Firstly why Bend, Oregon?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Bend
• State: Oregon
• Population: 103,488 people
• Bend’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its stunning outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Cascade Lakes and the annual Bend Beer Fest.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 6,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its outdoor recreation and natural beauty attracting nature lovers

Perk #1: Bend Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 58%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $63,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Bend is $68,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $5000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Bend’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,479
• Property Tax %: 0.76%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,800
• Rent for an average house: $2,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: River West
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La-Pine, and probably could include Sunriver
• Avg. Age of Homes in Bend: 26 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Bend’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Bend are  Tourism, Healthcare, and Retail
• Bend Job Scene: growing job market in tourism and local services
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene primarily focused on outdoor tech and local businesses , ,
• Bend Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Bend: 8.2%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 170 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 11

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Bend

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 97 runs through Bend connecting it to key destinations
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on the Route 97
• Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Bend: 65,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Bend: oregon.gov/odot/dmv
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 74 of 100
• Local Airport: Redmond Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Bend’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Bend is best described as features dry warm summers and cold winters with low precipitation
• Winter Weather in Bend i’d describe as cool with snow
• Spring Weather in Bend can be described as cool with potential showers
• Summer’s in Bend are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Bend is usually cool with sunny days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 105 days in summer
• Days in a row in Bend below Freezing: 7
• Average Annual Rainfall: 13 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality primarily supported by natural settings
• Bend Winter Air generally good air quality with few pollution concerns

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Bend Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Bend 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Bends’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Bend Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Bend Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Bend only Doctors is about 25
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Bend only Police Officers is about 80
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Bend’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Bend’s Monthly Gym Membership: $60
• Bend’s Water Quality Score: 81

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Bend

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban center with easy access to outdoor recreation and arts
• You might enjoy live music at various local venues
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Bend  offers a lively nightlife with local breweries bars and dining options appealing to outdoor enthusiasts

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Bend

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a variety of restaurants focusing on local and organic ingredients
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Bend
• The Popular Sports Team is Bend Elks
• Top Level Political Climate in Bend can be described as politically progressive town focused on outdoor lifestyle
• Bend’s Longer standing religious establishment is Bend First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Bend Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Bend has 25 Parks?
• Shevlin Park is Bend’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Bend Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 2pm-6pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and outdoor sports

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Bend Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Bend can be described as moderately paced town with a focus on outdoor activities and local culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Bend hiking local trails exploring parks picnics at lakes
• The Cities people commute to from Bend are Springfield 6 miles away Junction-City 18 miles away Corvallis 25 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Bend or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on the Route 97. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Bend’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If River West is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Bend are Springfield 6 miles away Junction-City 18 miles away Corvallis 25 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Bend has 7 days in a row below freezing and 105 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Bend people have an average (positive or negative) $5000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Bend. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically progressive town focused on outdoor lifestyle could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Bend.

Retiree & Senior Life in Bend

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can qualify for property tax reductions aimed at helping balance housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Touchmark at Mount Bachelor
• Bend Senior Center hosts a variety of recreational activities community programs and support resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Bend, Oregon?

If Bend, Oregon ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Bend, Oregon, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!