City Town Info

Bend, OR


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Bend, Oregon

Introduction to Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon, in Deschutes county, is 121 miles SE of Portland, Oregon. Bend is situated along the banks of the Deschutes River near the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountain Range. It's located in the central portion of Oregon and the landscape features Ponderosa Pine as well as a high desert plateau. Bend is a popular destination for a variety of outdoor activities. Tourism is a major factor for the economy.

Healthcare, social services, scientific and technical services and wood products manufacturing are prominent parts of the economy. It's a popular retirement location. The city features a high desert climate with sunny days and cool nights. Bend is known as a cosmopolitan mountain town and features a vibrant, diverse art scene.

Bend History

The name was taken from "Farewell Bend" the name given by the pioneers to an area situated along the Deschutes River. The U.S. Postal Service changed it to Bend. Non-native settlements were established beginning in the early 1900's. It was incorporated as a city in 1905. In the early days Bend was known as a logging town.

Bend Attractions

  • Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
  • Bend Film Festival.
  • High Desert Museum features exhibits regarding Native Americans, animals and the pioneers.
  • Tower Theatre.
  • Vince Genna Stadium.
  • The Central Oregon Hotshots play in the International Basketball League.
  • Cascade Cycling Classic.
  • Numerous spas are located in the area.
  • Old Mill District includes popular restaurants and upscale shops.
  • Bend River Promenade is popular for shopping and dining.
  • Art in the High Desert.
  • Mirror Pond, located in Drake Park is situated downtown.
  • Les Schwab Amphitheater.
  • Community Theatre of the Casca.

Bend Activities

The numerous rivers and lakes provide opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities. Residents and tourists enjoy whitewater rafting, fly fishing and kayaking on the Deschutes River. Golfing is popular on the numerous quality courses. The Crooked and Metolius rivers are enjoyed by residents and tourists. Paulina and East lakes are popular fishing locations. The Cascade Mountains are well known for hiking and bicycle riding.

Mount Bachelor ski resort is a popular destination. The close by Cascade Lakes are enjoyed for a variety of outdoor activities. Bend is a popular location for bicycle riding and includes a variety of landscapes for cyclists including scenic forests, lava fields, a desert terrain and mountains. The Three Sisters Wilderness area is popular for backcountry hiking and camping. Smith Rock State Park is well known for rock climbing. Hiking to the top of Pilot Butte provides a panoramic view of the landscape.

The scenic Newberry National Volcanic Monument features interesting lava formations, obsidian fields, water falls and hiking trails. Skeleton, Arnold Ice and Lava River caves are popular destinations for exploration. The pristine Cultus Lake provides opportunities for canoeing, fishing, swimming and boating. Elk Lake features beautiful mountain scenery and clear water. Tumalo State Park includes camping areas. Bend has an active nightlife and includes popular locations such as the Astro Lounge, Bend Distillery Martini Bar, Deschutes Brewery and Bend Brewery.

Bend Higher Education

The city is home to Central Oregon Community College and the OSU-Cascades Campus of Oregon State University.

Bend Transportation

The city is served by the nearby Roberts Field airport.

High Points

Bend strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Oregon):

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 6%Bend Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 8%Bend Walking and Biking to Work
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 15%Bend Well-Paid Single Men
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 15%Bend College Educated Adults
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 19%Bend Well-Paid Single Women

Comparative Profile of Bend, OR

Comparing Bend to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Oregon (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Male Share of the Population86
Senior Citizens65
Children Under 5 Years Old65
Well-Paid Single Men59
Age of the Population55
Well-Paid Single Women59
Female Share of the Population35
Racial Diversity26

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married53
Average Household Size44

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults79
People in Middle Class or Better58
People Above Poverty57
Median Family Income58

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Working at Home109
Short Commute Times109
Walking and Biking to Work109
Public Transportation Use58

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing108
Housing Recently Built99
Affordability of Rents63
Affordability of Property Taxes63
People Living Alone56
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals46

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime84
Low Property Crime23

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Additional Details

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