If you are moving to Bend or looking at employment in Central Oregon, you may have heard how hot the real estate market is for renters and buyers alike: That demand is due to several factors, but one of the most important is that you’re not alone: A lot of people are moving to Bend these days! According to recent census data, Bend is growing at a rate of 2.71 percent annually. Bend recorded a population of 76,639 in 2010 and a little over 106,000 in 2021 – a 38% increase in the past decade. Let’s take a look at what current trends continue to make it a popular relocation choice for people from around the country.
- New Remote Work Situations
Living in Bend is easier than ever thanks to the focus on remote work possibilities, a trend that became particularly potent in 2020, where the growing ease of working from home met the growing need for COVID-related restrictions. More people were looking for areas that supported remote work, and more were looking to move away from dense city centers to areas that were a bit more open, but still offered preferred amenities. Bend is quickly becoming known as one of these “Zoom Towns,” which has attracted even greater numbers interested in working remote in Bend.
- More High School Options
School options are a particularly important factor for families decided where to live. Bend’s recent growth has led to a new high school addition, Caldera, further splitting up Bend’s high school options (now four public high schools in total, in addition to numerous other independent school options). This has reduced strain on the overall school system and is leading to increased quality of life and education for students around the city, so it’s no surprise the expansion has become a draw.
- Outdoor Recreation Has Never Been More Popular
Has the world ever needed outdoor fun more than right now? As people navigate a year filled with vaccines, careful planning, and much-needed stress reduction, outdoor recreation has become an incredibly appealing option to those looking for a new area. Fresh air, options for socially distanced fun with family or friends, plenty of activities for all tastes and ages, two very different seasons to enjoy those activities in…Bend has a lot to offer in this department, and those looking for a change find the outdoors very attractive.
- The Relaxed Lifestyle is Just What People Need
Sure, people play hard in Bend, but another reason so many are looking to move here is the quality of the downtime. Whether it’s trying the latest microbrewery or food truck to hit town, visiting the latest educational workshop at the Culinary Institute and/or High Desert Museum, or meeting with other local artists and musicians, there’s a scene for just about everyone in Bend, and plenty of opportunities to relax in all the right ways.
A Wealth of Resources is Waiting to Help Locals and Newcomers Alike
With so many families, couples, college graduates and retirees interested in relocating to Bend and looking for information on what it’s like to live, work and play in Central Oregon, the need for a centralized hub of “all things Bend” gave rise to a new website, Moving To Bend. Whether you’re a local looking for rentals or a newcomer needing business referrals, MovingToBend.com offers helpful resources, tips and referrals to welcome you home.
