Bend, OR is the #59 Best City to Live in the USA

Bend, OR Quality of Life Liv Score 613 How We Calculate Our Data |
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Civics | 62 |
Demographics | 36 |
Economy | 77 |
Education | 68 |
Health | 59 |
Housing | 36 |
Infrastructure | 53 |
Amenities | 64 |
Why Bend is one of the best cities to live in
Bend, OR, has a knack for converting tourists to residents, thanks to the allure of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and the Deschutes River that rambles through downtown. In addition to all the outdoor amenities that range from mild to wild, Bend gets accolades for being one of the best places to live in the U.S. because of its top-notch schools and health care facilities. It’s no secret that business in Bend is booming, thanks to a sizeable entrepreneurial community and unparalleled quality of life. The region is expected to add jobs – lots of them – and is known for a collaborative workplace culture. Great beer, an urban trail system, a love for dogs and eco-friendly values bring neighbors together in Bend. Your family will love living in Bend, too, thanks to its year-round activities, short commutes and affordable cost of living.
Health care, retail and hospitality are some top industries, and St. Charles Health System and Les Schwab Tires Center are among some of the top employers.
Oregon State University – Cascades & Central Oregon Community College
Bend has four seasons. Or, as outdoorsy residents see it, summer IS for floating the river; fall is for leaf-peeping; winter is for skiing and fat biking; and spring can bring a lot of surprises, including wildflower blooms in the Badlands.
Strap on your Chacos and float the Deschutes River or explore the 260 miles of trails that lace the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Bend, OR is Remote-Ready
With over 12% of its workforce telecommuting — the highest in the nation — Bend is leading the way for remote work opportunities. Because the city is so business/remote work-friendly, and because there’s so much to do in this beautiful town, telecommuting for work is on the rise and shows no sign of slowing down. Plenty of coworking spaces, tons of parks and hiking trails, a moderate climate and a thriving nightlife make Bend a major contender for workers to relocate to.
What Locals Love in Bend, OR
Pair a coffee and pastry with your book selection at Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe. The shop donates 1% of its annual gross sales to local environmental nonprofits.
Go for a bike ride. If you have a need for speed, head to Mt. Bachelor Bike Park, which has lift access to more than a dozen miles of downhill trails. Afterward, grab a beer in town at a spot along the Bend Ale Trail.
Bend has many fun and family-friendly festivals throughout the year, including highlights like the Balloons Over Bend, a hot air balloon festival, and the Bend Summer Festival, where you can listen to live music.
You’ve worked hard and deserve a tasty, award-winning beer from Deschutes Brewery.
Worthy Brewing, a sustainable brewery in Bend, has a “hopservatory” where you can stargaze.
Beautiful natural surroundings, excellent health care facilities and top-notch schools make Bend a best place to live in Oregon.
Thinking of Moving to Bend?
As a top-notch mountain city with the Deschutes River running down through the middle, it’s easy to see how Bend real estate is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Bend like in the mountain-resort style community of Stonegate, which has both single-family and townhomes, or you want to feel like you’re living in a Bob Ro painting like in Shelvin Meadows, you’re sure to feel right at home in no time. There are many excellent neighborhoods in this city that give a nod to their surroundings, and there are several Bend real estate agents available to help you find just what you’re looking for.
Quick Facts About Bend, OR
- Average Commute
- 15.7
- Median Home Value
- $779,482
- Med. Household Income
- $67,973
- Total Population
- 97,032
- Median Property Tax
- $3,346