The town of Bend, Oregon is situated on the eastern ridge of the magnificent Cascade Mountains. Because it rests in nearly the exact center of the state, Bend is an important hub, and is the most populated city in the region. The town enjoys an incredibly scenic location, which also provides locals with unlimited opportunities for exciting recreational activities. To the east of town is the high desert and the west is bordered by spectacular protected forest lands.

The magnificent Mount Bachelor is just twenty minutes outside of the center of town, and provides residents here some of the region's best skiing for over half of the year. The forest lands are an ideal place for hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. And with the town's arid Great Basin climate, Bend is renowned for its warm sunny days and brisk evenings.

With the highest possible quality of life to offer, Bend has become a popular relocation destination. There are currently around 59,779 residents living in the town, with a median age of thirty nine years old. Of the city's working-age population, over thirty six percent are employed in a professional or managerial capacity. An additional twenty six percent work in the service industry, while some fourteen percent are employed in the sales industry. The average household income in Bend is above the national average, coming in at around $40,857 per year.

Bend is the kind of town where newcomers immediately want to put down roots. Potential home buyers will find that over sixty percent of homes in the area are single-family detached style. Architectural styles vary from traditional styles such as Craftsman and Prairie to more modern designs. Lot sizes in the area tend to be large, giving homeowners a sense of privacy and security.

There are also some fantastic multi-family homes in Bend, including a variety of condominiums, town homes and duplexes. Some of these homes are available on the edge of one of the town's seven golf courses. Home ownership is an incredibly popular option in Bend, with about half of the town's residents choosing to own rather than rent their homes. These residents have seen a steady increase in their homes' values, making home ownership a wise investment as well. Recent real estate reports indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Bend is currently $180,500.

There is seemingly no end to the fairs, festivals and events that take place in Bend each year. The town turns out in droves for these events, which are designed to please young and older residents alike. One of the most popular parties in the area is held at the downtown location of Rademacher Square, where local restaurants serve up free samples of their tastiest dishes. Live jazz music plays, while residents catch up with their neighbors and browse through the stalls featuring handmade designer jewelry or stop to watch the fashion show.

Just outside of Bend are the towns of La Pine, Sunriver and Gilchrist. Characterized by incomparable natural beauty, and incredibly peaceful environments, these towns have become some of the most desirable addresses in Central Oregon. All three communities are situated adjacent to millions of acres of National Forest lands, ensuring against overdevelopment and providing locals with access to some of America's most breathtaking settings.

The Deschutes National Forest alone comprises over a million acres of forest, and is home to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Mount Jefferson, Diamond Peak, Three Sisters, Mount Washington, and the Cascade Lakes region. This makes the region a popular tourist destination, and a haven for everyday living. By all accounts, La Pine, Sunriver and Gilchrist are considered resort-style towns, with high-end amenities and services to cater to residents. Mount Bachelor is nearby and several outstanding golf courses are located in these communities. Bend is certainly the focal point of the area. But La Pine, Sunriver and Gilchrist could possibly be the state's best-kept secrets.

Residents here tend to be highly involved in their community, and almost everyone you meet is involved in some form of charitable work. For some residents, this means taking part in one of the city's many fundraisers, such as the Athletic Club boosters, Multiple Sclerosis Walk or the Cystic Fibrosis Run. Others prefer to support a host of environmental causes, such as Bend's incredibly popular Salmon Run, a fun-run to support river restoration in the area.

Bend is truly a vibrant and modern city, but maintains the feel of a cozy outpost of the Pacific Northwest. While the city is an important hub for the region, residential life here presents the highest possible quality of life. If you are thinking about moving, consider all that Bend, Oregon has to offer! To learn more about this spectacular community, simply request our "free relocation assistance" today.