Living in Bend, Oregon
Highlights
Bend, Oregon is recognized as a hub for outdoor recreation. It is also one of the country’s fastest growing areas and a Top 10 U.S. City for remote workers.
Population: 108,824
Bend is Central Oregon’s largest city and the fifth largest metropolitan area in Oregon.
Located on the eastern edge of the Cascade mountain range along the Deschutes River, settlement began in the early 1900s and Bend was incorporated as a city in 1905. Economically, Bend started out as a logging town but is now known as a gateway for many outdoor sports including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, skiing, paragliding and golf. Bend’s climate is typical of the high desert with cool nights and sunny days.
Major employers in Bend include St. Charles Health System, Oregon State University-Cascades, Central Oregon Community College and Les Schwab Tires.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bend became known as one of several booming “Zoom Towns” and attracted remote workers from across the country.
The Bend area is served by Bend-La Pine School District, the 5th largest school district in Oregon. It contains 33 schools, plus two charter schools. Home to: Oregon’s Elementary Principal of the Year; Oregon’s High School Principal of the Year; Oregon’s Teacher of the Year; Oregon’s Art Teacher of the Year; Oregon’s School Nurse of the Year; Oregon’s Journalism Teacher of the Year; Oregon’s Culinary Teacher of the Year; Oregon’s Athletic Director of the Year; a Presidential Award Winner for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching and many other state and national award winners.
Fun Fact: Bend is home to the world’s last remaining Blockbuster Video.
Lifestyle
Home to the PNW’s largest ski resort Mt. Bachelor, the Deschutes River and Smith Rock State Park, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore.
Bend’s lifestyle revolves around the outdoors and great weather.
And there’s no shortage of either. Right in town you’ll find 70 parks and 65 miles of recreational trails. And just a short drive away in the Cascade mountains are ski slopes, sno parks, pristine lakes, whitewater, and never ending forests crisscrossed with hiking and snowmobile trails.
Skiing and snowboarding
Whitewater rafting
Canoeing
Fly-fishing
Golf
Mountain biking
Venture indoors for a growing entertainment and art scene, an impressive selection of local restaurants, shopping, and what Bend is well-known for—microbreweries. Downtown Bend, The Box Factory and The Old Mill District are popular destinations both day and night.
Location
A three-hour drive from Portland, Bend is located on the east side of the Cascade mountain range. Residents can enjoy road trips to the Oregon Coast, Seattle, Boise and Northern California.
More info