Ever wondered why Bend, Oregon, is becoming a top pick for relocation? Well, you're in for a treat! In this video, I'm thrilled to share the five things that make living in Bend truly exceptional. Just like many others, I made the move here from elsewhere, and after nearly two decades, I've discovered what makes this place so special. Keep reading to discover my top 5 reasons to live in Bend.
Reasons to Live in Bend (Based on my experience):
1. Size
In my opinion, the size is just right. Bend has grown a lot, and at the time of making this video, the population was just over 110,000. Bend has relatively quickly transitioned from kind of a Western logging town to a thriving city. With this growth, Bend has created more opportunities for employment, recreation, dining, kids programs, shopping, and concerts and theater. All of this is pretty accessible too. For example, most Bend residents can get to the Old Mill Amphitheater for a concert in about 10 minutes or less. And the best part is you can then get home pretty quickly and be in bed about 10 minutes later.
2. Geographical Wonderland
I think the geographical layout distinguishes Bend from any other city. Right in the heart of Bend, you will see the Deschutes River, which is not only scenic but provides recreation opportunities. And what’s really special is that the Deschutes River flows through the downtown and Old Mill. So maybe you’re out for a stroll around town, and there it is, the river, adding magic to your day. And those views! When you look off to the west, you see the stunning and often snow-capped Cascade Mountains. The nearby mountains, including the Three Sisters, Mount Bachelor, and Broken Top, contribute to the city’s picturesque surroundings and also offer outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other mountain-related activities year-round. As if that isn’t enough, off to the east, you can explore the arid high desert landscape, which features sagebrush, juniper trees, and high desert terrain. Where else can you find this much diversity, fun, and beauty packed into one area?
3. Trail Bliss
Alright, trail enthusiasts, this one's for you. Bend excels in trail planning and green spaces. Almost anywhere in town, you can hop on a trail and feel miles away from the hustle and bustle. This was a big deal for my husband and me when we moved to Bend. We dreamed of a place where we could just step out and hit the trails. In Bend, this dream is a reality for many.
4. Weather
Okay, it’s not perfect, but overall, I love that we have four seasons and lots of blue skies and sunshine. Growing up in Olympia, Washington, I thought I knew all about the Pacific Northwest climate. But Bend? It's a whole other story. Bend is in the high desert and has a much dryer climate and four distinct seasons. Fall is my favorite season in Bend, it brings cooler weather and vibrant colors. Winters are cold, often accompanied by some snowfall in town, but most of that snow stays in the mountains.
5. The Heart of Bend- It's People
This is the big one you’ve been waiting for. What I cherish most about Bend is its people. Many of us, including myself, came from different places, choosing Bend as our forever home. It’s this mix of backgrounds and the collective love for an authentic, community-driven lifestyle that bonds us. These shared values and aspirations create a strong connection among us.
Now, I don’t want to mislead you into thinking that Bend is all smiles and high-fives. Reach out for the full scoop!
If you have any questions about Bend, feel free to send me an email or give me a call. I’m always happy to help!