Thinking about moving to Bend? You’re in good company. The recent influx of newcomers have made Bend the second fastest growing city in America.
Known for great outdoor recreation, year-round sunshine and friendly locals, living in Bend has its perks. But is the city right for you?
Today I’ll share what I love (and don’t love) about daily life in Bend. As you read this, keep in mind that these pros and cons are based on my personal experience, not everyone feels the same way.
Hopefully this answers some of your questions, if not, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help! Let’s get to the good stuff.
Perks of Moving to Bend
1. Year-Round Access to Nature
Living in Bend offers an unparalleled haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be hard pressed to find more stunning natural surroundings and recreational opportunities than those offered in Central Oregon. located in the heart of the Cascade Range, you’ll have easy access to outdoor activities year-round.
Come summer, the Deschutes River swells with kayakers, rafters, and fishers alike, while hikers and mountain bikers explore the countless trails in the nearby forests. In the winter, hit the slopes at Mount Bachelor, the 7th largest ski resort in the country.
There’s no reason to grow bored while living in Bend, especially if you consider yourself a nature nut.
If you’re overwhelmed by hiking options, I suggest reading: 20 JAW-DROPPING Hikes Near Bend, Oregon
2. The Beer Scene is Top-Notch
Pining for a pint after a long day on the slopes or trails? You’re in good hands. Bend is home to more than 30 craft breweries. Which means there’s roughly 16 breweries per 50,000 people — which means Bend has the third most breweries per capita of any US city.
The thriving beer scene spans the gamut. From time-tested classics like Deschutes Brewery to innovative newcomers pushing the boundaries, there’s a beer for every palate. And since Bend is keen on sourcing local ingredients, you’re bound to come across some clever concoctions (spruce tip beer, anyone?).
The best part about the city’s beer scene is the relaxed atmosphere that comes with it. The easy-going vibes make it easy to catch up with friends over pints of beer and food cart tacos while playing rounds of corn hole.
There’s a whole sense of community around the brew scene and kids are fair game at most breweries, so it’s a great way to connect with other parents (if that’s more your speed).
Not all breweries are created equal, here’s my personal roundup of the 15 Best Breweries in Bend.
3. Bend is Very Dog Friendly
I know, understatement of the century. I swear, sometimes it feels like having a dog is a requirement for moving to Bend. But don’t just take my word for it, Bend was named the best dog city in country in 2017. Cute pups are everywhere and locals are very friendly toward dog owners.
The city’s dog-friendly culture is further evidenced by the dizzying amount of pet-friendly businesses, like restaurants, breweries and hotels. Plus, with more than 50 miles of urban trails and an additional 50 miles of off-leash areas (including Riverbend Dog Park), living in Bend with a pup is a breeze.
4. Tons of Sunshine
Few people can confidently (and truthfully) say they live in a city with great weather year-round, but if you live in Bend, you’ll know this to be true. Bend is a four season town that averages 250 days of sunshine per year. This particulare advantage of this can’t be overstated.
First, year-round sunshine gives you an opportunity to enjoy Bend’s outdoor recreation. I mean, what good are world-class hiking trails if it rains half the year, right? Secondly, sunshine is known to boost mood and productivity.
For example, Portland is notorious for gray winters, so much so that residents often get diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The gray weather gets so depressing, most of my coworkers in Portland end up resorting to this handy tool to make it through the winter.
Thankfully, that’s not the case for those living in Bend. The high desert climate is characterized by mild winter temperatures, low humidity and summer heatwaves. Summer temperatures range around 80-90°F, whereas winter may see a handful of snow storms but the daily temps hover around 25-45°F.
#5. Bend is (Downright) Beautiful
One of my favorite things about living in Bend is getting to experience the beauty of the city on a daily basis. Bend is a small town through and through, in lieu of monolithic skyscrapers, you’ll see the towering peaks of the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor.
The Deschutes River meanders through the charming town, making daily life in Bend feel like living on a movie set some days. Where most cities have asphalt, Bend has nature.
The downtown area is full of local shops, great restaurants, cafes and breweries. The Old Mill District was once home to two lumber mills that were crucial to the local economy until the 20th century. The area was recently revitalized and transformed into a lively mixed-use district brimming with locals.
It also feels like the landscape is constantly changing. Bend transforms with the seasons, from vibrant wildflowers carpeting the hillsides in spring to fiery foliage in autumn. All this to say, living in Bend feels like a treat year-round because the city is well-kept, clean and thoughtfully designed.
You might enjoy reading: 20+ EPIC Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
6. The Laid-Back Vibe
Bend’s laid-back vibe is rooted in the city’s outdoor-centric lifestyle, with locals often prioritizing outdoor adventures over the hustle and bustle of urban life. With a population of 104K, Bend maintains a small-town feel while offering amenities typical of larger cities.
As such, retiring in Bend is a popular affair. Since 2010, the senior population in Deschutes Country has increased by 53%. But the retirement mindset isn’t reserved exclusively for locals that were old enough to vote for Carter in ’76, the laid-back lifestyles seems to be prevalent regardless of age.
7. The Food Scene
Taking cues from Portland and Seattle, Bend’s food scene is nothing to scoff at. The city is home to a variety of cuisines, from farm-to-table eateries to food trucks with an hour-long wait, you’ll find it all. Admittedly, fine dining options are limited, but what Bend lacks in numbers, it makes up for in quality.
One of my favorite places to celebrate a special occasion is Ariana Restaurant, followed by 900 Wall. However, most of my meals take place at breweries (I’m a big fan of the seasonal menu at 10 Barrel and Bend Brewing). But whenever I’m showing first-time visitors around, I always take them to El Sancho for tacos (so good!).
From gourmet burgers at Jackson’s Corner to artisanal pastries at Sparrow Bakery, the city’s culinary scene is one of the biggest perks of living in Bend.
8. Bend is an Artsy City
The city is home to tons of galleries, art studios and public art installations that showcase local and internationally renowned artists. The Tin Pan Alley Art Collection, a series of murals adorning the alleyways of downtown Bend is always fun to check out.
You might notice sculptures at all the roundabouts in town. Well, the Roundabout Art Route gets the credit. The sculptures (designed by local artists) are displayed throughout the city and feature various themes.
The monthly First Friday Art Walks draws art enthusiasts to explore the downtown galleries, enjoy live music, and meet with artists. Additionally, Bend hosts several annual arts festivals, including the Bend Summer Festival and Art in the High Desert, providing platforms for artists to share their work with the community.
if you’re moving to Bend as an artist, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people.
9. Bend is a Great Place to Raise a Family
If you’ve kids (or plan to), Bend is a great place to raise them. Admittedly, it does seem like dogs outnumber kids, but that’s not to say that you won’t see kids on a daily basis in restaurants, breweries and on hiking trails.
Better still, Bend is rated among the safest cities in Oregonthe parenting style seems to be pretty relaxed because folks don’t have their guards up. The city is packed to the brim with family-friendly activities, year-round outdoor recreation and great schools. You’ll be raising a little nature nut if you end up moving to Bend to start a family.
Disadvantages of Living in Bend
1. Wildfire Season
Like I mentioned earlier, Bend is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts but it can get troublesome during fire season. Evacuations aren’t common, but they’re typically on the radar for those living in Bend. This is something worth considering because the problem doesn’t seem to be improving.
Bend is located in the high desert surrounded by forests, so naturally the area is prone to wildfires. This became evident during the record-breaking wildfire season in 2020, when the hazardous air-quality in many Oregon cities forced people to stay inside for 4-5 days.
The constant fires and subsequent haze are reflective of changing weather patterns (climate change) and may get worse in future years. In my experience, July and August seem to be the worst months for wildfires. When wildfire smoke is in the forecast, the poor air quality gives me itchy eyes, coughing fits and overall fatigue. It’s not fun.
2. Reserved Locals
Like most cities experiencing rapid growth, a lot of long-term residents harbor resentment towards recent transplants. Bend is a great place to live and the secret is out, the recent influx of newcomers has caused Bend to grow from a small, remote town into a weekend destination.
This is understandable, when a town becomes popular the lines get longer and homes prices soar. You’re going to hear some grumbles! Since I’m sharing the honest pros and cons of living in Bend, Oregon, I want to be transparent about it.
I know the tendency is to focus on the negative, but there should also be some acknowledgement of the benefits of a growing city, too. Things like new restaurants, shops, school, jobs and diversity.
3. Living in Bend is (Super) Expensive
If you’re moving to Bend from a larger city you might find the prices in Bend incredibly reasonable. However, if you’re a local to Bend you probably know how much prices have increased over the years. Real estate hasn’t quite hit Jackson Hole prices yet but that seems to be the direction it’s headed.
The housing market is off the charts. We’re talking about starter 2-bedroom homes flirting with a million. The list price in Bend has increased by nearly 22% since last year alonewith median home prices at $812,400 in March 2024.
Compare that to median home prices of $530K in 2020 (record breaking highs at the time), and you can see how living in Bend is an expensive affair.
The surge in home prices reflects the city’s growing popularity as a desirable place to live. As demand continues to outpace supply, home prices are likely to remain high, making it an increasingly competitive market for buyers.
4. Lack of Diversity
In terms of racial diversity, Bend, has historically been predominantly White. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of the last available data, which is from 2020, approximately 88% of Bend’s population identifies as white. While efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are ongoing in Bend (city council is discussing options to make the city more diverse), there’s still progress to be made in making Bend more inclusive.
5. Limited Job Opportunities
Here’s the thing, with a population around 100K, Bend is technically a small town. As such, job opportunities aren’t as abundant as they’re in larger metropolitan areas. Making matter worse, Bend’s unemployment rate (4.5%) is slightly higher than the national average.
Bend’s economy is supported by a variety of sectors, including healthcare, tourism, technology, and outdoor recreation. Healthcare is a significant contributor to the local economy, with St. Charles Health System being one of the largest employers.
Additionally, the tourism industry, driven by Bend’s natural beauty and outdoor activities, creates numerous job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and related sectors.
Furthermore, Bend has emerged as a hub for technology startups and remote work, attracting professionals seeking a high quality of life combined with career opportunities. Overall, Bend’s hearty job market offers diverse opportunities for employment and career growth across various industries.
6. Bend is Remote
Bend is located in central Oregon, the closest large city is Portland, which is a 3-hour drive away. The high desert is beautiful but very remote. The advantage here’s that there’s a sizeable airport in Redmond (20 minute drive from Bend) that’s serviced by several major airlines like Alaska.
But still, whenever friends visit us in Bend, they often mention the automatic transfer they need to make from a larger airport, like Portland or San Francisco. Likewise, whenever we fly out to the east coast, we know there’s no way around a layover.
Pros & Cons of Living in Bend, Oregon (Summary)
In sum, these are the best pros and cons of living in Bend, Oregon
- Bend is a beautiful city
- The city is dog-friendly
- You’ll never go thirsty
- Bend is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts
- Bend is an artsy city
- It’s a great place to raise a family
- There’s great food options
- Easy going and laid back culture
- The weather is gorgeous
- Bend is expensive
- The locals are reserved
- Bend is remote
- Wildfire season
- Lack of job opportunities
- Lack of diversity
Helpful Bend Articles
- Living in Bend: 20 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Bend
- Things to Do: 20 Epic Things to Do in Bend
- Camping: The BEST Campgrounds in Bend, Oregon
- Hiking: 20 Best Hikes in Bend Oregon (and nearby!)
- Wine Bars: 10 Charming Bend Wine Bars to Visit
- Breweries: 15 Best Bend Breweries to Worth the Visit
- Coffee + Cafes: 8 Charming Cafes in Bend to Enjoy A Cup of Coffee
- Cocktail Bars: 5 Charming Cocktail Bars in Bend
- Waterfalls: 5 Amazing Waterfalls Near Bend Oregon
- Tumalo Mountain: Sunrise Hike to Tumalo Mountain
- Blue Pool: A Stunning Look at Bend’s Tamolitch Blue Pool
- Misery Ridge: Hiking the Epic Misery Ridge Trail
- Broken Top: Hiking the Epic Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake
Until next time!
Antonina
