The PROS and CONS of Moving to Central Oregon
Thinking about moving to Bend? Well, we believe that the good is best looked at in contrast with the bad, and we are here to give you some of the area's most recent stats and give you our honest opinion so you can make the best decision for yourselves.
Pros-
Weather:
The area has the highest average number of sunny days in the state!
Average annual precipitation in Bend is less than 12 inches, and over half of the wet stuff falls between November and February, often as snow.
At Mt. Bachelor, the area's most popular ski resort located just a quick drive of 22 miles southwest of Bend.
Water quality:
In my experience with water straight out of the tap, it is some of the clearest, cleanest, most delicious water in the country.
A Beer and food lover’s town:
By most recent count there are 30 breweries and counting, multiple wine tasting rooms, and a handful of distilleries.
No matter what part of town you are in, there are lots of restaurants and grub joints, including at least 6 food cart pods spanning the city.
Parks and Recreation:
Bend Park & Recreation District maintains and operates more than 3,035+ acres of developed and undeveloped parkland and facilitates 1,000 programs and classes for all ages and abilities.
Public Schools:
Statistically speaking, the public schools in Bend are above average.
Additionally, Bend has higher education programs if you want your kids to stay close to home or if you, as an adult, want to take continuing education classes.
Safe and Family Friendly:
Bend is rated among the safest cities in Oregon, and between all its parks and playgrounds, trails, walkability, activities and great schools, if you have kids or plan to have them, Bend is a great place to raise them.
Pet Friendly:
The abundance of parks, trails, and outdoor spaces, especially off-leash dog areas, in Bend. Bend Parks & Rec offers nine incredible off-leash parks with acres of drool-worthy playgrounds. Pine Nursery Park, Riverbend Park, and Hollinshead Park are local faves.
Bend was named the most dog-friendly city by DogTown USA in 2012!
Location:
It only takes 15 minutes to get anywhere in town by car. Walkability and bicycle commuting are also easy options. And, as we mentioned before, outdoor recreation is likely no further than an hour from home.
Outdoor Lover’s Paradise:
Last but certainly not least, Bend and Central Oregon boast a plethora of year round outdoor activities, and this was the primary reason, we moved to the area. The greatest thing about the outdoor lifestyle here is that all of these activities are close and one doesn’t have to make a whole day of it, almost everything you want to do for fun is likely a 15-45 minute drive from your front door.
Cons-
Living Expenses:
Median sales price for homes Nov 2022 $696k
Median monthly rent $2,700
The median household income in Bend is $74,253
Lacking a diverse range of job opportunities
In order to take advantage of the outdoor lifestyle, you need the gear, and that can get expensive.
Job Opportunities:
Among those aged 16 and older, 67.1% of Bend residents are in the labor force
Among the adult population 25 years old and over
95.5% of Bend residents have at least a high school degree or equivalent
44.0% have a bachelor's degree and 16.3% have a graduate or professional degree
The most predominant employment sectors in Central Oregon are:
Healthcare and Medicine. Healthcare is responsible for some of the largest employment numbers in Central Oregon
Technology
Tourism, Recreation, and Hospitality
Automotive and Construction
Lack of Diversity:
The racial demographics of Bend are 92.5% White, 3.4% Two or more races, 1.8% Asian, 1.2% Other, 0.6% Black and 0.5% American Indian. Additionally, 9.2% of the population identifies as Hispanic.
Only 5.4% foreign born
Fire Season:
Every year between June and October it is more than likely that you will experience seriously reduced air quality in the form of Smoke from wild fires. The severity various from year to year, but you can expect anywhere from 7-40 days of elevated AQI values above 100, which is considered unhealthy for the general population.
Camp and warming fires are typically allowed year round except for some extreme weather condition. Call before you burn each time to ensure campfires are allowed at 541-322-6335.
Population Growth:
How you feel about this is all relative and where you are moving from, however some transplants experience a general disdain from long time “locals."
Winter and Weather:
The dry air can take some time to adjust to. Humidifiers, moisturizer, and drinking lots of water can help with this adjustment.
The nearest big city (Portland) is a 3 hour drive over a mountain pass. Depending on your level of comfort for winter driving, the location cuts you off from places in the winter.