EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Relocating to Bend
Moving to Bend is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make. To help you plan your transition, we’ve compiled everything you need to know — from housing and schools to weather and what daily life actually looks like.
POPULATION & GROWTH
A City on the Rise
Bend’s population has grown from around 80,000 in 2010 to over 110,000 today, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in Oregon. The Bend metro area (Deschutes County) is home to roughly 210,000 residents. Growth has averaged 2–3% annually over the past decade, driven by remote workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families seeking a higher quality of life. The city is planning for continued growth with new infrastructure, transit improvements, and housing developments.
HOME BUYING & HOUSING
Finding Your Home
The median home price in Bend sits around $650,000–$725,000, varying by neighborhood. Entry-level homes in east Bend start in the mid-$400Ks, while luxury properties on the westside and in resort communities can exceed $2M. The rental market is competitive — expect $1,800–$2,500/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. New construction is active in Discovery West, SE Bend, and along the 27th Street corridor. Working with a local real estate agent who knows Bend’s micro-markets is essential.
EDUCATION
Schools & Learning
Bend-La Pine Schools serves the area with 23 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 5 high schools (including Summit, Mountain View, and Bend Senior High). Several charter and private options include Cascades Academy and Seven Peaks School. For higher education, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) offers two-year programs, and Oregon State University–Cascades provides four-year degrees right in Bend. The district consistently ranks among Oregon’s top-performing school systems.
HEALTHCARE
Medical Care & Wellness
St. Charles Health System is the region’s primary healthcare provider, operating a major medical center in Bend with a Level II trauma center, cancer treatment center, and comprehensive specialty services. The system also includes urgent care clinics throughout the city. Additional providers include The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care, Mosaic Medical (community health), and a growing number of naturopathic and wellness practitioners. Bend’s healthcare infrastructure continues to expand with new facilities in south and east Bend.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting Around Bend
Bend is a car-friendly city with most destinations within a 15-minute drive. Cascades East Transit (CET) provides public bus routes throughout Bend and connections to Redmond, La Pine, and Sisters. The city’s extensive bike lane network makes cycling a viable year-round transportation option — many residents commute by bike. Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is just 20 minutes north and offers direct flights to major hubs including Portland, Seattle, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix via Alaska, United, American, and Allegiant airlines. Portland International Airport (PDX) is approximately 3 hours by car via Highway 97 and Highway 26.
WEATHER & SEASONS
Four Seasons of Adventure
Bend enjoys a high desert climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Here’s what to expect:
Summer (June–Sept): Warm and dry, highs of 75–90°F. Low humidity. Long daylight hours. This is peak outdoor season.
Fall (Oct–Nov): Crisp and golden, highs of 45–65°F. Aspens turn, crowds thin, and the city takes on a cozy energy.
Winter (Dec–March): Cold and snowy, highs of 35–45°F. Average snowfall of 25–35 inches in town. Mt. Bachelor receives 400+ inches.
Spring (April–May): Variable but warming, highs of 50–65°F. Wildflowers bloom, rivers swell, and the cycling season begins.
SAFETY & CRIME
A Safe Place to Call Home
Bend is consistently ranked as one of the safer cities in Oregon. Violent crime rates are well below the national average, and most neighborhoods report very low crime. Property crime (primarily vehicle break-ins and bike theft) is the most common concern. The Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serve the area, along with a strong network of neighborhood watch programs. Like any growing city, Bend faces challenges related to housing affordability and houselessness, but the community is actively working on solutions through public-private partnerships and social service organizations.
DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH
Building the Future
Bend is investing heavily in its future. Key projects include the Midtown Master Plan — a transformative urban renewal project along the Galveston corridor connecting downtown to east Bend with mixed-use development, bike lanes, and public plazas. The Juniper Ridge area in NE Bend is being developed as a regional employment hub. Discovery West continues to expand as a model sustainable community. The city is also expanding its transit network, building new roundabouts and bike infrastructure, and planning for a future regional transit hub.
LIFESTYLE
What Life Feels Like Here
Life in Bend revolves around the outdoors. It’s normal to mountain bike before work, paddleboard at lunch, and catch a brewery sunset after dinner. The culture is casual, active, and community-oriented. Dogs are everywhere — and welcome almost everywhere. Farmers’ markets run from May through October. The local food scene is farm-to-table focused. Dress code? Functional and outdoorsy. Patagonia and trail shoes are business casual here. People are friendly, engaged in their neighborhoods, and genuinely passionate about where they live.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Making the Move
Moving to Bend means embracing a slower pace without sacrificing ambition. Here’s what newcomers should know:
The housing market moves fast. Be prepared with pre-approval and a local agent before you start looking.
Winter driving is real. Invest in snow tires and learn the mountain pass conditions (Hwy 20, Hwy 97).
Community is everything. Join a running group, volunteer, show up at a neighborhood event. Bend rewards those who engage.
The sunshine is legit. 300+ days a year. But so is the high desert dryness — bring your chapstick and humidifier.
You’ll never be bored. The hardest part of living in Bend is choosing what to do next.