living for which Oregon is known. These include: