Jobs are tight out here. I live in Klamath Falls which is South from Bend - pretty much at the CA border. This area is VERY conservative. Weather similar to Bend. I got a job before I moved here. Coming here to be a freelance contractor would be risky these days. I like this area just fine. I live well outside of town and drive in for work. There is no traffic here to speak of.
Areas to avoid for me would be all larger cities... Especially Portland, though that is where most of the work is. I like the looks of Yamhill County: McMinnville and surrounding areas. Traffic around Portland is terrible. Commuting in from Yamhill County would be a nice way to go, but one would spend much time driving slowly.
Oregon is all about outdoor activities. Boating/fishing/hiking. I have a small farm where we raise hay for our many critters.
Look me up if you ever come this far South.
Oregon is California without multiculturalism (but we do have Indians, oops, Native Americans). Moving to Oregon 9 years ago was the worst mistake of my life. It’s gorgeous and I still hate it. I have never met so many stupid people. At least in California, the leftists have an education and you can have a nice hearty argument. Everyone is on welfare, drugs or both.
I have also never seen such bad drivers as in Oregon. (Although it is nice having your gas pumped by an attendant. It’s illegal to pump your own and this way the state mandates 20,000 jobs per year.)
Have visited Idaho and know people there. Whole different atmosphere. You won’t find the “sophistication” of Portland, but in EVERY other way Idaho is the superior state. Doesn’t sound like you are considering Portland area anyway.
Best of luck to you. Call at least 3 realtors from each major metro area you’re considering, in both states, and ask for info packet and sample of housing prices. Don’t go by online casual conversations to get financial data. Actually the websites and Chambers for those cities will have much more solid material on housing and prices than you will get asking on FR.