Building Hope: Affordable Housing Expands in Bend

Bend is one of the fastest-growing cities in Oregon. With our beautiful mountains, rivers, and sunshine, it’s no surprise that more people want to call this place home. But with growth comes challenges, especially when it comes to housing. Prices have gone up, demand is strong, and many families struggle to find a place that fits their budget.

That’s why Bend’s creative solutions addressing affordable housing are so important. It shows that our city isn’t just sitting back and watching growth happen, it’s taking steps to make sure that Bend remains a place where people from all walks of life can live, work, and thrive.

This article, and the projects it highlights, remind us that Bend is not only expanding, but also doing so with care. It’s a story of growth, community, and hope for the future.

Growth With Inclusion in Mind

Bend has been through a major housing boom in the past decade. Developers have added apartments, condos, and single-family homes at record speed. And yet, demand has often outpaced supply. This has led to higher rents and home prices, putting pressure on working families, seniors, and young professionals.

But now, we’re seeing more balance. Affordable housing projects are becoming a bigger part of Bend’s growth strategy. These projects don’t just add units, they add stability, diversity, and opportunity. They show that Bend is committed to being a city where teachers, nurses, construction workers, and service employees can live alongside doctors, entrepreneurs, and retirees.

This kind of inclusion matters. A city thrives when all its residents can find their place within it. Affordable housing helps make sure that happens.

What Affordable Housing Looks Like in Bend

A recent Bend Bulletin article shared several examples of new developments, and they highlight just how thoughtful these projects are:

• Mixed-income communities. Many of the new projects include both market-rate and affordable units. This helps create neighborhoods where people of different incomes live side by side, building real community.
• Locations that matter. These homes aren’t being tucked away far from the action. They’re placed near schools, transit lines, shopping, and jobs; so families can live close to what they need.
• Modern and welcoming design. Gone are the days when “affordable housing” meant plain or outdated. These new developments are built with pride, using smart design and quality materials. They look and feel like home.

Affordable housing in Bend is about more than just four walls. It’s about creating opportunities for stability and dignity. It’s about ensuring that children can grow up in safe neighborhoods, parents can focus on work without housing stress, and seniors can stay connected to their community.

Tackling the Challenge From Every Angle

Bend’s population is growing quickly. That means we need more housing at every level: luxury condos, middle-income family homes, and entry-level apartments. The encouraging part of the Bulletin article is that Bend is addressing this from all sides.

• Developers are stepping up with creative financing and partnerships.
• Nonprofits are involved, ensuring housing remains accessible to lower-income residents.
• The City of Bend is offering incentives, such as tax exemptions and land use flexibility, to encourage affordable construction.
• Community leaders are supporting projects that strengthen neighborhoods, not just add units.

This approach: public, private, and nonprofit sectors working together, is what gives Bend its best chance at keeping up with population growth while still staying true to its character.

Why This Matters for Bend’s Future

When housing becomes too expensive, cities can lose the heart of their community. Teachers, firefighters, nurses, and service workers may be forced to move elsewhere, leaving behind a city that feels less balanced. That’s not what Bend wants, and it’s not what Bend is allowing to happen.

By investing in affordable housing, we’re investing in:

• Stronger schools, where teachers can live near the students they serve.
• A healthier workforce, where nurses, caregivers, and service workers can focus on their jobs instead of long commutes.
• Vibrant small businesses, which rely on local employees and steady customers.
• A connected community, where people of different backgrounds share neighborhoods, parks, and trails.

This makes Bend not just a great place to live, but a great place to belong.

The Real Estate Perspective

As a real estate team, we watch these trends closely. Affordable housing projects may not be the shiny luxury condos on the riverfront, but they are just as important for Bend’s overall health and sustainability.

When a city has a range of housing options, the entire market benefits:

• Homeowners see stable property values.
• Buyers find a wider variety of homes that fit their budget.
• Renters gain access to quality apartments, which helps them save for ownership.
• Investors find long-term stability in a balanced market.

And for those considering moving to Bend, it’s reassuring to know that the city is working hard to plan for the future. Growth here isn’t random, it’s guided, thoughtful, and rooted in community well-being.

The Takeaway

Bend is expanding, but not in a way that leaves people behind. Affordable housing projects are springing up alongside market-rate homes, and the result is a city that’s becoming more inclusive, more balanced, and more sustainable.

If you’re thinking about moving here, now is an exciting time. Bend isn’t just a place of sunshine and mountains, it’s a place of community, care, and possibility. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone ready to enjoy retirement, Bend is working to make room for you.

Come join us in building a future filled with hope!

Bend ADU Approvals Could Rise: What This Means for Homeowners

Big news is coming out of Bend’s housing conversation. The city of Bend is making it easier for people to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their property. These are small, secondary homes built on the same lot as a main house. They can be backyard cottages, garage apartments, or basement units, and they’re becoming a bigger part of Bend’s future.

This is exciting because it gives homeowners more freedom, more flexibility, and more options for planning ahead. It’s not just about building more homes. It’s about creating possibilities.

What’s changing?

The new rule would streamline the approval process for ADUs in Bend. Instead of facing complicated zoning hurdles or long delays, more homeowners could get the green light to build an ADU faster. That means more families can think about adding space for:

• A rental unit to generate income.
• A guest suite for visiting family and friends.
• A private space for aging parents or adult children.
• A future office or studio that grows with your needs.

By lowering barriers, Bend is encouraging homeowners to make the most of their property in ways that benefit both families and the community.

Why this matters for Bend

Bend is growing, and housing demand is strong. ADUs are one of the smartest ways to add housing without changing the character of our neighborhoods. Instead of building large apartment complexes everywhere, ADUs fit seamlessly into existing communities. They add gentle density, just enough to provide more housing options without overwhelming a street or block.

This helps in three big ways:

1. Affordability: ADUs can be more cost-effective to build than a full new home. That makes them a great option for creating affordable rentals.
2. Flexibility: Families can use ADUs in different stages of life, first as a rental, later as a space for relatives, and eventually as a retirement downsizing option.
3. Community: More people living in a neighborhood can mean stronger local businesses, livelier streets, and more support for schools and parks.

A win for homeowners

For property owners, this is a chance to think long-term. Do you want extra income now? Do you imagine space for parents or kids later? Do you see your home as part of a retirement plan? An ADU can make all of that possible.

It’s also a way to build wealth over time. Adding a well-designed ADU can increase the value of your property, while also providing flexibility for the future. In today’s housing market, that’s a major advantage.

A step toward thoughtful growth

Bend is known for its beauty and small-town feel. Many people worry that growth will take that away. ADUs show that it doesn’t have to be that way. Instead of sprawling endlessly or relying only on big developments, Bend is looking for solutions that balance housing needs with neighborhood character.

The new rule makes it clear: our city wants to grow smart, not just fast. That’s hopeful news for current residents and for people thinking of moving here.

The takeaway

Bend’s push to expand ADU approvals is about more than buildings. It’s about choices. It’s about letting homeowners shape their future, whether that means welcoming family, creating income, or planning for retirement. It’s about a city that’s trying to meet housing needs with creativity and care.

If you’ve ever dreamed of using your property in new ways, now may be the time to start imagining what’s possible. Bend is opening the door. The next step is up to us.

Bend is growing with intention, and that’s something to celebrate. From affordable housing projects to flexible ADU rules, the future here looks bright. If you’re ready to explore your options, whether buying, selling, or building, we’d love to help you find the path forward.

Old Mill District Expansion: Bend’s Next Chapter in River-Front Living & Play

Bend’s beloved Old Mill District is poised for its biggest refresh in decades: a trio of river-side buildings that will weave 31,000 square feet of restaurants, retail, and even nine furnished apartments into the north end of the district. This project mirrors the way Bend itself keeps reinventing the “Central Oregon lifestyle,” balancing small-town charm with big-city amenities, so newcomers and long-time residents can keep finding fresh reasons to love life along the Deschutes.

The X, Y, and Z’s

Picture a summer night on the river trail: paddleboarders glide past the Hayden Homes Amphitheater while friends linger over dinner on a rooftop patio. Now imagine three new buildings tucked beside the historic “hot ponds,” offering brand-new flavors, shops, and gathering spots, plus short-stay apartments for out-of-town guests or locals craving a weekend staycation. That’s the vision breaking ground later this year in the Old Mill.

Market / Context

The Old Mill District already anchors Bend’s 270-acre mixed-use waterfront, drawing thousands of visitors to more than 60 shops and restaurants every year. The expansion (dubbed Buildings X, Y, and Z) adds capacity just as retail and dining demand in Bend stays “high despite national headwinds,” according to district managers William Smith Properties.

• Building X (~6,000 sq ft) will sit closest to the Deschutes River, pairing indoor–outdoor dining with a roof terrace overlooking the amphitheater.
• Building Y (~7,300 sq ft) hugs the historic hot ponds and is designed for a café plus multiple boutique tenants.
• Building Z (~17,500 sq ft) fronts Powerhouse Drive with ground-floor retail and nine upstairs apartments offering both short- and long-term leases.

Developers will reuse vintage mill bricks and concrete in patios and façade accents, honoring Bend’s timber roots while delivering a modern look.

Stats & Schedule

• Square Footage Added: 31,000 sq ft total.
• Parking: 76 spaces relocated behind the buildings to preserve riverfront views and walkability.
• Groundbreaking: Late 2025, with an estimated two-year build-out.
• Tenant Mix Goal: Roughly 50 % food & beverage, 50 % specialty retail.

Why the hurry? Bend’s population passed 107,000 in 2025 and keeps growing at roughly 1.5 % a year. Deschutes County again led Oregon in new residents last year, underscoring the need for more places to dine, shop, and gather. Tourism remains a powerhouse too: travel spending in the city leapt 45% to $336 million in 2021 and supports nearly 2,900 local jobs. In the wider region, visitor activity now fuels a $1.3 billion economy and over 10,000 jobs.

Community Impact

According to Visit Bend data, more than three-quarters of Old Mill visitors are Bend locals, proving the district is first and foremost a neighborhood hub. The expansion answers local demand for everyday conveniences while giving visitors more ways to sample Bend culture, exactly the mix that Hayden Homes Amphitheater manager Marney Smith calls “thoughtful and balanced.”

Walkable plazas, river-view patios, and pedestrian-first design will knit the new buildings into the existing trail network, encouraging car-free evenings and spontaneous meet-ups. For families, the added dining choices mean easier pre-concert meals; for entrepreneurs, more storefronts mean fresh opportunities to showcase home-grown brands.

Pro Tips for Future Residents & Visitors

1. Catch Golden Hour: Building X’s planned roof deck will frame sunset colors over the Cascades: arrive early for a seat.
2. Plan Car-Light Outings: With new behind-building parking and direct trail links, biking or strolling remains the stress-free way to explore.
3. Stay & Play: The nine furnished units in Building Z will be steps from festival grounds, ideal for marathon concert weekends.
4. Watch the Tenant Announcements: District marketing hints at “several national names” plus uniquely Bend eateries: follow local news this fall.

Soft Real-Estate Angle

Every new café table or boutique storefront enriches the “fifteen-minute-city” feel buyers crave: errands, entertainment, and river recreation without crossing town. For homeowners and investors, the Old Mill’s steady foot traffic (71 % of summer visitors list it among their top stops) adds resilience to adjacent property values. As Bend’s 20-year growth plan projects a metro population of 160,000 by 2050, mixed-use infill like this helps keep neighborhoods vibrant without sprawling further into the high desert.

What’s the Takeaway? 

The way we see it, Bend has always been a city of reinvention, from lumber mills to outdoor mecca, from ski bum secret to remote-work magnet. The Old Mill District’s newest chapter continues that story: preserving heritage while expanding possibilities. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visionary pondering a move, the message is clear—Bend keeps investing in the everyday joy of the people who call it home.

Closing the Gap: Bend’s New Riverfront Trail Link Shows a City That Cares

Bend is moving ahead with a plan to close the last gap in the Deschutes River Trail along NW Riverfront Street. City and park leaders chose a design that adds a 10-foot-wide shared-use path and converts the street to one-way northbound, a concept that earned 85 % support in neighborhood surveys. The agencies have a $683,000 joint design contract in hand and expect plans to be finished in 2025, after which they will seek construction funding. Projects like this fit into Bend’s broader pledge to spend $43 million from its voter-approved transportation bond on safer walking and biking routes. 

A Long-Awaited Link on the River

Riverfront Street sits between iconic Drake Park and Miller’s Landing, two popular river parks in the heart of town. For years, trail users have been forced onto a narrow, crumbling sidewalk or into the street; an obvious “missing link” in an otherwise continuous 12.5-mile river trail. Under the new plan, the street will shrink from 24 feet to 20 feet, leaving room for the two-lane path while keeping angled parking on one side. Design work also includes fresh pavement and storm-water upgrades, helping protect the Deschutes from runoff. 

Why It Matters Day to Day

The Deschutes River Trail is Bend’s busiest trail, attracting more than 1,200 users on a typical day. Linking this gap will let walkers, runners, bikers and families roll from Sawyer Park all the way to Farewell Bend and beyond without dodging cars. It will also give Old Bend neighbors calmer traffic, because one-way flow naturally slows speeds and cuts confusion at the summer tube-launch spot.

Community Voices Say “Yes”

Public outreach lasted a full year, comparing two-way and one-way options. In the final survey 41 of 48 respondents, about 85 %, picked the one-way concept. Residents cited safety, a quieter street, and the chance to preserve the block’s “quaint” feel. Nearby dog-walkers told reporters they’re eager for fewer speeding cars, while long-time neighbors called the path “long overdue.” Even Bend Park and Recreation District board members noted the rare level of consensus, calling the vote a clear mandate to move forward.

Proof the City Keeps Investing in People

Riverfront Street is only one piece of Bend’s people-first makeover:

• Transportation Bond Priorities – Of the city’s $190 million bond, $43 million is set aside for bicycle-and-pedestrian work, and nearly $9 million is already in play.
• Drake Park Boardwalk & Bank Restoration – Last year the park district finished a new riverside boardwalk and habitat improvements just upstream, enhancing both ecology and access.
• Galveston Avenue Safety Project – Two blocks north of Riverfront Street, planners are redesigning Galveston to add wider sidewalks and better crossings, again funded by the bond.
• Citywide Trail & Park Planning – The district’s comprehensive plan update calls for more neighborhood connections and a half-mile park radius for every home.

These efforts share a theme: Bend does not wait for problems to grow; it fixes them early, in ways that make everyday life easier.

What This Says to Future Neighbors

People thinking about moving often ask whether a city truly cares about quality of life. Bend’s answer is visible in projects like this trail link. Safe paths let kids bike to soccer, commuters walk to downtown jobs, and seniors enjoy river views without stepping into traffic. Nine parks will soon be connected in a single scenic stroll, turning errands or exercise into a mini-vacation along the water.

For home-shoppers, that means more than pretty scenery; it signals a community willing to spend real money on the small details that make a day run smoothly. Whether you settle in Old Bend, the Westside, or a newer east-side neighborhood, these connections help the whole city move, play and meet one another outdoors.

Closing Thoughts

Finishing the Riverfront Street link is a practical improvement with an uplifting message: Bend remembers its residents first. The shared-use path will let people of all ages and abilities enjoy the river without worry, while one-way traffic protects the cozy character locals love. As designs wrap up in 2025 and funding efforts begin, this “missing link” is poised to become the newest highlight on a trail system that already defines life here. Continuous, people-friendly upgrades like this are one reason so many visitors decide to call Bend home—no hard sell needed.

Hands and Hearts: Central Oregon’s Quiet Superpower

Why our towns feel closer, kinder, and more vibrant, and how you can be part of the story.

A Circle of Caring Towns

Drive Highway 97 on a sunny day and you’ll pass forested Bend, historic Redmond, artsy Sisters, family-friendly Sunriver, river-loving Tumalo, and La Pine’s lodge-pole pines; all in under ninety minutes. Geography alone makes us neighbors, but it is the spirit of service that turns those neighbors into friends. When a Redmond food pantry needs extra hands, volunteers arrive from Bend. When La Pine plans its summer rodeo, a pickup full of Sisters carpenters shows up to build pens. Our map may look like separate dots, yet every dot pulses with the same heartbeat: “How can I help?”

Anyone Can Join In

Volunteerism here is not an exclusive club. Teens log service hours while learning job skills. Parents trade an evening of desk work for coaching Little League. Retirees bring decades of know-how to nonprofits that run on elbow grease and good humor. Even weekend visitors lend a hand, stuffing race packets for a 10K or guiding tourists at a quilt show. The entry fee is simple: curiosity and a willingness to pitch in; the payoff is seeing your effort stretch far beyond the hours you give.

Everyday Acts with Big Impact

Look around on any given morning:

• A Council on Aging driver zips along backroads, delivering hot meals and warm conversation to homebound seniors.
• Library volunteers shape story time, sparking a love of books in local kids.
• Habitat for Humanity crews, hammers tapping in rhythm, frame walls so a family can plant roots.
• At the Humane Society, a dog walker teaches a shy shepherd to trust again, making adoption possible.

None of these tasks makes headlines, yet together they form the safety net that keeps our region sturdy and kind.

Volunteering and Outdoor Life Go Hand-in-Hand

Central Oregon’s natural playground doubles as a volunteer playground. Trail stewards clip back sage and juniper so hikers can wander safely. River guardians pull invasive weeds between paddle strokes. At Mt. Bachelor, ski-patrol volunteers guide school groups, trading a day of service for sun-splashed turns. Because service often happens outside, you never have to choose between fresh air and helpful work, you get both in one sweep.

Generations Working Together

Perhaps the most inspiring sight in our towns is the mix of ages pitching in side by side. Grandparents plant perennials next to elementary students at community gardens. High-school wood-shop classes build Little Free Libraries that retirees stock with novels. During Sunriver’s music festival, you’ll spot teens scanning tickets while our community's seniors usher guests to their seats. That blend of energy and wisdom is a living lesson: a place grows strong when young hands and seasoned hearts share the load.

How to Find Your Fit

Because opportunities bloom faster than wildflowers, there is always a seat waiting:

• Love animals? Spend an hour walking shelter dogs or sorting donations at Second Tern Thrift Store.
• Enjoy tools? Habitat sites welcome beginners and pros alike, no experience required, only closed-toe shoes and a grin.
• Into books? Libraries across Bend, Sisters, and Redmond need shelving helpers, reading buddies, and event hosts.
• Green thumb? Join a community garden crew and swap tomato seedlings for trail tales.
• Event fan? From WinterFest to county fairs, organizers post volunteer sign-ups for everything from ticket scanning to stage set-up.

Start where your interests already live; connection and purpose will follow close behind.

The Ripple Effect

The magic of small gestures is how far they travel. A Sunriver thrift purchase funds wildlife rehab; healed raptors wow schoolkids in Bend. Bend’s WinterFest proceeds boost arts grants, underwriting a quilt workshop in Sisters. A La Pine food-bank volunteer shares recipes with clients, who then teach neighbors to cook healthy on a budget. Each good deed touches the next town, then the next, until the whole region glows a little brighter.

Why We Share These Stories

We talk about volunteerism not to add one more item to your checklist, but to shine a light on what makes Central Oregon different. Long after a home’s fresh-paint smell fades, it is the potluck invitations, trail-work memories, and morning hellos that anchor people here. Service is our unofficial town motto, painted on smiles rather than signs. Knowing this culture exists helps future neighbors picture a life rich in friendships and rich in meaning.

An Open Invitation

If you already live here, thank you. Your time, talent, and open heart keep this circle turning. If you are considering a move, know this: Central Oregon will welcome your skills, your stories, and your passions the moment you arrive. The signup sheet is always out; the coffee thermos is always full. Bring your curiosity, lace up your boots, and step into a community built by many hands and warmed by many hearts. Together, we’ll keep the fires of kindness burning bright, today, tomorrow, and long after the sun sets behind the Cascades.

Central Oregon: A Place Where Everything Is Close Enough to Touch

How a network of friendly towns turns a wide-open landscape into one welcoming neighborhood.

One Region, Many Doors

Picture a circle drawn in the high desert. Inside the ring sit Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, Tumalo, Prineville and La Pine, each with its own style, each only minutes from the others. Roads join them like spokes, the Redmond Airport links them to far-off cities, and a shared love of mountains, rivers, and small-town gatherings holds everything together. In most places, variety and convenience pull in opposite directions. Here, they walk hand in hand. The result is a community where a family can watch a ski race in the morning, grab lunch at a food cart pod, and still make the evening concert two towns away. Boredom simply has no room to land.

A Patchwork of Towns That Feels Like One Yard

Drive twenty minutes north of Bend and you reach Redmond’s historic downtown. Swing west and Sisters’ wooden sidewalks greet you in another twenty. Sunriver’s resort paths lie a half-hour south; La Pine’s pine-scented neighborhoods sit fifteen minutes beyond that. Tumalo, tucked between Bend and Sisters, is the quick stop for farm stands and river floats. Distances are short enough to skip packing snacks, yet the scenery flips with every bend. The scenery is bountiful: lava flows, hay fields, old-growth forest, and snow-draped peaks. Residents talk about “running over” to another town the way city folk talk about crossing a neighborhood street. For newcomers, it feels like discovering hidden doors that open onto fresh adventures without ever losing sight of home.

Redmond Airport: The Small Gate to Big Places

A lot of regions brag about nearby airports, but Redmond’s terminal actually behaves like a friendly front porch. Twelve gates, short security lines, and direct flights to Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and more mean you can slip in, grab a latte, and board before your phone battery ticks down five percent. Families love it because kids are walking to baggage claim while bigger airports would still have them hunting for the right carousel. Young professionals love it because remote work trips stay short and sweet. Retirees love it because a grandson’s soccer game in Denver isn’t a two-day marathon. And because the airport sits between Bend and Redmond, no one drives more than forty minutes to get there.

Highway 97: Our Open-Air Main Street

Highway 97 runs north–south like a backbone, while scenic backroads lace the ribs. Locals treat these routes as extensions of their driveways. A morning commute might be Bend to Sunriver; twenty relaxed minutes through ponderosa forest. An evening plan could be Redmond to Sisters for live jazz on a patio, again, twenty minutes, this time past rimrock cliffs and grazing horses. Even the “long” drives, like La Pine to Smith Rock State Park, clock in under an hour. Because traffic stays light and the views stay bright, the steering wheel begins to feel like a passport, not a chore.

Shared Events, Shared Spirit

Summer in Sisters means the Quilt Show and an influx of color. The same weekend, Bend lights up with concerts at the Old Mill and outdoor movies in Drake Park. One county over, Redmond’s Deschutes County Fair draws crowds for rodeo, carnival rides, and Friday-night fireworks. In winter, Sunriver strings lights through its village while Bend hosts WinterFest and breweries stage “pray-for-snow” parties. None of these gatherings belong to one town; they belong to everyone because everyone can get there. Families pile into cars, college friends meet up midway, retirees plan double-header days: art festival in the morning, high-school basketball championship that night. The region’s calendar looks like a kid’s sticker sheet, and every sticker is within reach.

Nature’s Playground on a Rotating Stage

Because Central Oregon’s geography ranges from Cascade peaks to sagebrush steppe, outdoor options shift with small hops on the map. Want powder? Mt. Bachelor rises twenty miles west of Bend. Prefer desert warmth? Smith Rock’s trails heat up a short drive north. Lakes for paddling, rivers for fly-fishing, cinder cones for stargazing, each micro-climate sits next to another. Families can sled in the morning and bike dry trails by late afternoon. Young adults chase rock-climbing sessions before food-truck dinners under string lights. Grandparents find level river paths in Tumalo State Park, then soak in hot springs near La Pine. The mix keeps hobbies fresh and lets generations share weekends without compromise.

Why It Works for Every Age and Stage

• Kids and Teens gain independence early. A half-hour radius covers soccer tournaments in Redmond, robotics meets in Bend, ski lessons on Bachelor, and science nights at the Sunriver Observatory. Parents spend more time cheering and less time idling in traffic.
• Young Professionals balance work and play without burning vacation days. Morning Zoom calls can finish, skis can click in by lunch, and a live show in Sisters can cap the night. All while rent or mortgage fits a realistic budget spread across several towns.
• Retirees tap into healthcare in Bend, quiet cabins in La Pine, art classes in Sisters, and farmers’ markets everywhere. Friends dropping by find flights easy, grandkids find boredom impossible, and the daily drive stays shorter than most suburban grocery runs.

An Invitation to the Easy Circle

Some places promise endless activity but hide it behind long drives or crowded streets. Central Oregon flips that script. Here, variety lives close, roads feel like scenic tours, and an airport small enough to know your name opens to the wider world. The result is a life where spontaneity comes naturally: a sunset paddle tonight, a mountain bike race next weekend, a bluegrass jam the one after that, all without packing suitcases or setting alarm clocks extra early.

Whether you are raising toddlers, launching a career, or savoring retirement, the circle of Central Oregon stays open. Step inside, and you may find that the real treasure is not choosing between options, it’s discovering how many you can reach before the day is done.

Bend Summer Festival: A Weekend That Brings Us Together

Why Bend’s Summer Fest Captures the Heart of Central Oregon

Every July, Downtown Bend turns seven city blocks into a walk-only playground for more than 70,000 neighbors and visitors at the Bend Summer Festival. A free, three-day celebration of art, music, food and community that has been running for over 30 years is excited to see you in attendance this year!

Why Bend Summer Fest Matters

• Scale & staying power. The festival averages 70k attendees each year, making it Central Oregon’s largest arts showcase and one of its longest-running annual events.
• Downtown vitality. Streets close to cars Friday through Sunday (July 11–13 this year), giving everyone room to stroll, shop and dance. Friday features music and food 4-10 p.m.; Saturday runs 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday wraps 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Free entry, local benefit. Admission is free, and a portion of proceeds supports a Bend-area nonprofit (The Giving Plate is the current beneficiary).

What You’ll Find This Year

Fine Arts & Makers

An 80-plus-artist Fine Arts Promenade lines the heart of Wall Street, joined by juried crafts, jewelry, photography and sculpture booths stretching seven blocks.

Live Music & Entertainment

Two main stages host regional headliners all weekend (recent lineups have included Rob Wynia & The Sound and Jelly Bread). Pop-up street performers, a skate demo and dance showcases fill the gaps between sets.

Family Play Zone

Kids can burn energy in the Family Fun Zone with hands-on crafts, games and inflatable attractions, while parents relax under shade tents.

Oregon Lifestyle & Business Showcase

The Oregon Lifestyle area spotlights sustainable living tips, outdoor gear reps and local innovators; the Bend Business Showcase lets small businesses display services face-to-face.

Food, Drink & Farmers Row

Expect rows of food carts serving bao buns, fish-n-chips, gourmet ice cream and more alongside Oregon wine flights, craft beer, cider and spirits. Central Oregon pop-up farmers market features high-desert produce on Saturday morning.

Ripple Effect on Bend’s Economy

Large, free festivals don’t just entertain; they move money. Visitors to Central Oregon spend about $259 per person per day on lodging, meals and activities, according to Travel Oregon’s 2021-22 visitor profile. If only half of Summer Fest’s 70k attendees are visitors who stay one full day, that conservatively injects $18 million into local shops, hotels and restaurants. That single weekend equals roughly one-twentieth of Bend’s entire annual visitor spending, which totaled $383 million in 2023.

Arts festivals also strengthen year-round creative jobs. A regional study found arts organizations already pump $16 million annually into Central Oregon’s economy through payroll and purchases; events like Summer Fest amplify that impact.

Living the Bend Lifestyle

Outdoor concerts under blue skies, kids chalking the pavement, and neighbors chatting with farmers capture why so many people fall in love with Bend. Community-driven gatherings like Summer Fest show newcomers that Bend is more than mountain views; it’s a place where downtown literally opens its streets so everyone can thrive together. For buyers considering a move, that welcoming culture can be the deciding factor that turns a house hunt into a relocation plan.

Tips for Enjoying the Festival

Final Thoughts

Bend Summer Festival blends art-fair, street concert and block party into one accessible weekend that reminds us why Central Oregon feels like home. Whether you’re tasting a new food-cart creation, picking up a locally made painting, or dancing with neighbors to sunset music, the festival offers a firsthand look at Bend’s collaborative spirit, an intangible asset that’s just as valuable as square footage when people decide where to live next.

Munch & Music: Bend’s Favorite Summer Tradition in Drake 

Where Music, Food, and Community Come Together Along the Deschutes River

Every summer, as the warm sun stretches across the sky and the Deschutes River sparkles through downtown Bend, something magical happens in Drake Park. Locals and visitors alike gather on Thursday evenings for Munch & Music, a free, family-friendly concert series that has become a beloved tradition in Central Oregon that will keep you coming back every Thursday! 

A Celebration of Community

Since the early 1990s, Munch & Music has been bringing people together. What started as a simple idea: offering free concerts in the park, has grown into a six-week summer series that draws thousands each night. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the people. Neighbors catch up, kids play, and everyone shares in the joy of a summer evening outdoors.

The 2025 season runs every Thursday from July 3 through August 7, with music starting at 5:30 p.m. and wrapping up around 9 p.m. 

Music That Moves You

Each week, the Boss Mortgage Stage hosts a lineup of talented musicians, ranging from local favorites to nationally touring acts. In past years, artists like Ron Artis II and The Dandy Warhols have graced the stage, offering genres from soulful blues to psychedelic pop-rock. 

The music sets the tone, but it's the shared experience, dancing barefoot on the grass, singing along with strangers, sharing the moment with loved ones, that creates lasting memories.

A Feast for the Senses

Come hungry, because Munch & Music lives up to its name. Restaurant Row features a variety of food vendors offering everything from gourmet burgers to handmade dumplings. Some local favorites include:

• 10 Barrel Food Truck: Smash burgers and nachos.
• Acme Hot Dogs: Grilled hot dogs with unique homemade toppings.
• Dump City Dumplings: Handmade bao-style dumplings with specialty sauces.
• Bonta Gelato: Farm-fresh gelato made with local ingredients. 

To quench your thirst, the Deschutes Brewery Libation Stations offer beer, wine, cider, and a specialty cocktail each week. With a walk-around policy, you can enjoy your drink while exploring the park. 

Fun for the Whole Family

Munch & Music is designed with families in mind. The Kids Zone features activities like bounce houses, giving children a place to play while parents relax nearby.

Artisan Row showcases local artists and crafters, offering everything from handmade jewelry to unique home décor. It’s a great place to find a special souvenir or gift.

Tips for a Perfect Evening

To make the most of your Munch & Music experience, consider the following:

• Seating: Bring a blanket or low-back chair. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served, and taller chairs should be placed toward the back to ensure everyone can see. 
• Transportation: Walking or biking to the event is encouraged. Bike racks are available, and the Bird bike-share program offers an easy way to get around. If you drive, the Centennial Garage downtown offers $1/hour parking and is a short walk to the park. 
• What to Bring: Cash for vendors (some may not accept cards), sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for when the sun sets.
• Pets: While we love our furry friends, dogs are not allowed at the event due to large crowds and the presence of small children. 

The Beauty of Drake Park

Drake Park, with its lush lawns and riverfront views, provides the perfect backdrop for Munch & Music. Located at 777 NW Riverside Blvd, the park spans 13 acres along the Deschutes River. Its natural beauty enhances the experience, making every concert feel like a special occasion. 

A Reflection of Bend’s Spirit

Munch & Music isn’t just an event; it’s a reflection of what makes Bend special. It embodies the city’s love for the outdoors, appreciation for the arts, and strong sense of community. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, attending Munch & Music offers a glimpse into the heart of Bend.

Bend Buyers Go Big on Home Offices

Remote-work reality is reshaping floor plans and here’s how to make your workspace work for you. 

28.1% of Bend Residence Work from Home 

Picture the classic Central Oregon morning: the sun is just cresting over the Cascades, birds are echoing across ponderosa pines, and instead of commuting, many Bend professionals are opening laptops in freshly minted home offices. That shift isn’t a fleeting pandemic fad; it’s a lifestyle upgrade driving buyers toward larger footprints with dedicated flex space. If you’ve been wondering why “just a little more square-footage” tops so many wish-lists, read on.

Market & Context

Remote and hybrid schedules have settled in as the new normal. Nationally, work-from-home now claims about one out of every four paid workdays, a statistic economists call “sticky” even as companies tug staff back toward headquarters. Census data back that up: 22 million Americans “usually” worked from home in 2023, more than double pre-pandemic levels. 

With more time spent inside the same walls, buyers are prioritizing rooms that multitask. In ServiceLink’s 2025 State of Home Buying Survey, 30 % of respondents said a dedicated office or flex zone was “vital” to their purchase decision, placing it ahead of features like smart appliances or luxury baths. An earlier Residential Design Magazine poll found two-thirds of shoppers want at least one true office; 13 % want two. 

Community Impact

Central Oregon has long attracted “lifestyle movers:” ski-before-lunch entrepreneurs, tele-medicine pros, and creative teams who trade metro bustle for mountain sunsets. Larger homes along the Westside, in communities like Northwest Crossing, or just south in Sunriver let residents carve out productive zones without sacrificing gear storage or guest rooms. Local builders have responded with floor plans labeled “Zoom Room,” “Pocket Office,” even “Gear-Drop + Desk.” The result? Neighborhoods where Slack pings meet birdsong, and coffee breaks mean a quick spin around the river trail.

Pro Tips: Designing a High-Performance Home Office

1. Pick the Quiet Corner
   Choose a room on the leeward side of prevailing household chaos (kids, kitchen, front door). A simple solid-core door can block 30-35 dB of sound.
2. Let Daylight Steer the Mood
   South- or east-facing windows give balanced natural light—ideal for video calls. Diffuse harsh rays with glare-reducing shades rather than heavy drapes.
3. Invest in Ergonomics First
   A height-adjustable desk and well-rated task chair beat any décor flourish. If standing desks aren’t in budget, pair a monitor riser with a foot-rest to improve posture.
4. Zone Your Tech
   • Connectivity: Hard-wire Ethernet when possible for up-to-1 Gbps stability.
   • Power: Surge-protected strip under the desk; cable sleeves tame spaghetti.
   • Periphery Dock: One USB-C hub keeps monitors, chargers, and mic in a single plug-and-go point.
5. Storage That Disappears
   Floating shelves and slimline cabinets lift clutter off the work surface. For dual-use guest rooms, a wall-bed with built-in desk preserves square-footage.
6. Tune the Acoustics
   A rug, fabric wall panels, or even a strategically placed bookshelf absorbs echo, sharpening call audio.
7. Green & Personal
   A snake plant boosts air quality and brings Bend’s outdoors inside. Add one “happy object” (photo, art) just outside the webcam frame to keep the professional look.

Soft Real-Estate Angle: Shopping Smarter for Office-Ready Homes

When touring listings, mentally map your gear: Is there a dedicated circuit for extra outlets? Does the room’s door swing leave space for a desk? Will Wi-Fi reach with existing mesh? If not, factor upgrades into your offer price. Bonus points for: built-in tech closets, pre-wired Cat-6, or unfinished basements with egress windows ready to morph into studio-quality zones.

Sellers in Central Oregon can highlight flex rooms by staging a simple desk, neutral task chair, and plant; signals that catch buyers’ eyes faster than a sign reading “bedroom 3.” Small effort, big perceived value.

Key Take-Away 

Bend’s appeal has always merged productivity and play. As remote work matures, that fusion moves indoors, prompting families to stretch for square-footage that lets career and lifestyle flourish side by side. Whether you’re shopping for your next retreat-plus-office or re-imagining a current spare room, a well-planned workspace is more than a trend—it’s an investment in daily quality of life.

Central Oregon: A High-Desert Playground for Families

Picture a place where mornings start with mountain views, afternoons roll by on riverside bike paths, and evenings wrap up under skies so clear you can count satellites. That’s everyday life across Central Oregon. A patchwork of friendly towns that knit together into one big backyard. Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Tumalo, Sunriver, and La Pine sit only minutes apart, yet each adds its own flavor of school spirit, outdoor fun, and neighborly warmth. It’s little wonder families from every corner of the country are choosing this high-desert region to plant new roots.

Classrooms That Spark Curiosity

Education here is a community priority. Bend-La Pine Schools, Oregon’s fifth-largest district, runs 33 campuses and offers everything from robotics teams to award-winning music programs. Redmond School District 2J serves 7,000 students in 17 schools and fields strong STEM and sports options. Sisters funnels all grades into a single, close-knit campus with honors and AP tracks, while Sunriver-area families praise small classes, supportive teachers, and hands-on enrichment. Whether your child dreams of coding, ceramics, or alpine racing, chances are there’s a club ready to cheer them on.

Parks, Programs & Play-All-Day Calendars

Keeping kids active is easy when every town funds its own recreation district:

• Bend Park & Rec packs the schedule with after-school care, swim lessons, day camps, and art labs.
• Redmond’s RAPRD fields youth soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, plus beginner yoga and STEM classes.
• Sisters Kids Club turns the elementary gym into an afternoon hub for science experiments and maker projects.
• Private outfits, like Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy or mountain-bike clinics in Tumalo, layer on tumbling, parkour, and trail-skills.

Summer sabbaticals? Not here. Kids splash at the Cascade Swim Center in Redmond, ride water slides at Sunriver’s SHARC, or stake out shady picnic tables in dozens of neighborhood parks scattered across the region.

Festivals That Grow With Your Family

Because the towns lie so close together, weekend plans can span two zip codes without feeling rushed:

• Bend Summer Festival lines downtown with art booths, live bands, and a giant kids’ zone each July.
• Munch & Music turns Thursday sunsets into free concerts (lawn chair dance-offs encouraged).
• Redmond’s Holiday Village Market twinkles with Santa visits and cocoa steam come December.
• Sisters Stampede lets pint-size riders tackle their own mountain-bike loop before pros rocket off.
• Sunriver Resort screens outdoor movies, stages Fourth-of-July bike parades, and hosts a fall pumpkin-patch wagon ride.

Most events mix adult fun—local beer tents, artisan markets—with kid-friendly corners, so no one has to split up to have a good time.

Big Nature, Short Drive

Central Oregon’s real playground is outside. Bend sits twenty minutes from Redmond, which is fifteen from Sisters; even La Pine’s tall pines reach Bend in half an hour. That tight radius means one family can:

• Catch first tracks at Mt. Bachelor with 4,300 skiable acres of powder
• Float the Deschutes River through downtown Bend before lunch
• Paddle Sparks Lake beneath volcanic peaks by mid-afternoon
• And still be home for a lazy hammock sunset.

Hundreds of trails weave through canyon rims and ponderosa forests. Bike Phil’s Trail after school, fish the Metolius on Saturday morning, or snowshoe Sunriver’s groomed paths when winter drops its soft blanket. With 300 sunny days a year, there’s rarely a bad time to step outside.

Spotlight on Sunriver: Built-In Fun, Car-Free Freedom

If Central Oregon is a playground, Sunriver is the kid who brings the best toys. Thirty-four miles of paved paths link every backyard to pickleball courts, Fort Rock Park’s swing sets, and SHARC’s lazy river. No car seats required. Parents linger on café decks while kids cannonball, then everyone pedals home beneath lodge-pole pines. Science comes baked in: the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory lets children meet rescue raptors by day and peer at Saturn’s rings through giant telescopes by night. Winter turns bike lanes into snow-shoe tracks, while a twenty-minute drive delivers skiers to Bachelor and sledders to Wanoga Sno-Park. Sunriver’s K-8 schools feed into four Bend high-school options, and 24-hour police and fire stations keep the pace relaxed and secure. For many families, it’s the perfect launchpad. It’s close to everything, yet calm enough that kids can roam on their own two wheels.

Why It Feels Like Home

Ask locals what seals the deal, and you’ll hear the same themes: safety, community, room to breathe. Crime rates sit well below big-city averages, and neighbors rally to pass school levies or coach Little League. Bend alone counts 17,000 K–12 students, so new kids find playmates fast. Meanwhile traffic stays light, and bluebird skies outnumber cloudy days. In this high-desert basin, families discover they can live at a pace that balances work, play, and plenty of together-time.

If You Imagine Your Family Here

Give us a call or email anytime and we would love to share with you all that we’ve learned over the years of raising our families here in Central Oregon.