Exploring Bend’s Neighborhoods
Get the scoop on Bend’s different neighborhoods
The biggest deciding factors when deciding where to live in Bend:
Your budget
Your must haves and nice-to-haves
Walkability
Bike lanes
Nearby amenities
We believe there is no bad place to live in Bend, just personal preference.
Southwest Bend:
VIBE: Luxury, high-end, Sprinter vans everywhere; deep south is Wild West
This area is home to several very high-end newer developments such as Broken Top and Tetherow.
West side properties near the Deschutes River command a higher price point. Subdivisions like River Rim or River Canyon Estates, which is on the east side of the river but still considered SW Bend, offer a bit more affordability.
Deschutes River Woods is a deep SW Bend neighborhood. This area was historically Bend’s blue-collar neighborhood and had a lot of manufactured homes that are now being replaced by custom stick built homes.
Deschutes River Woods has a Wild West feel and appeals to buyers looking for larger lots with towering Ponderosa Pines, and to investors looking for no HOAs and fewer city regulations.
All of Bend’s SW neighborhoods have close proximity to the Deschutes River Trail and easy public Deschutes River access.
The Southwest Neighborhood is also home to several of Bend's most popular parks:
Riverbend Park
Columbia Park (affectionately known by my kids as “Pirate Ship Park”)
Farewell Bend Park - Bend’s namesake
The Southwest Neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and attractions and there is something for everyone in SW Bend:
Popular Deschutes Brewery
Classic Deschutes River Trail
Bustling shops and eateries on Galveston Ave.
Annual Bend Brewfest - Oregon’s largest beer festival
Northwest Bend:
VIBE: Hip, trendy, good shopping, outdoor mecca
Highly sought after by people looking for easy access to trails, walkability, shops and restaurants, this area is known for its easy access to multisport activities like hiking, biking, running and skiing.
Natural areas out the NW Bend homeowner’s back door include:
Riley Ranch Nature preserve
Shevlin Park
Tumalo Falls and River
Deschutes River Trail
This area also encompasses Downtown Bend, plus Bend’s Old Town historic district.
NW Bend is filled with:
family friendly parks
many bike paths
pedestrian pathways
unique shops and attractions
These paths wind through the neighborhood, connecting people to local businesses and other popular Bend destinations.
Bend’s NW neighborhoods are safe, friendly, and it’s a vibrant spot to live. The area is close to all the amenities you need, and it has plenty to offer in terms of recreation and entertainment.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly place to settle down, or an exciting place to explore, this neighborhood has it all.
Keep in mind that NW Bend has the highest home price per square foot. Folks who buy here value an active and social lifestyle. You’ve got to be willing to “pay to play” to live in NW Bend.
Southeast Bend:
VIBE: Up and coming, historically rural or industrial, unique homes
This area was historically known as a more industrial area of Bend. SE Bend has some older homes built in the 1970’s. Now this quadrant is Bend’s fastest growing new construction area.
New homes attract young families and first time homebuyers. Another attraction is the new Alpenglow Park, featuring:
37 acres
Bouldering area
Playground
Seasonal sprayground
Off-leash dog area
Future demonstration garden
Miles of trails
Also in this area, Bend’s newest high school - Caldera High - which opened its doors in the 2021-2022 school year.
In addition to the densely built new construction neighborhoods, SE Bend also offers a number of subdivisions with large lots and a more rural feel:
Woodside Ranch
Sundance
Mountain High
SE Bend has a diverse range of housing options, from single-family homes to multi-family units.
It’s a perfect area if you are looking for a good value or enough room to board your horses or small livestock. Southeast Bend could just be Bend’s best bang for your buck.
Northeast Bend:
VIBE: Sprawling, medical center, big box stores, newer construction, rural edge
This area appeals to families and investors looking for mid- or long-term rentals due to its close proximity to parks, schools, and Bend’s major employment sector - medical.
NE Bend is home to the predominant and growing medical industry centered around St. Charles Medical Center and Bend Memorial Clinic.
Pine Nursery Park, the Bend Municipal Airport, as well as the Costco all are located in the NE quadrant.
NE Bend is home to a diverse mix of homes from the 80’s-2000s and several new construction developments as well.
In addition, NE sprawls north and east into some more rural lots that allow for buyers looking for access to irrigation, water rights and more space. NE Bend is a good option for folks looking to be on the other side of the city’s UGB (urban growth boundary).
Contact us for more information or a video tour of Bend’s neighborhoods!