Nestled among the many mountains within the coronary heart of Central Oregon, Bend is a picturesque metropolis recognized for its gorgeous pure landscapes, outside leisure actions, and widespread meals scene. Town has turn into a well-liked vacation spot for these in search of a top quality of life in a good looking pure setting. With a thriving arts and tradition scene and a gentle, sunny local weather, dwelling in Bend presents many advantages for residents. Nonetheless, like every metropolis, there are additionally drawbacks. So, is Bend a very good place to stay?
For those who’re pondering of shopping for a home in Bend or renting an house within the metropolis, learn on for 10 execs and cons of dwelling on this outside haven. Relaxation assured, there’s one thing for everybody.
5 execs of dwelling in Bend
Bend is known for its surroundings and climate, however there’s much more to town than that. Listed below are 5 explanation why Bend is usually a good place to stay.
1. Stunning surroundings
Bend is positioned within the beautiful excessive desert of central Oregon, offering residents with entry to gorgeous pure surroundings, together with snow-capped mountains, crystal clear rivers, and verdant forests. It’s an ideal place for outside fans and nature lovers.
Each season additionally presents one thing new. Summers are heat and dry, whereas winters are cool and sometimes snowy. Residing in Bend means that you can expertise all 4 seasons to their fullest.
2. Countless outside recreation
Bend presents an array of out of doors leisure actions in each season, akin to cross-country snowboarding, snowboarding, mountain climbing, mountain climbing, fishing, and tenting, and extra.
Contemplate exploring the close by Newberry Nationwide Volcanic Monument, which options distinctive geological options akin to lava tubes and volcanic craters. For those who’re into golf, tee off at one of many metropolis’s many championship programs. Thrill-seekers may even strive their hand at zip-lining or bungee leaping. There’s one thing for everybody in Bend.
3. Gentle, sunny climate
Bend boasts over 300 days of sunshine per 12 months, and usually has a gentle and dry local weather. Summers common within the 70s, with heat days and chilly nights. Winter days are usually within the 30s and could also be snowy, though the realm receives much less snowfall than different elements of Oregon.
4. Thriving arts and tradition
Bend has a vibrant arts and tradition scene, with quite a few galleries, museums, and music venues, showcasing native and nationwide artists, musicians, and performers.
The Bend Artwork Middle presents workshops and courses in varied mediums, whereas the Excessive Desert Museum showcases the pure and cultural historical past of the area. The Tower Theatre hosts quite a lot of performances, from music and theater to movie and comedy. The Outdated Mill District options outside live shows and occasions all through the summer time, and the Bend Movie Pageant attracts filmmakers and cinema fans from everywhere in the world. There isn’t a scarcity of issues to do in Bend throughout each season of the 12 months.
5. Energetic meals scene
Bend has turn into a vacation spot for meals and beer lovers, with over 20 breweries and taprooms serving quite a lot of craft beers. Moreover, town’s farm-to-table eating places and meals carts supply a various and scrumptious culinary expertise. Within the fall, town’s well-known ale path attracts beer fans from everywhere in the world.
5 cons of dwelling in Bend
Like with any metropolis, there are cons of dwelling in Bend. Listed below are the 5 most vital so that you can know.
1. Excessive value of dwelling
Bend’s reputation has pushed up the price of dwelling, significantly by way of housing, healthcare, and transportation. In actual fact, home costs in Bend are greater than in Portland, which is already an costly metropolis. The median sale worth for a home in Bend is $679,450, which is over $200,000 greater than Portland and almost double the nationwide median. This has made it tough for some residents to afford a house within the metropolis.
For those who’re searching for reasonably priced housing in Bend, renting is perhaps your only option, as hire costs in Bend are much like Portland and beneath the nationwide common. The common hire for a 1-bedroom house in Bend is $1,550, whereas the common in Portland is $1,587. As well as, Bend has fewer housing choices than massive coastal cities, permitting for fewer choices for various budgets.
For those who’re pondering of relocating to Bend, maintain home costs in thoughts and be sure you know the steps to purchasing a home.
2. Site visitors congestion
With a rising inhabitants and a restricted street system, Bend is experiencing elevated visitors congestion, significantly throughout peak vacationer seasons, which might result in longer commute instances.
To alleviate a number of the visitors congestion, town has taken steps to enhance public transportation choices, together with rising the variety of bus routes and introducing a bike-sharing program. Moreover, town has carried out measures to encourage various modes of transportation, akin to strolling and biking, together with increasing bike lanes and constructing extra pedestrian-friendly intersections.
3. Wildfire threat
There’s a threat of wildfire in Bend. Town is positioned in a wildfire-prone area, and they’re a priority throughout the summer time and early fall. Lately, a number of wildfires have triggered important injury to the realm, leading to evacuations and destruction of houses and companies.
Town is working to mitigate the problem by forest thinning and clearing to cut back gas for fires, creating defensible house round houses and buildings, and establishing emergency evacuation plans.
4. Harsh winters
Whereas Bend presents quite a few winter actions, the local weather might be harsh for these unaccustomed to chilly temperatures and heavy snowfall. Winter storms could cause street closures, energy outages, and different inconveniences.
To arrange for Bend’s harsh winters, it’s vital to put money into correct winter gear, together with heat clothes, boots, and a heavy coat. Moreover, for those who purchased a brand new house, make certain to winterize it to stop warmth loss and shield in opposition to potential injury from snow and ice accumulation. Residents may additionally wish to put money into a generator or different backup energy supply in case of energy outages.
5. Distance from bigger cities
Bend is positioned a number of hours away from bigger cities like Portland and Eugene, which might make it difficult for residents to entry sure facilities and companies. Job alternatives may additionally be tougher to return by, as commuting to a close-by metropolis isn’t an possibility.
