Escape the Metropolitan Grind in Harney County

Escape the Metropolitan Grind in Harney County Main Photo

2 Sep 2021


News

People are drawn to Harney County, Oregon for the beauty of high desert sagebrush range, majestic mountains and green forests. Beyond this natural grandeur, however, is an area defined by economic opportunity and small town values centered in the main cities of Burns and Hines, far from the stress of metropolitan life. See what makes up Harney County in this video from the Oregon Trail Electric Co-op!

Four Season Outdoor Experiences

At nearly 10,000 square miles, Harney County is the largest county in Oregon and ninth-largest county in the United States, covering more land than many states. Numerous and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the varying terrains present throughout the county. 

Wildlife in OregonBreathtaking scenery and activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and backpacking are readily accessible in the Steens Mountain Wilderness to the south of Burns via US 205. On the way, bird watchers will find the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which offers 185,000 acres of protected habitat for over 250 species of migratory birds and the bird watchers searching for them.

The Malheur National Forest lies just to the north, with roughly 1.7 million acres of lush forests and lakes mixed with high desert grassland through the Blue Mountains. Hiking, mountain biking, hunting, snowmobiling and camping are just a few of the recreation opportunities available throughout.

Those seeking man-made recreation will find satisfaction on the links at the Valley Golf Club in Hines. The nine-hole public course has a lively schedule of tournaments, scrambles and events for golf enthusiasts of all ages.

The Crystal Crane Hot Springs provide an awesome spot to soothe those tired and sore muscles from all the outdoor recreation! Visitors can experience the mineral-laden waters for a quick stop or rent a tepee, apartment, cabin or ranch house for a longer stay!

Business Opportunities

Harney County offers residents the opportunity to live and work in a place that matches their dreams. Business owners find Harney County offers the advantages of low cost of real estate, access to knowledgeable talent and a supportive business ecosystem. Additionally, the region is becoming a popular destination for individuals and families from millennials to retirees looking to escape metropolitan areas, bringing a consistent forecast of growth with them. 

The two major cities in the county are Burns and Hines. As a city of roughly 2,700 people, Burns is the county seat and is commonly referred to as the gateway to the Steens Mountains. Hines is a former mill town that still maintains its Old west charm. The town of nearly 1,600 people is a short drive to the southeast from Burns along the Central Oregon Highway.

Both towns are located within the Census Tract 9601 Opportunity Zone covering 1,200 square miles of business possibilities! Opportunity Zones are a federal tax incentive to encourage long-term investment. The area is also designated as an Enterprise Zone, which exempts businesses from local property taxes on new investments for a specified amount of time. The Harney County/Burns Hines Entreprise Zone provides incentives covering a number of endeavors, including new investments, rural investments and e-commerce. 

Quality of Life

The crowning jewel supplementing the outdoor recreation and business opportunities in Harney County is the ability to live in an area with a comfortable quality of life. The cost of living allows individuals and families the ability to not only find a home but to enjoy what the area has to offer!

Historic Central HotelThe Historic Central Hotel in Burns’ historic downtown area has a Prohibition Era theme harkening back to when it was built. The downtown area has several restaurants and coffee shops, headlined by the Steens Mountain Brewing Company, which offers homegrown beers, delicious and healthy foods to be enjoyed in the outdoor seating. Local boutiques and shops populate Burns’ downtown area. The Frontier Art Center offers classes and workshops for all ages, while the Alden’s School of Leather Trades draws customers from around the country to learn the leatherwork trades existing since the time of the Old West.

Those seeking to understand the historical roots of the area can explore the Harney County Historical Museum. It provides a history of the Old West in Harney County, with historical photos, ranching memorabilia and full room restorations of the old western kitchen.

Finally, residents and visitors alike can find comfort in the services provided by the Harney District Hospital, which provides general and specialty services to enrich lives through better health.

Harney County offers the chance-of-a-lifetime to work where you want to live! Contact us at the Oregon Trail Electric Co-op to learn more today!