Aerial shot of Bend OR

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

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

People enjoying the Deschutes River in Bend OR
iStock/halbergman
Bend, OR
Quality of Life
Liv Score

613
How We Calculate Our Data
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.

What are Bends major industries and employers?

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. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Bend?

Oregon State University – Cascades & Central Oregon Community College

What is the weather like in Bend? 

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. 

What is there to do outside in Bend?

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

What makes Bend a great place for remote workers?

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

What is the best local bookstore in Bend?

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.

How do you spend a weekend in Bend?

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

What can you do for free in Bend?

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. 

Whats the best way to spend happy hour in Bend?

You’ve worked hard and deserve a tasty, award-winning beer from Deschutes Brewery

Whats something only locals know about Bend?

Worthy Brewing, a sustainable brewery in Bend, has a “hopservatory” where you can stargaze. 

Is Bend, OR a good place to live?

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?

What is the Bend, OR real estate market like?


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
14.03
Median Home Value
$564,075
Med. Household Income
$75,448
Total Population
103,824
Median Property Tax
$3,346

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