Bend, OR, known as 'The Outdoor Playground of the West,' offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern urban amenities. Located in Deschutes County, Bend is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Portland (162 miles) and Eugene (128 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Bend's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Bend is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Deschutes National Forest, the historic Old Mill District, and the scenic Pilot Butte. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful High Desert Museum to the bustling Downtown Bend, known for its shopping and dining. Bend's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Bend Summer Festival and the BendFilm Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Bend's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Oregon State University - Cascades contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Bend is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Tower Theatre and the Bend Art Center are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Bend provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Bend’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Bend Elks (baseball) and the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) in nearby Portland, providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Bend include healthcare, tourism, and technology, with significant employers such as St. Charles Health System and Les Schwab Tire Centers driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and bike paths, making transportation convenient for residents.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Bend, Oregon is a medium-sized city with a population of 99,174 people. In Bend, there are 3,005 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The majority of Bend residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Bend will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Bend, Oregon could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Bend and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Oregon and national averages.
With a livability score of 84 out of 100, Bend is ranked #610 in the United States and #30 in Oregon. This is a terrific score, as Bend ranks well in multiple categories! Bend also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Bend has received high marks for crime (A-), education (A), employment (B) and housing (B+). Unfortunately for Bend, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).
If you're considering living in Bend, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Bend provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Bend are: Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tours, Sun Country Raft Tours, and Let it Ride Electric Bike Tours.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Bend has a violent crime rate of 168 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bend apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Bend. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Bend are affordable. The median home price for Bend homes is $726,605, which is 64.3% higher than the Oregon average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bend, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.1, which is 26.8% higher than the Oregon average.
| Statistic | Bend | Oregon | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 70.7% | 71.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.2% | 10.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 4.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.2% | 2.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.0% | 3.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 13.7% | 6.4% | 4.6% |
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