The city of Bend in central Oregon is famous for funkiness, offering craft beers, bike trails in town as well as up and down the nearby mountains, and the year-round outdoor lifestyle. But when Chris van der Velde says things are “crazy,” he’s referring to Tetherow, the nearby resort community where he is managing partner, and where the market is “crazy good; we’re experiencing accelerated but sustainable growth.”
Chief among the draws is the David McLay Kidd golf course, a high-desert links with one of the world’s largest fleets of GolfBoards. There are also the many resort amenities, such as two bustling restaurants (where homeowners dine at a discount), a new pool, and a planned fitness center, along with easy access to fly fishing, miles of trails, and great skiing.
A new phase of four- and five-bedroom vacation homes just became available, starting at $719,000: Owners can use them up to 14 weeks a year (that’s state law), then put them into a rental pool. Other home choices range from cabins and townhomes (starting around $570,000) to custom-builds on lots a third of an acre and up (from $250,000). “People don’t expect this little gem tucked against the mountains and national forest,” says van der Velde. “But if you haven’t been to Bend, you’re missing something.”