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Sisters

Nestled at the foot of the Cascades, Sisters is a town right out of the Old West, complete with 1880's turn-of-the-century storefronts and authentic annual down-and-dirty rodeos.  Perhaps one of the most picturesque backdrops in the Pacific Northwest, it is not hard to see why the town has become a destination for visitors, retirees and new businesses.  But more than just a pretty place, Sisters has a built reputation for a community with some of the state’s best schools, students and athletes.  

History

The original settlement of the Sister’s area actually began 4.5 miles north of the current townsite, at Camp Polk in 1865.  Polk was a military installment built for the protection of settlers from Indians, but with few Indian attacks, the base was closed a year after opening.  In 1875 a post office was established at the Hindman Homestead, which was later moved to the John Smith General Store in 1888.  Soon thereafter nearby residents were asked to provide suggestions to name the new post office, and “Three Sisters” received the nod, minus the three. (It is interesting to note that at this time the Three Sisters each had names – Faith, Hope, and Charity.)  In what is considered at the town’s official establishment, Alex and Robert Smith platted the town in 1901. By this time the community had grown into a service center for travelers over the Cascades as well as for the growing wood products and agricultural industries.

In 1923 half the town was destroyed by fire, only to see the remaining half burned to the ground the following year. Expected by many to become a ghost town, residents instead stayed and rebuilt, and the town was officially incorporated in 1946.  The town’s reason for existence disappeared in the mid 1960’s with the closure of the last lumber mill. Sisters’ Old West theme returned in 1972 in an effort to preserve what little commerce remained amidst fear of a highway bypass. The highway never moved, and the town evolved into a retail/resort community and service center to Black Butte Ranch Resort and other residential developments.  

Top Private Largest Employers

Property Tax Rate 2004/2005

$14.4700

Elevation

3200’

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Population

The political borders that form the incorporated city of Sisters currently contain just over 1,000 residents, however the outlying neighborhoods, acreages, and resorts have an additional 9,000 people living within a five mile radius.  From 1985 to 2005, the town has added less than 300 residents, the result of a lack of municipal sewer system. Similarly, industrial and commercial development was constrained to allow a certain amount of additional land for a septic system and drain field. 

All that has changed asSisters installed a municipal sewer system.  Five new subdivisions are platted and ready for build out. Completion of these subdivisions should add between 300 and 400 new homes - more than doubling the town’s population within the next few years. As a result, Sisters should join Bend and Redmond as yet another community in the region topping Oregon’s fastest growing incorporated areas. 

Development

With the construction of the municipal sanitary wastewater facility, a variety of new development opportunities are available including manufacturing, office and light industrial uses. No longer will tourism be the single leg upon which the Sister’s economy must balance.

But changes are already underway.  Sisters has several, attractive employers that offer excellent job opportunities. Metabolic Maintenance Products, relocated from southern California, is a local manufacturer that produces a variety of vitamin supplements, including prescription amino acid dietary supplements for physicians across the country.  Working Hands Creme, a locally grown manufacturing company, is expanding its employment as sales for its specialty hand and foot care creams catch on nationally.   With its outstanding desirability as a place to live and work, Sisters expects to attract additional employers in technology sectors.

Nearby at Hoodoo Ski Resort, new ownership in 1999 signaled a host of improvements to this family-oriented Nordic, downhill ski and snowboard recreation area.  Included are the new Hodag lift (which open a number of new blue and black diamond runs) as well as construction of a new lodge that is four times larger than the previous lodge.  Snowboarding at Hoodoo is exceptional due to the slopes consistent pitch and north facing runs.

Livability

If you have ever had the chance to visit Sisters for shopping or a special event, the town and surrounding area’s extraordinary livability speaks for itself.  Towering Ponderosa Pines, grassy valleys, and the closeness of Cascade Mountain peaks makes it an aesthetically surreal location.  But more importantly, Sisters has a strong sense of community, friendliness, and true small town charm. 

This feeling is easily seen in the Sister’s area schools, which consistently rank top in the region and state for academics, the arts and athletics.  The district takes a holistic approach, starting with Kindergarten, and incorporates character education into curriculum.  Residents of the community are also actively involved in education.  For example, in 1996 when the elementary school faced a problem of overcrowding and limited budget, the community responded by donating $500,000 in labor and materials to construct new classrooms.  Some 200 volunteers contribute to the elementary schools each year from tutoring to taking care of the playground.

Sisters is also a community of festivals.  Annual events include:  Village Green Craft Shows (now in 25th year), Art Stroll, Sisters Rodeo (now in 65th year), Sisters Folk Festival, High Mountains Jazz at Sisters, Harvest Faire, Quilt Show, Hoodoo Winter Carnival, Sisters Starry Night Concert Series, Sisters Roundup of Gems, Sisters Antique Faire, Battle of the Bulls, and the Pacific Amateur Golf Classic.

For a copy of the Sister's Relocation Guide in PDF format, please click here.

Fun Facts

• The town has one of the highest per capita retail spending of any community in Oregon
• Sisters was featured on a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! show for having a jail that never housed a prisoner!
• The nation’s largest outdoor quilt show is held annually in Sisters
• Within 30 miles of Sisters exists one of the steepest rain gradients in the world – a difference of more than 60 inches of annual precipitation!

Want to Know More?  Try These Sisters Links