2009 MSN Real Estate Most-Livable Bargain Markets

2009 MSN Real Estate Most-Livable Bargain Markets

Sure Bend Oregon didn't hit the Global radar this time but read part of the article below and this town doesn't really have anything on us! Tell all your friends now's the time to buy in Bend Oregon!

By Melinda Fulmer of MSN Real Estate

Ogden-Clearfield, Utah

If you love the outdoors,(Hello... Bend Oregon) and are looking for an inexpensive place to raise a family, the Ogden area just might be the place for you. Of course, it might help to be Mormon, or at least fairly conservative.

Two-thirds of this area's residents belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and three-quarters of voters here chose John McCain in the 2008 presidential election, in part because of the city's close ties to nearby Hill Air Force Base.

The economy here is in good shape, thanks to military and civilian employment at Hill and growing mix of technology, education and tourism jobs. And there are a lot of architectural marvels to be found here in Ogden's historic districts.

Outdoor recreation is the star here, (Hello... Bend Oregon) with skiing at the nearby Snowbasin Ski Area, which hosted the downhill events in the 2002 Olympics. And there's an extensive trail system for hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers. ,(Hello... Bend Oregon)

"The biggest plus to the area is the recreation," says "JT," posting on Bestplaces.net. "Wonderful hiking and fishing areas are very near Ogden in the summer ... and Utah snow is very good." ,(Hello... Bend Oregon)

Overall, it's a safe and healthful place to live, with low crime rates and high longevity among its residents.

Cons: Ogden can be hit with blizzards and dust storms. There's a lot of freeway congestion, but a rail line between Salt Lake City and Ogden opened last year. And if you're not a follower of the LDS faith - no smoking, drinking or caffeine - you could be inconvenienced. You won't see a lot of coffeehouses. The Ogden metro area has only six state-owned liquor stores, and the nearest specialty wine store is in Salt Lake City.