Living in Bend
Bend is an excellent place to live for those looking to prioritize a healthy work-life balance. With over 300 days of blue skies and the incredible snow-capped Cascades in the background, living in Bend is like being on vacation. There are ample opportunities to spend time outdoors, whether it’s skiing on Mt. Bachelor, paddle boarding or kayaking along the Deschutes River, rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, or mountain biking along Phil’s Trail. On any given day you will also see school children walking or riding their bikes to school, people strolling along the streets, or young professionals commuting to work. With a small-town vibe, safe neighborhoods, and a reasonable cost of living, living in Bend is enjoyable and laid-back, the way life should be.
The Weather in Bend
Bend has a long list of attractive qualities, with the weather being one of them. With low humidity and clear skies, you can expect lots of sunny days and cool evenings when you live in Bend. You can also enjoy all four seasons, with beautiful foliage in the fall, snowy winters, mild springs, and dry, warm summers. Temperatures rarely top 90 degrees or fall below 35 degrees for any duration during the year.
Employment Opportunities
Though the city is renowned for its scenic beauty and year-round recreational activities, Bend is rapidly growing and becoming known for its booming economy and entrepreneurial spirit. The city’s economic profile consists mainly of healthcare, tourism, recreation, hospitality, and technology industries. However, in recent years, the city has seen a huge increase in small-businesses and start-ups, only adding to the vibrant business community.
Cost of Living in Bend
The cost of living in Bend is above the national average, but is still considered very affordable considering all of its top-class amenities. Housing is the biggest driving factor in the cost of living, and the median home price in Bend is about $384,000. Though that number is higher than the national average, it still falls well below many other major metropolitan cities. The average cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment is between $1800-$2300 while the cost for a 3-bedroom apartment will run between $2700-$3300. Food costs are also slightly higher, though utilities and transportation costs are lower. Overall, the cost of living in Bend is fairly reasonable and well worth it for the laid-back lifestyle, bustling food and arts scene, incredible outdoor recreation, and family-friendly environment.
Best Neighborhoods in Bend
Whether you are moving alone, with your spouse, or with a family, your biggest challenge will be deciding on the right neighborhood. Fortunately, Bend has a variety of excellent neighborhoods that will suit any lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Bend:
Century West: If you love skiing and prefer to be close to the slopes, look no further than Century West. This incredible neighborhood provides you with easy access to Mt. Bachelor and all that the Cascades have to offer. You are just minutes away from some of the best skiing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and fishing in the country. You will also enjoy spectacular mountain views and are just a short distance away from great restaurants and boutique shops.
River West: River West is a great neighborhood and is close to many of the city’s most popular cafes, restaurants, outdoor shops, craft breweries, spas, and outdoor concert venues. This picturesque neighborhood is ideal for those who want to walk the dog along the Deschutes River, take the kids to the park, or take in stunning views of the city.
Southern Crossing: Located along the Deschutes River, Southern Crossing is a mix of residential, business, and commercial spaces and is home to the city’s premier shopping destination, The Old Mill District. Here you will find single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, and condos all within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and outdoor recreation.
NorthWest Crossing: This charming neighborhood features beautiful tree-lined streets, homes with gorgeous front porches, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of retail businesses. It is a great neighborhood for residents who want to walk or ride bikes to work or school.
Awbrey Butte: Awbrey Butte is one of Bend’s most exclusive neighborhoods, featuring luxurious living along with incredible views of Mt. Bachelor and the Cascades. You will find mature trees and beautiful plants, along with golf courses, country clubs, and amazing parks.
Schools in Bend
If you are moving with children you will be happy to know that Bend has excellent public schools. The schools are part of the Bend-La Pine School District, which rank among the top in the state. The highest ranked tend to be located on the city’s West side, though there are great schools located throughout Bend.
Top Attractions in Bend
As stated before, Bend is an incredible destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents enjoy biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, and golfing. There are also a number of spas and resorts for those looking to relax and unwind. Here are some of the city’s biggest attractions:
High Desert Museum: This museum sits on 135 acres of pine-covered forestland in Central Oregon. It includes various indoor and outdoor exhibits focused on the natural and cultural heritage of North America’s high desert country.
Tumalo Falls: Just 12 miles from downtown Bend lies Tumalo Falls, a beautiful 97-foot waterfall in the Deschutes National Forest. There are trails and picnic areas where you can explore and take in the sights and sounds of this incredible waterfall.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument: Located in the Deschutes National Forest, this monument offers stunning views of the Central Oregon Lava Lands. This monument encompasses 54,000 acres of lava flows, lakes, and stunning geologic features.
Mt. Bachelor: This is the premiere mountain destination in the Pacific Northwest and home to the 6th largest ski resort in America. Offering 4,300 skiable acres and 121 unique runs, Mt. Bachelor is easily one of the most popular attractions in Bend.
Ready to Move to Bend? Allied Van Lines Can Help
With fantastic weather, spectacular views, and an abundance of outdoor activities, you will never run out of things to do in Bend, Oregon. If you are preparing to relocate to this incredible city, let the professionals at Allied Van Lines help with your move. As a leader in the moving industry for more than 95 years, our knowledgeable and highly experienced specialists can guide you through the moving process. We offer a comprehensive list of moving services and our expertly trained staff can help you plan and execute a seamless move. Call Allied today for more information about how we can help with your move to Bend!