There’s so much to love about Bend, OR. I could have listed 100 reasons . . . but for now I’m keeping the list down to just 10. If “smell-a-vision” was a thing, my #1 reason would be the relaxing smell of juniper and pine trees, especially in the summer, ahhhhh. When I smell the juniper and pine trees, I know I’m home.
My husband and I moved from Seattle to Bend, Oregon about 3 years ago. We took a leap of faith and did a “life reboot”, leaving corporate jobs and choosing instead to be self-employed, living in the place we loved to vacation, Bend, OR.
#1 | MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Gaze at the most majestic mountains every day of the year and feel like you’re on vacation.
#2 | FRIENDLY TOWN
People will actually smile and wave at you! Your neighbors may invite you over for a BBQ. You should say “yes”!
#3 | POLITE DRIVERS
Drivers often slow down and allow you to merge into traffic without any offensive hand gestures. Our speed limits range mostly between 25 – 45mph, so sloooooow down and experience a slower pace of life when driving in Bend.
#4 | ENTREPRENEURSHIP
In 2017 Bend registered about 1 new business for every 28 residents. Many tech companies are located in and around Bend and according to a survey from the Technology Association of Oregon, they are expecting to hire 800+ new employees in 2018! Bring your startup to Bend!
#5 | CAN YOU SAY SUNSHINE?
263 “mostly sunny” days per year, more than any other town in Oregon. Even in the winter, we often get blue-sky days that beg for a few hours on the mountain! Low humidity and dry conditions make it pleasant all year around no matter what the thermometer reads.
- Elevation 3,623
- Average Snowfall 23” – temps in the 30’s
- Average Rainfall 12” – mostly in Spring and Fall
#6 | FEELS SMALL BUT LIVES LARGE
Top notch food carts, restaurants, entertainment, music, events, recreation, mountains, rivers, lakes . . . and a Trader Joe’s . . . what more could you want?
#7 | RECREATION GALORE
Hiking, paddling, ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, rock climbing . . . and it’s all easy to get to.
#8 | BEER and CIDER
Try a new adult beverage every day!
Broken Top Bottle Shop (BTBS), Ten Barrel, Deschutes Brewery, Boneyard Beer Co, Monkless Belgian Ales, Crux Fermentation Project, Worthy Brewing, Avid Cider, Red Tank Cider, Rimrock Cider, Tumalo Cider . . . and hundreds more!
#9 | DOG TOWN, USA
Plenty of on and off-leash parks to take your pooches to. Great local pet stores to get all the treats you need.
5 Off-leash parks and many other trails and parks where your dogs are welcome on a leash. Many restaurants allow your dogs in outdoor seating areas. Pine Nursery Park and Good Dog Off-leash area are my picks.
#10 | GOLFER’S DREAM
Golf Digest named 3 Bend area golf courses in their “Top100 Golf Courses” list and there are 25+ golf courses in the area. Something for everyone. #36 ranked – Proghorn Club, Bend, #50 Crosswater, Sunriver, #63 Tetherow Golf Club, Bend.
Visit Central Oregon | My 11 Favorite Central Oregon Golf Courses
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