# Guide to Bend

> Your Guide to Living in Bend, Oregon


## Posts

- [Driving the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: The Best Day Trip From Bend This Spring](https://guidetobend.com/driving-the-cascade-lakes-scenic-byway-the-best-day-trip-from-bend-this-spring/): Photo: Another Believer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) There is a stretch of road just outside Bend that makes every other scenic drive you have ever taken feel like a commute. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway winds 66 miles through volcanic terrain, alpine meadows, and a chain of impossibly blue lakes framed by snow-dusted peaks. It is one of those rare drives where you want to pull over every half mile, and you probably should. The byway typically opens in late May or early June once the snowplows clear Century Drive west of Mt. Bachelor. That means right now […]
- [Bend's Best Waterfalls to Chase This Spring](https://guidetobend.com/bends-best-waterfalls-to-chase-this-spring/): Photo: Another Believer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Spring in Bend means one thing above all else: the mountains are melting. As snowpack from the Cascades works its way downhill through May and into June, creeks and rivers swell to their most dramatic levels of the year. For waterfall chasers, this is the season you have been waiting for. The trails are waking up, the air is crisp, and every cascade within driving distance of Bend is putting on a show. Whether you are visiting Central Oregon for the first time or you have lived here for years and […]
- [The Old Mill District: Your Complete Guide to Bend's Favorite Gathering Spot](https://guidetobend.com/the-old-mill-district-your-complete-guide-to-bends-favorite-gathering-spot/): Photo: Bend Oregon Real Estate / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) If you only have one afternoon in Bend, spend it at the Old Mill District. Stretching across 270 acres along the banks of the Deschutes River, this open-air shopping and entertainment hub sits on land that once housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. Today, those smokestacks and timber yards have given way to more than 55 restaurants, boutiques, and outdoor recreation opportunities — all framed by views of the Cascade Mountains that will stop you mid-stroll. Whether you are visiting Bend for the first time […]
- [Dog-Friendly Bend: Where to Take Your Four-Legged Best Friend](https://guidetobend.com/dog-friendly-bend-where-to-take-your-four-legged-best-friend/): Photo: Unsplash Bend might just be the most dog-friendly city in Oregon, and that’s saying something in a state that already loves its pups. Walk through any part of town on a sunny afternoon and you’ll see dogs on brewery patios, dogs on paddleboards, dogs trotting alongside mountain bikes, and dogs splashing in the Deschutes River. If you’re moving to Bend with a furry companion, you’ve picked the right place. The culture here revolves around the outdoors, and Bend residents firmly believe their dogs should be part of every adventure. Most breweries welcome dogs on their patios, many restaurants have […]
- [Smith Rock: The Ultimate Day Trip from Bend](https://guidetobend.com/smith-rock-the-ultimate-day-trip-from-bend/): Photo: Max Schwarz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5) Just 30 minutes north of Bend lies one of Oregon’s most dramatic landscapes. Smith Rock State Park rises from the high desert floor like a cathedral of volcanic tuff and basalt, its rust-colored spires and sheer cliff faces drawing rock climbers, hikers, and photographers from around the globe. For Bend residents, it’s the perfect day trip that never gets old. Smith Rock is widely considered the birthplace of American sport climbing. In the 1980s, climbers like Alan Watts pioneered routes here that pushed the limits of difficulty, and the park has […]
- [Phil's Trail: Why Bend Is a Mountain Biking Paradise](https://guidetobend.com/phils-trail-why-bend-is-a-mountain-biking-paradise/): Photo: BLM Oregon & Washington / Wikimedia Commons (public domain) If you’ve ever wondered why mountain bikers from around the world flock to Bend, Oregon, the answer often starts with two words: Phil’s Trail. This legendary network of singletrack winds through sun-dappled ponderosa pine forests on the western edge of town, offering everything from flowy beginner loops to gnarly technical descents that will challenge even the most seasoned riders. Phil’s Trail system encompasses over 30 miles of interconnected trails, making it one of the most extensive urban trail networks in the Pacific Northwest. The signature trail itself is a rolling, […]
- [Farm Fresh: A Guide to Bend's Farmers Markets](https://guidetobend.com/farm-fresh-a-guide-to-bends-farmers-markets/): Photo: Unsplash One of the things that makes Bend feel like more than just a ski town with good vibes is its deep connection to local food. And nothing showcases that connection better than Bend’s farmers markets, where you can shop directly from the people who grow, raise, and make your food. Bend Farmers Market (Downtown) Located in Brooks Alley in downtown Bend, the Wednesday farmers market runs from May through October, 11 AM to 3 PM. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and local honey to handmade pasta, artisan cheese, and flowers. The vendors are almost exclusively local farmers, […]
- [Northwest Crossing: Bend's Most Walkable Neighborhood](https://guidetobend.com/northwest-crossing-bends-most-walkable-neighborhood/): Photo: NorthWest Crossing Ask any real estate agent about Bend’s most sought-after neighborhoods, and Northwest Crossing (NWX) will be at the top of the list. This master-planned community on the west side of Bend has become a model for what modern mountain-town living can look like. The Vibe NWX feels like a small town within a town. Homes line tree-shaded streets connected by miles of walking paths. Kids ride bikes to the neighborhood park. Neighbors actually know each other. The community was designed with connection in mind, and it shows. Photo: Unsplash The Village At the heart of Northwest Crossing […]
- [The Coffee Lover's Guide to Bend, Oregon](https://guidetobend.com/the-coffee-lovers-guide-to-bend-oregon/): Photo: Unsplash Bend runs on sunshine, mountain air, and really, really good coffee. Whether you need a pre-hike espresso, a cozy work-from-café spot, or a lazy Sunday latte with a view, Bend’s coffee scene has you completely covered. Thump Coffee With multiple locations around town, Thump is Bend’s homegrown roaster. Their beans are sourced from small farms around the world and roasted locally. The downtown location is always buzzing, but the flagship spot on Greenwood Avenue has the best patio for people-watching. Photo: Unsplash Strictly Organic Coffee Company Since 1999, Strictly Organic has been roasting fair-trade, organic, and sustainably-grown coffee […]
- [Mt. Bachelor: Your Backyard Ski Resort Just 20 Minutes Away](https://guidetobend.com/mt-bachelor-your-backyard-ski-resort-just-20-minutes-away/): Photo: Bonnie Moreland / Wikimedia Commons (public domain) One of the biggest perks of living in Bend? Having the seventh-largest ski resort in the country practically in your backyard. Mt. Bachelor sits just 22 miles west of downtown Bend, and on a powder day, you can be clicking into your bindings in under 30 minutes. The Mountain Mt. Bachelor is a dormant volcano that rises to 9,065 feet, offering 360-degree skiing off the summit — something very few resorts in the world can claim. With 4,318 acres of skiable terrain, 101 runs, and 12 lifts (including the Summit Express), there’s […]
- [Your Guide to Floating the Deschutes River This Summer](https://guidetobend.com/your-guide-to-floating-the-deschutes-river-this-summer/): Photo: Robert Ashworth / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) When the thermometer climbs past 80 and the sun doesn’t set until 9 PM, there’s only one thing Bend locals are thinking about: floating the Deschutes. Every summer, over 250,000 people take to the river on tubes, paddleboards, and kayaks — and if you haven’t done it yet, this is your year. The Classic Float Route The most popular route runs from Riverbend Park to Drake Park, a mellow 2-hour float through the heart of Bend. You’ll drift past the Old Mill District, under historic footbridges, and through some of the […]
- [Why Bend Is the Craft Beer Capital of Oregon](https://guidetobend.com/why-bend-is-the-craft-beer-capital-of-oregon/): Photo: UpdateNerd / Wikimedia Commons (CC0) With over 30 breweries packed into a town of just 110,000 people, Bend has one of the highest breweries-per-capita ratios in the country. Whether you’re a hophead, a sour lover, or a stout devotee, there’s a taproom in Bend that’s basically been waiting for you. The Pioneers It all started with Deschutes Brewery back in 1988, when a small brewpub opened on Bond Street in downtown Bend. Fast-forward to today, and Deschutes is one of the largest craft breweries in the nation — but they’ve never lost that Central Oregon soul. Their Mirror Pond […]
- [7 Hiking Trails in Bend That Will Take Your Breath Away](https://guidetobend.com/7-hiking-trails-in-bend-that-will-take-your-breath-away/): Photo: Another Believer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) If you moved to Bend for the trails — honestly, same. With over 300 miles of hiking trails within a short drive of downtown, Bend is a hiker’s paradise no matter your skill level. Here are seven trails that show off the best of what Central Oregon has to offer. Tumalo Falls This is the one you’ve seen on every Bend Instagram account, and for good reason. The 97-foot cascade is just a short walk from the parking lot, but if you’re feeling ambitious, the trail continues upstream past nearly a […]

## Pages

- [Press Kit — Guide to Bend](https://guidetobend.com/press/): Media-ready overview of Guide to Bend — one-liners, boilerplate, founder bios, and press contact.
- [Sunriver](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/sunriver/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Sunriver. The original Central Oregon resort community — 17 miles south of Bend, vacation-rental friendly, and a different value calculus from any in-Bend neighborhood. The neighborhood, briefly Sunriver is the original Central Oregon resort community — 3,300 acres planned out in 1968, located 17 miles south of Bend along the Deschutes River. It’s defined by paved bike paths, multiple golf courses, the SHARC aquatic center, restaurants, a small commercial Village, and an inventory heavily skewed toward vacation rentals and second homes. Buyers come to Sunriver for resort lifestyle (active outdoors, amenity-rich, family-friendly), STR-friendly rules unusual for […]
- [Tumalo](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/tumalo/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Tumalo. The rural-but-close enclave just north of Bend — equestrian properties, well water, big skies, and a different pace from the city. The neighborhood, briefly Tumalo is the unincorporated rural community immediately north of Bend — a 10-minute drive from downtown but a meaningfully different way of life. Properties run from one-acre minimums to 20-acre ranches, most on well water and septic systems rather than city services. The community has a small commercial core (Tumalo Garden Market, Cascade Lakes Brewing Tumalo), a country feel, and equestrian activity — fences, barns, and pastures are normal. Buyers come […]
- [Mountain View](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/mountain-view/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Mountain View. The eastside family staple near Pilot Butte — established neighborhoods, strong trail access, and reliable family-home value. The neighborhood, briefly Mountain View is one of Bend’s largest and most established eastside neighborhoods — developed mostly through the 1980s and 1990s on the slopes east of the Bend Parkway near Pilot Butte. Most homes are mid-sized family homes on standard suburban lots, with mature landscaping and stable owner turnover. It’s an unglamorous, reliable Bend neighborhood where a lot of long-time locals raised their families. Buyers come for affordability relative to the westside, established trees, easy […]
- [Tetherow](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/tetherow/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Tetherow. The west-side luxury golf community — Cascade views, semi-private course, modern homes, and a defined ‘community’ feel. The neighborhood, briefly Tetherow is the master-planned golf community on Bend’s southwest side — anchored by a David McLay Kidd 18-hole course, a small luxury hotel, restaurants, fitness amenities, and roughly 700 single-family lots developed since 2007. Homes are mostly modern, built to a consistent design palette with significant Cascade views from much of the community. Tetherow buyers are usually trading walkable urban density for amenity-rich resort living. It’s the only Bend neighborhood where you can walk from […]
- [Boyd Acres](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/boyd-acres/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Boyd Acres. The eastside, mid-priced family neighborhood for buyers who want practical Bend ownership without sticker shock. The neighborhood, briefly Boyd Acres is a north-central eastside Bend neighborhood that’s been quietly serving working and middle-class Bend families since the 1970s. Housing stock is mostly ranch-style homes on flat lots, much of it built in the 1970s through 1990s. It’s one of the most accessible Bend neighborhoods price-wise, which is increasingly rare. Buyers come for the budget-friendly entry point, larger lots than westside neighborhoods, and proximity to north-side amenities and the airport. By the numbers · North-central […]
- [Old Farm District](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/old-farm-district/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Old Farm District. The eastside value play — established trees, family-friendly streets, and meaningfully more square footage per dollar than the westside. The neighborhood, briefly The Old Farm District is one of the eastside’s most popular family neighborhoods — built primarily through the 1990s and early 2000s on quarter-acre to half-acre lots, with mature trees, established yards, and a quiet residential feel. It sits between Reed Market Road and Knott Road, east of the Bend Parkway. Buyers who weigh westside walkability against eastside value usually find Old Farm wins on square footage per dollar. It’s the […]
- [Old Bend](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/old-bend/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Old Bend. The historic core — walkable to downtown, the Deschutes, Drake Park, and the most charming housing stock in the city. The neighborhood, briefly Old Bend is the historic core of the city — the streets between downtown Bend, Drake Park, and the Deschutes River where the original 1900s housing stock still stands. Charming bungalows, restored craftsman homes, and the occasional new build occupy small lots on tree-lined streets. It’s the most walkable neighborhood in Bend, with downtown, the river, three breweries, and the food scene all within minutes on foot. Inventory is tight, prices […]
- [Awbrey Butte](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/awbrey-butte/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Awbrey Butte. The west-side hill of Bend — bigger lots, Cascade views, and the executive end of the relocation market. The neighborhood, briefly Awbrey Butte is the hill that defines Bend’s west-side skyline — roughly 280 acres on the actual butte plus surrounding extensions, with quarter-acre to multi-acre lots, mature ponderosa pines, and panoramic Cascade views from many properties. Development started in the 1980s and continues today with newer custom homes infilling alongside established estates. The neighborhood skews older and wealthier than NWX — fewer kids on bikes, more empty-nesters and executives, no walkable commercial core. […]
- [Northwest Crossing](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/northwest-crossing/): A Bend Neighborhood Guide Northwest Crossing. The master-planned westside neighborhood that became the standard relocating families compare every other Bend neighborhood to. The neighborhood, briefly Northwest Crossing — NWX to locals — is roughly 600 acres on Bend’s west side, developed starting in 2003 with sidewalks on every street, three walkable parks, a small commercial core, and architectural guidelines that keep the streetscape coherent. It’s the most popular relocation pick for families who want a walkable, kid-friendly neighborhood with newer construction and the Summit High School feeder pattern. Pricing is among the highest in Bend by square foot, and the […]
- [About Bend](https://guidetobend.com/about-bend/): A Central Oregon Dispatch About Bend. Fifty answers to the questions visitors, future neighbors, and curious newcomers actually ask — written by people who live here. Living in Bend What kind of person thrives in Bend? People who actively use the outdoors thrive in Bend; people who don’t, often don’t. The honest pattern after a decade of helping families move here: the ones who stay long-term ski or snowshoe in winter, hike or paddle in summer, and treat the geography as their main amenity. The ones who leave usually expected a small Pacific Northwest version of Portland and found themselves […]
- [About Us](https://guidetobend.com/about-us/): THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE GUIDE Meet Team Homeward Found We fell in love with Bend, Oregon. Now we want to share it with the world. WHO WE ARE Chance & Tianna We’re Chance and Tianna Waite-Jackson — a husband and wife team, adventurers at heart, and proudly rooted in Central Oregon. We moved to Bend because something about this place just clicked. The mountains, the rivers, the craft beer scene, the people who wave at you on the trail — it all felt like home from day one. When we’re not working, you’ll find us mountain biking Phil’s Trail, kayaking […]
- [Get in Touch](https://guidetobend.com/get-in-touch/): LET’S CONNECT Get in Touch Have questions about Bend? Thinking about visiting or relocating? Whether you’re planning a visit, exploring a move, or just curious about the community — we’d love to hear from you. REACH OUT Let’s Connect We’re Chance and Tianna Jackson — a husband-and-wife real estate team behind Team Homeward Found at Realty One Group Discovery. We built Guide to Bend because we’re passionate about helping people discover the magic of this city. Whether you’re looking for neighborhood recommendations, relocation tips, or just want to chat about what makes Bend so special — don’t hesitate to reach […]
- [Explore Bend](https://guidetobend.com/enter-the-chat/): LIFE IN BEND Enter the Chat Real perspectives from people who live, work, and play in Bend. Insider tips, local takes, and honest conversations about what it’s really like to call this mountain town home. LOCAL PERSPECTIVES What Locals Want You to Know Bend isn’t just a vacation destination — it’s a real city with real people building real lives. The locals who make Bend special are outdoor guides, small business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, artists, and tech professionals who chose this place because of how it makes them feel. The community is welcoming but values authenticity. People here work […]
- [Relocation](https://guidetobend.com/relocation/)
- [Neighborhoods](https://guidetobend.com/neighborhoods/): FIND YOUR PLACE IN BEND Bend Neighborhoods Bend’s neighborhoods each carry their own character, from master-planned communities with mountain views to established areas with tree-lined streets and local charm. Whether you’re drawn to walkable village centers, luxury resort living, or family-friendly cul-de-sacs, there’s a corner of Bend that feels like home. Northwest Bend Where master-planned communities meet mountain views and trail systems Northwest Crossing Northwest Crossing is Bend’s flagship master-planned community and one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city. What makes it unique is its walkable village center with local shops, restaurants, and a community gathering feel that’s […]
- [Things to Do](https://guidetobend.com/things-to-do/)
- [Homepage](https://guidetobend.com/): WELCOME TO BEND Where The High Desert Meets The Cascades Guide to Bend, Oregon — Things To Do, Neighborhoods & Relocation Skip to main content Guide to Bend ☰ Things to Do Neighborhoods Relocation About Contact Downtown Bend Old Mill District NorthWest Crossing A Central Oregon Dispatch Start With The Light. You notice it first at the top of Pilot Butte: the way the sun catches the snow on the Three Sisters, the way the pine forest rolls east into sagebrush, the way the whole valley seems to tilt toward the mountains. Bend does that to people. It tilts them […]

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