Bend is called “Oregon’s secret” because of its beauty. The scenery in the city is enough to make you believe this. Are you thinking of living in Bend, Oregon? Here’s all the guidance you need.
In this article, I’ll discuss 17 pros and cons of living in Bend, Oregon. Let’s get started!
What’s Life Like in Bend, Oregon?
Here’s what it’s like living in Bend — scenery, fishing, skiing, golf, and adventure. Bend is located towards the border of the Cascades, on the Deschutes River.
In 2022, Bend, Oregon was confirmed to have about 103,686 residents. And the economy? Bend’s economy is a thriving one — especially in tourism.
Bend is a high desert city. The expansive area is filled with luster and greenery, stunning rock formations, old juniper trees, and buildings. But beyond the scenery, let’s explore all you should expect from Bend.
Summary of Pros and Cons of Living in Bend, Oregon
| Pros of Living in Bend, Oregon | Cons of Living in Bend, Oregon |
| Beautiful Scenery | Clouds for Winter |
| Bend is an Affordable City | Refuse Disposal Problems |
| Summer is Great in Bend | Water Scarcity |
| Forests are Accessible and Well-Kept | History of Volcanoes |
| Prices of Good are Reasonable | Sparse Employment Opportunities |
Advantages of Living in Bend, Oregon
1. Beautiful Scenery
If this is not the first thing you notice in Bend, Oregon, what else? Bend is beautiful! If anything, tourists first visit Bend because of the beauty. Other things are secondary. Explore the top 5 attractions in Bend Oregon, and tell the difference!
2. Bend is an Affordable City
In comparison with places like Seattle and San Francisco, Bend, Oregon is much more affordable. Residents from Seattle and San Francisco are often pleased when their budget is more than enough. In 2020, the price of one square foot in Seattle was double the price for the same in Bend, Oregon.
3. Summer is Great in Bend
Bend has more sunny days than cloudy days. The average precipitation is 12 inches each year. Cold seasons in Bend run from 13th November to 2nd March — making it 3.6 months in a year.
December is the coldest month. The best summer months are from the middle of July to August. Weatherspark has a detailed description of Bend weather.
4. Forests are Accessible and Well-Kept
People avoid exploring the forests because of the dangers that come with them. In Bend, Oregon, you’re welcome to explore the forests without ill feelings. The Deschutes National Forest is the biggest there is! You should check it out when you get to Bend.
5. Prices of Goods are Reasonable
Supermarkets are not overly pricey. If you’re looking to get affordable groceries, Tripadvisor got you! If you’re looking to get clothes, books, and other supplies, Wanderlog is a great site to guide you.
6. Many RV Options
Residents of Bend, Oregon use a lot of recreational vans. Because of this, you’ll find a lot of RV parks where you can camp. Guess what? It’s totally legal to live on these campgrounds. Some of them are
- Crown Villa RV Resort
- Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort
- Scandia Village
- Hidden Pines RV Park
- Crane Prairie Resort & RV Park
7. Many Activities to Partake in
What’s a beautiful city without activities to partake in? Tripadvisor has the 15 best things to do when in Bend. Some of them include
- Private sightseeing tours (Viewing the night sky is a thing there).
- Museum exploration
- A visit to Tumalo Falls
- View the extinct volcano at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
8. The skies are Splendid
Let’s go stargazing in Bend, Oregon! You’ll enjoy Bend’s skies when they’re visible, that is. There are a couple of places where you can have this luxury. Here are some:
9. Bend Residents are Reserved, yet Friendly
Unlike big cities where you find rude, uninterested citizens, Bend is different. While its residents are calm and reserved, they’re an amiable bunch.
10. Best Bus Stop for Retirees
Bend is one of the top retirement destinations. With a thriving economy, Bend has favorable conditions that benefit retirees. One of them is its world-class medicine.
St. Charles Medical Center is a hospital capable of housing about 230,000 people. It has over 240 doctors and 1,950 caregivers. If anything, efficient health care is one thing retirees need.
11. Opportunity to Learn Other Languages
Bend, Oregon has the Bend Language Institute, where in-person and remote classes are offered for a wide variety of languages. They include Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Italian, Arabic, Russian, and Japanese, to mention a few.
Downsides of Living in Bend, Oregon
1. Clouds for Winter
Yes, Bend is beautiful, but you don’t want to be here in the winter. Unlike other snowy areas, Bend snow is only an average of two feet each year. In place of snow, you get stormy weather and clouds. This makes it hard to navigate the roads when driving.
2. Refuse Disposal Problems
It’s difficult to get rid of the trash in Bend, and RVers only produce a small bag of trash per week. The landfills charge about $22 minimum for about one or two bags of trash.
However, there are upcoming disposal and recycling services you can contact. There’s one in Cascade; Central Oregon also has one.
3. Water Scarcity
This is a general Oregon issue — water is a hard resource to come by. Since groundwater is a major source in Bend, any interruption will be inimical.
Since 1997, there’s been a huge decline in groundwater supply. The recent United States Geological Survey confirms this. If you’re to live in Bend, be sure to confirm the water supply to your home.
If you live in a recreational van, it’s also challenging to get it cleaned unless you have a spigot or you live in town.
4. History of Volcanoes
Bend, Oregon is famous for its age-long volcanic eruptions. Many buildings are found in areas with a history of volcanic activity. However, there’s a very tiny chance that these volcanoes will reoccur in Bend. But it’s important to keep this in mind.
5. Sparse Employment Opportunities
Bend is one of those places residents struggle to find jobs. It’s worse when you’re not in the field of health or tourism, which are the most thriving of all industries.
6. High Chances of Wildfires
If you love it outside, wildfire is something to be informed about — especially in the summer. Residents say that even the grasses give off a burnt smell. This is something to note, but it shouldn’t deter you from living in Bend.
Finally
Unlike other big cities, Living in Bend, Oregon may deny you some pleasures, but the benefits are worthwhile. In 2021, Bend, Oregon ranked 96st best place to live. Residents believe it’s one of the smallest towns to live in the United States.
While you consider the pros and cons discussed in this article, take your time to make a decision. No pressure!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Bend, Oregon
Is it safe to live in Bend, Oregon?
Yes; the crime rate in Bend is relatively lower than the national average. On Niche, residents gave reviews from their personal experiences. One resident says it’s 54% safe. Another said there’s no crime, so to say. Another said there’s crime in Bend, but they don’t feel threatened by it.
What is the main industry in Bend, Oregon?
Bend, Oregon is committed to the industry of healthcare and bioscience. St Charles hospital employs the most significant number of individuals. Other key industries are tourism, brewing, building products, and technology.
How White is Bend, Oregon?
According to the United States Census Bureau, Bend is 91.3% white. However, you’ll find Blacks, Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Hispanics in smaller populations.
Is Bend, Oregon, sunnier than Portland?
Yes. Sunny days in Bend are 12.5% more than that in Portland.
Where are the best neighborhoods in Bend, Oregon?
It depends on what you’re interested in. Northwest Bend is the best fit for those who want to explore outdoor activities. You can easily access mountain biking, hiking, and many leisure parks.
In Northeast Bend, you have easy access to St Charles hospital, the biggest and most efficient medical service in Bend. If you have a medical issue, or if you’re a retiree, it’s safe to live closer to the hospital.
Southeast Bend is for those searching for a reserved, laidback life. It’s not so noisy and is a mixture of established communities.
Southwest Bend has a lot of beauty to it. You’ll find most of the scenic trails in Southwest Bend, but this doesn’t make other places any less aesthetic. It’s your choice!
