Is Bend, OR a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What Is Bend, OR Known For?

Bend is located in central Oregon. It's situated along the eastern edge of the Cascade Range, near the Deschutes River. In Bend, Oregon, locals enjoy an eclectic mix of outdoor adventures from skiing to hiking, a budding tech scene that invigorates the job market, craft breweries galore, and a dynamic arts community that enriches cultural life.

The city leans moderately liberal, boasting a diverse mix of lifestyles. Minority groups are becoming more visible, especially in activism and local culture. There's a significant LGBTQ+ community involved in social justice efforts and local governance.

Couples find joy in exploring art galleries and evening music scenes. Families appreciate the extensive parks and nearby adventures for weekend trips. The flourishing tech sector pulls in singles. Students can tap into local initiatives focused on sustainability. Retirees find many outdoor activities like golf and kayaking to stay active. People of all backgrounds discover multiple community groups that foster a sense of belonging.

Highlights

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Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Bend, OR, include outdoor activities, job market, community, and more. While some Cons are around affordability, seasonal tourist crowds can make local hotspots overcrowded.busy traffic, and busy traffic.
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Safety and Crime

Bend, OR is ranked 76th out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 69th on safety from violent crime, and 146th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Bend, OR is 7% lower than the national average.
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Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Bend, OR leaves $1,069 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Bend, OR in January is 34°F and 65°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average -9°F cooler in January and is on average -14°F cooler in July.
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Politics and Voting

Bend, OR voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 52.7% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.

The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.