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Bend, OR

Bend, OR

Bend is a city in Central Oregon and the county seat of Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. It is located to the east of the Cascade Range, on the Deschutes River.

The site became known by pioneers as a fordable crossing point of the river, where it was run through a bend. An 1870s ranch popularized the name "Farewell Bend", with the post office later distinguishing the area as Bend. It was incorporated as a city in 1905, starting as a logging town. In 1910, Mirror Pond was created as a dammed river reservoir to provide energy. In 1950, the two major logging companies were consolidated due to depleted timber, causing an economic drop. In later decades, it experienced rapid growth as a center of recreation.

Situated in the high desert, Bend is bordered by the Deschutes National Forest to the southwest. Economically, it is a tourist destination, featuring recreational attractions (e.g. breweries, an amphitheater, and the last Blockbuster video-rental store) as well as outdoor sports, including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, skiing, paragliding, and golf.

Bend is Central Oregon's most populous city. In the 2020 U.S. census, it had a population of 99,178, with the eponymous metropolitan statistical area (MSA) population totaling 198,253. This makes the city and MSA the sixth most populous city and fifth largest metropolitan area in Oregon, respectively.

Bend sits on the boundary of the Eastern Cascades Slopes and Foothills, a Level III ecoregion designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. states of Oregon, Washington, and California, and the Deschutes River Valley, a Level IV ecoregion within the Blue Mountains Level III ecoregion.

The Deschutes River runs through Bend, where it is dammed to form Mirror Pond. Bend's elevation is 3,623 feet (1,104 meters) above sea level. The city has a total area of 33.27 square miles (86.17 square kilometers), of which 33.01 sq mi (85.50 km²) is land and 0.26 sq mi (0.67 km²) is water. 

Inside the city limits is Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, an old cinder cone. Bend is one of three cities in the continental U.S. (with Portland, Oregon, and Jackson, Mississippi) to have an extinct volcano within its city limits. It is reached by U.S. Route 20. A lesser-known characteristic of Bend, the Horse Lava Tube System enters and borders the eastern edge of the city. Just south of Bend is Newberry National Volcanic Monument on U.S. Route 97.

Bend places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with various initiatives and facilities promoting a healthy lifestyle. St. Charles Medical Center is a prominent healthcare provider, offering comprehensive services to the community. The city's parks, such as Drake Park and Shevlin Park, provide serene settings for outdoor activities, and the Deschutes River Trail is popular for walking, running, and cycling. Start your wellness journey with a relaxing session at Jinsei Spa, known for its rejuvenating treatments. For a holistic experience, visit Anjou Spa, which provides organic and eco-friendly services. If you're looking for therapeutic massages and wellness programs, Kimimi Healing Arts is a great choice.

Top sites in Bend, OR are High Desert Museum, Hayden Homes Amphitheater, and Old Mill District. 

Population: 104,557 (2023). ZIP codes: 97701, 97702, 97703, 97707, 97708, 97709. Area codes: 458, 541. Elevation: 3,623 ft (1,104.3 m). Area: 34.89 sq mi (90.37 km²).

FAQs

Is Bend, OR a good place to live?

Bend is in Deschutes County. Living in Bend offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Bend, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Bend and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Bend are above average.

What is Bend, OR famous for?

The mighty Deschutes River runs through the heart of Bend. After all, the city built Oregon’s first urban whitewater park on that river. With miles of hiking and biking trails through town and Mt. Bachelor and Smith Rock nearby, Bend is famous for world-class recreation. Combine that with a richly diverse cultural landscape, award-winning dining, and boutique shopping, and you might not want to leave Bend.

How much does it cost to live in Bend, OR?

The average cost of living in Bend, Oregon for one person is $2,589; for a family of four, $5,991 (including rent). Without rent, the average cost of living is $942 and $2,897 for one person and a family of four, respectively. The median Bend, Oregon income after taxes is $3,178, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.2 months. In terms of jobs in Bend, Oregon, opportunities in this city are more diverse than they’ve ever been. Growth is apparent in several sectors, including tech, healthcare services, biotech, construction, and advanced manufacturing. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Bend

Bernard Real Estate Group

Travel Oregon

Niche

High Desert Museum

Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Old Mill District

St. Charles Medical Center

Drake Park

Deschutes River Trail

Jinsei Spa

Anjou Spa

Kimimi Healing Arts

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