Living in Bend, Oregon, offers a small town’s charm alongside the conveniences of larger cities. Nestled within Central Oregon within Deschutes County lies Bend, with a population of 106,839. The seasons in Bend are unparalleled. Summer weather in Bend offers a high desert climate and low humidity, with bright sunny days and cool, relaxing nights. In contrast, the winter season entices thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. As the season shifts, crisp, cold air blows in, and Bend transforms into a snow-capped winter wonderland.
If living in a haven of adrenaline-pumping adventures like navigating Smith Rock’s expansive mountain biking trails or rafting the Deschutes River to conquer “Rattlesnake Rapids” piques interest, Bend may be an ideal homestead.
On the flip side, Bend offers a slower pace of life that allows ample time to enjoy the little things. Homeowners here enjoy living healthy and active lifestyles chocked full of outdoor recreation. As the sun sets, you can find them beer tasting, having fun, and relaxing, enveloped within the brilliant dreamscape of this welcoming community.
Those from the concrete jungle contemplating a relocation to Bend prepare for a place where the only ‘traffic jam’ involves deciding which biking path to take. Local retail shops, cafes, and coffee houses run on “Bend time.” Visitors and locals regularly converse about yesterday’s river rafting adventures and getting flat tires on their mountain bikes despite the never-ending accumulating line of patrons. But isn’t that the charm of the easygoing vibe Bend is so well-known for? Whether grabbing a beer after a long day or swinging into the market to get some coffee for the morning, the charm of this incredibly carefree community is undeniable.
With the Cascade Mountains as our backdrop, let’s explore the wonders of Bend, Oregon, and the surrounding areas, renowned for their scenic beauty. Embark on a journey through central Oregon, delving into the intricacies of relocating and financing a new life.
Here’s the Top 5 Benefits of Living in Bend
1. Living in Bend is Healthy
Primarily, citizens of Bend are outdoor enthusiasts. Since Bend hosts some of the most incredible outdoor recreation opportunities in the Pacific Northwest, staying active is easy living in Bend. Popular summer activities in the area include rafting, kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, paddle boarding, swimming, horseback riding, camping, golf, rock climbing, fly fishing, river floating, and many more.
Let’s shift seasons from summer sports to snow shoveling. Bend has abundant options for staying healthy. Here are some, to name a few: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, winter hiking, snowshoe tours, dog sledding, fat biking, winter fly fishing, ice climbing, sledding, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, There isn’t a shortage of opportunity to get fit and stay healthy in Bend.
Where to Play
Mount Bachelor, a popular ski area just a few miles from Bend, averages nearly 370 inches of snow annually.
Deschutes River
Smith Rock State Park
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Phil’s Trail Complex
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Shevlin Park
Pilot Butte
Deschutes National Forest
2. Living in Bend is Relaxing
Welcome to Bend, the land of fresh, clean air, filled with hints of pine and fur, encompassing natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and a slower pace of life, wrapped within the vibrant artistic culture fostering a sense of connection and relaxation. Aren’t you already feeling at ease?
If the zen-like serenity of natural beauty of central Oregon isn’t already rejuvenating enough, Bend offers plenty of options for leisurely exploration and relaxation. Firstly, Bend has many naturally relaxing options, such as holistic practitioners, reiki, spa services, yoga studios, and massage therapists. Additionally, residents of Bend revitalize in mineral-rich pools in local hot springs.
Working in Bend
Working in Bend is even reasonably chill. Numerous job opportunities in Bend facilitate community needs such as healthcare, education, safety, outdoor recreation, food and beverage services, and essential services. Bend’s crime rate is relatively low, with Niche rating this charming town with a B+.
Speaking of the community, let’s talk about the local long-time residents. Just what do they call citizens of Bend? The jury is still out on it. Are they Bendites or Bendonians? Moniker or not, citizens of Bend tend to be chill, easygoing people who love the outdoors and live low-key lifestyles.
3. Living in Bend is Fun
To tie it all together, the combination of outdoor recreation, community spirit, craft beer, restaurants, and drop-dead scenery set the stage for a fun and culturally rich experience. Bend delivers entertainment from pristine powdered snowcapped mountains to the peak heat of summertime. Locals and visitors alike experience unforgettable moments in Bend. Proof of this is the local event schedule; it is easy to see there is no shortage of action. For example, the Haden Homes Amphitheater, Oregon’s largest outdoor riverfront venue, was built in the historic Old Mill District in 2001. Attendees can swing to the beat along the Deschutes River. Is there a better concert spot than this intimate riverfront venue?
The thriving brewery scene, often hailed as the “Craft Beer Capital of the Pacific Northwest,” is packed full of taphouses and contributes to a vibrant nightlife.” In the summer, outdoor concert series are held in parks and amphitheaters, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy music in scenic settings. Bendonians have voted, and here are their Top 10 Best Breweries. Last but certainly not least, foodies in Bend appreciate the city’s diverse culinary scene, which offers a variety of dining options ranging from farm-to-table restaurants, ethnic cuisine, and gourmet dining to food trucks. Overall, foodies in Bend make it a destination worth exploring for gastronomic adventures.
4. Living in Bend is Smart.
Admittedly, nothing beats a top-notch education. Luckily, Bend schools rank above the Oregon average. Both private and public schools are available. Aging parents: Touchmark in Mt. Bachelor has a thriving senior community and housing facilities. Here’s proof that living in Bend is a smart move, according to Niche’s Top 3 ranking Public Schools serving the Bend area: North Star Elementary School A-, Realms Middle School A-, Summit High School B-.
Bend is home to the OSU-Cascades, one of Oregon’s leading public research universities. Learning has never been more beautiful. Imagine a campus surrounded by 2.5 million acres of public lands and national forests. At OSU-Cascades, students choose their adventure, merging higher education with the great outdoors.
Central Oregon Community College (COCC) offers two-year associate degrees or Certificates, and programs for students interested in entering directly into the workforce. COCC is home to Cascade Culinary Institute for degrees within the food and beverage industries.
5. Living in Bend is Dreamy
Delving further into Bend, Oregon, is spellbinding. Its unique blend of natural beauty,, and enchanting neighborhoods resemble scenes straight from a Kincade painting. When deciding to finance a new property, considerations such as location, amenities, school districts, and lifestyle preferences are essential, and finding the neighborhood that best fits each homebuyer’s unique style is critical.
Here are some gorgeous neighborhoods in Bend to check out:
Southern Crossing:
This blended neighborhood hosts families, young professionals, and retirees. The low-key community of Southern Crossing is known for its beautiful homes nestled alongside the Deschutes River. Buyers looking for property here will find a lifestyle amidst runners, cyclists, and dog-loving neighbors at Farewell Bend Park. The Old Mill District is within the neighborhood. It is the city’s premier shopping/entertainment destination with its shops, restaurants, IMAX Theater, salons, tap rooms, music venues, theaters, and more.
Century West and Summit West
Like most of Bend, this neighborhood houses single-family homes with families, active retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. Apart from this, there is easy access to the Phils Mountain biking trail system, Deschutes National Forest, and Shevlin Park. And still, the neighborhood has more to offer, with nightlife options at Volcanic Theatre Pub and Prost for beer tasting. Additionally, the Bendite Market provides local and international cuisine and dining options.
River West
This classic Bend neighborhood holds older traditional-style craftsman homes and many remodeled old mill homes. Additionally, some throwback-styled properties with the sixties and seventies flair rest within the hills. This neighborhood is part of the west side, and many locals consider the west region to be the “best side” of Bend. Since Old Mill is in West Bend, there is plenty of action all year round.
Home to Bend Whitewater Park, this neighborhood offers Boogie Boarding, River Surfing, Tube Floating, Whitewater Kayaking, and Whitewater Paddleboarding. Located on the Deschutes River, water enthusiasts of any age and experience level can spend countless days of sunshine on the three channels of the river. With so much happening in River West, parking is tricky, and homebuyers will have plenty of traffic in and out of the neighborhood.
Larkspur
Everyone is welcome in Larkspur. The neighborhood has everything from tree-lined streets to parks, restaurants, dog-lovers, and an active brewery community. For the bookworms, Larkspur is home to the Deschutes Public Library. On top of that, the neighborhood at Ponderosa Park has scenic walking trails, a skate park, and pickleball courts.
Awbrey Butte
Home buyers who are looking for a luxurious lifestyle need look no further. Aubrey Butte rests on the southern side of the Cascade Range, where prestigious living merges with majestic mountain views showcasing Mount Bachelor and Mt. Jefferson. Awbrey Butte is home to the Awbrey Glen Golf Club and River’s Edge Golf Course. Homeowners in this delightful neighborhood enjoy a 30-minute drive to Cascade Lake and Mt. Bachelor.
Foxborough
Within Foxborough is a collection of roughly 300 homes adorned with tree-lined streets and a quaint neighborhood feel. Homebuyers find quality homes with ideal floorplans and large lot sizes. The affordability of this neighborhood makes it great for families.
Considerations
On the flip side of Bend’s charm, one drawback is affordability. The primary sticking point is relatively straightforward when considering the pros and cons of living in Bend. A lifestyle fully immersed in a green utopia for adventure seekers isn’t cheap. The big decision is whether or not life in Bend justifies a 12.2% higher cost of living in transportation, food, and home prices than the national average. For tried and true Oregonians, the increase is offset by the bountiful beauty and tranquility only found in these small cities of Oregon.
For most homeowners living in Bend, the high cost of living and eyebrow-raising housing prices naturally correspond with the luxurious landscape and access to premier resources. In reality, the green-scaped Cascade Mountain range and access to Mt. Bachelor are priceless. Ask anyone living on the shores of Malibu if they would trade their home for lower median home prices. The principles of location, location, and location often prevail.
The Shifting Tides of Homeownership in Bend
Life in Bend requires a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a strong desire to preserve the natural resources available for recreational enjoyment. Equally important is an appreciation for local culture, the arts, and a spirit of entrepreneurship since many residents pursue creative ventures in the city’s thriving business community. Undeniably, the popular uptrend in relocation to Bend results from the stunning natural scenery of Oregon that harkens many visitors.
high-wage earners
Many homeowners in Bend are high-wage earners, two-income families, business owners, and remote workers. Also, many new residents move to Bend with large profits from selling their homes in other areas, capitalizing on cheaper homes in Bend. The influx of ambitious transplants comes from larger cities like Portland and Seattle. The influx in population is primarily due to California residents. According to the Stacker statistic, 36,429 people moved to Oregon from California in 2022.
Shifting Tides
For the locals, the increased home prices, traffic, and new urban vibe associated with the flood of relocating city dwellers have them calling their realtor and retreating to sister communities like La Pine, Eugene, Sunriver, Salem, and Redmond.
Despite the shifting tides of homeownership, Bend’s deep-rooted cultural appreciation for nature, arts, and the great outdoors remains true. As entrepreneurs choose Bend for their resettlement, they invest time, resources, and energy into their new community to foster growth and prosperity, which is ideal for the broad scope of the community as a whole.
Winter Insights
The snowfall in Bend is dry and powdery, creating a skiing Nirvana. Moreover, dry snow is lighter and easier to shovel. However, the wind quickly picks up the snowflakes, causing whiteouts and blizzard conditions for those unfamiliar. Subsequently, staying safe in winter is a priority because snow safety is paramount to any adventure.
Luckily, the winter season helps to sift out the weakest newbies on the block. With winter season ranging from November through April and an average of 26-30” snowfall per year, but up to 7 feet historically, earning to drive in the snow is vital. Of course, snow tires and 4WD vehicles are a must. Snow driving, for many Bendites, is half of the reason they love winter. Plowing through the snow and taking in the beauty of the winter wonderland they call home evokes a feeling of pride and respect for the area.
Ready to Move To Bend, Oregon?
Living in Bend offers a range of housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. From single-family homes in residential neighborhoods to mountain retreats and riverfront properties, residents can enjoy a relaxed quality of life filled with endless outdoor activities, and funding a dream home in Bend’s diverse real estate market is only a click or phone call away.
The Steps are Simple:
Schedule a Call: An experienced loan officer can discuss your needs and guide you through the possibilities.
Get Approved: We’ll help you through the application process and facilitate the steps for approval.
Exhale: Put your feet up and feel secure knowing you made the best decisions about your home loan.
With proper guidance, you can get your first home, accommodate your growing family, and start that renovation project—whatever goal is on the horizon. An alliance with Mortgage Insiders will give you the confidence to know that your mortgage loan is setting you up for financial success. Mortgage Insiders offers today’s latest financial news and mortgage trends. Check out our channel for current events.
