Move to Bend

We were lucky enough to move to Central Oregon after having vacationed in the area for many years and enjoying a second home in Sunriver. Sometimes while I'm driving around, I still feel like I'm on vacation, which is a good thing. The glow that attracted us to Central Oregon still permeates through our daily lives and that same sentiment can be shared by many of the transplants to the area. Scott compares living in Central Oregon to the feeling of being an ex-pat - no one is a stranger and the sense of community is strong throughout the region.

After you've decided on moving to Central Oregon, be it with your family, retirement or a solo adventure to pursue the great outdoors, you may wonder how to blend in with and become a local. Many people call Central Oregon home and even though the area has grown to include many transplants, it's easy to come a local in welcoming Central Oregon.

Becoming A Local

You've move into your new home, bought a kayak rack for your car and invested in a puffy jacket - all surefire ways to becoming a Central Oregon local. Now, it's time to integrate with the locals and become one yourself. Where to start? Read like the locals do - local newspapers The Source Weekly and the Bend Bulletin are great resources for transplants to Central Oregon. Read about local politics, community gatherings, festivals, concerts and events that will help you integrate into the local scene. In fact, The Source Weekly publishes a locals issue once a year that can be your go-to guide for moving to Central Oregon. You can also follow our Blog!

Tune in to local radio stations and listen like a Bendite. 101.7 plays adult contemporary jams and you'll also discover an array of country music stations. KPOV is the local, non-profit radio station, connecting the community.

Making Friends and Building Your Network

For many people, one of the hardships of moving to a new city comes in making new friends and building a network. In Bend, there are many different ways to connect with new people and build your network - be it social or professional.

Meetups - Many transplants and locals looking for new friends and people will similar interests turn to Meetup.com to engage with others seeking similar relationships and activities within the community. Are you a woman seeking other women to mountain bike with? There's a Meetup for that. There's a Meetup for that. Retiring and wanting to make friends to spend your time with? Food, wine and art? And ofcourse other dog lovers.

Professional Organizations - Others want to build their professional network in Bend and joining local networking groups aids the process. The Bend Chamber of Commerce also hosts regular mixers and functions for professionals throughout the region.

Try attending the Beers and Business Cards events, which take place at local businesses throughout the region. You'll also find a chapter of the Young Professionals Network in Bend, which brings together professionals under 40 for networking and social events.

Wherever you choose to spend your free time, however, you choose to do so, you'll find friendly faces around every corner. Striking up a conversation with fellow skiers in the lodge at Mt. Bachelor can lead to lifelong friendships. No one is a stranger! If you are bored in Central Oregon, it's on you!

Dining and Culture

Trying to blend in and become a local? When it comes to dining and craft beverage culture, great coffee shops you'll find becoming a local to be both tasty and refreshing.

South

On the South end of town, locals love dining on fresh, organic meals prepared at Wild Oregon Foods. They also have a delicious cocktail menu and put on special events like their amazing Mother's Day Brunch. La Rosa serves incredible Mexican food in two locations in Bend, the southernmost location located in the Brookswood Meadow Plaza. Here, you'll also find C.E. Lovejoy's Market, a locally owned grocery store with a great selection and locally sourced goods. You can also find many trail heads with access to my favorite trails, the river trails. You can walk from Lovejoy's to the Old Mill District. Be sure to bring your dog. You will find us on the trails with ours.

West

On the popular westside of Bend, dining and drinks hit their stride. From pub food to creative wraps, you'll find something delicious to appease your palate. Try Brother Jon's Public House or 10 Barrel Brewing's flagship brewpub on Galveston Ave. The Victorian Cafe serves one of the best brunch menus in Central Oregon and you can get tasty BBQ down the street at Baldy's BBQ. Over on Newport Avenue, try world fusion at Spork, grab a locally roasted latte from Backporch Coffee Roasters and shop at one of Central Oregon's favorite locally owned grocery stores - Newport Ave. Market. Park the car and venture out.

Downtown

Downtown you can find the Deschutes Brewery Public House as well as Bend Brewing Company when it comes to craft beverages. Love Thai food? Wild Rose serves incredible Northern Thai cuisine and Toomies specializes in the Pad Thai you're used to. Bos Taurus and The Blacksmith satisfy your desire for high-end steak dinners, while Lone Pine Coffee Roasters and Crow's Feet Commons will meet your needs for caffeine. More of a dive bar fan? Head over to the M&J Tavern, a Bend staple for more than 70 years. Downtown also hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the popular First Friday Art Walk. You will find us there every month! Ask us about the hidden treasure, CHI.

North

As Bend continues to grow, more and more options become available for dining, drinking and culture. Bend's Northside has become home to a variety of breweries and restaurants. Just north of Downtown you'll find the newly opened Boneyard Brewing Pub. Off of Empire Ave., try the pizza and hot sandwiches from The Backyard and the newest 10 Barrel Brewing Pub. The Cascade Village Shopping Center brings you delicious Mexican food at El Rancho Grandeand sushi from Shinsei.

East

The booming east side of Bend includes Worthy Brewing, which has their own Hopseveratory (yes, a brewery with a telescope and observatory). Close to St. Charles Hospital on the eastside you can dine at local favorites including Jackson's Corner and the newly opened food cart lot On Tap. Looking to buy fresh produce? Head to Whole Foods on the eastside as well as the weekly Bend Farmer's Market (open May through October).

Now that you know where to dine like a local, get out there and start trying some Bend staples - the Buffalo Mac from Brother Jon's Public House, an Ocean Roll from Sparrow Bakery, one of the many tasty and award-winning brews from local breweries.

Outdoors and Recreation

The best way to become a local comes from getting out and exploring. Sure, you can ride your mountain bike at Phil's Trail and ski and snowboard at Mt. Bachelor, but there's more to Bend than these local hot spots. Cascade Lakes Highway includes a large number of lakes and trails to explore. For those seeking less adrenaline and more casual recreation - walk the Deschutes River Trail from the Old Mill District or enjoy a lite evening hike up Pilot Butte. Hop on your paddleboard and enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of Central Oregon on one of the area lakes or in the middle of town as you paddle up the Deschutes River.

Moving to Central Oregon

In order to become a local, you first have to put a plan into action for moving to Central Oregon. The Tuttle and Tuttle Group can assist you in finding the perfect home base for all of your Central Oregon adventures. We can help you find the ideal home for your lifestyle. Once you're here, we have no doubt you'll have no problems blending in and becoming a Bend part time or full time local with ease. 541-408-0067

Move to Central Oregon / 20 Annual Events Not to Miss

Central Oregon draws in visitors and potential homeowners every year with an unreplicable glow. Recreation, culture, entertainment, dining, live music, craft beverages and sunshine attract residents to the wonder and awe that have created an incredible place to live, work and play. Some might say if you're lucky enough to live in Central Oregon, you're lucky enough. Whether you choose to live in Bend, Sunriver or any of the outlying areas nearby, you will have access to all of the splendors of Central Oregon, including an array of annual events and festivals.

In Central Oregon, we place a high priority on community and create it with annual events that build a special bond shared between friends and neighbors. If you're considering relocating to Central Oregon, plan your visit during one of these annual events and festival to take advantage of the full community experience. While you're here, Scott and I can help you find the perfect homes for sale in Bend or Sunriver. Tour stunning homes for sale and experience the wonder that makes Central Oregon a truly unique and attractive community.

Annual Events in Bend and Sunriver

Oregon Winterfest
February - President's WeekendEnjoy three days of live music, rail jam, fire pit and ice sculpture competitions, gourmet food and wines, a 5k and 10k run, food vendors, sporting good marketplace, kids area, and Metal Mulisha performances. Oregon Winterfest attracts visitors from all over the region to celebrate winter.

Earth Day Fair and Parade
April - Earth Day WeekendEach year, The Environmental Center organizes the annual Earth Day Fair and Parade in Downtown Bend. This celebration of the natural world includes live music, food, family-friendly activities and a fun an festival parade featuring adults and children costumed as their favorite plant or animal.

Bend Farmer's Market
May - October - Wednesdays Downtown, Thursdays at Whole Foods EastTake advantage of seasonal and locally grown produce at the annual Bend Farmer's Market. The market, a local's favorite, brings produce, flowers, locally sourced meats, fresh pasta and more to several locations throughout town each week from May through October.

Bend Elks Baseball
June - August - Vince Genna Stadium, BendNothing says summertime like enjoying a hot dog and a cold beverage at the ballpark. The Bend Elks baseball team features college baseball players from across the Pacific Northwest competing each summer. Take advantage of $2 Tuesdays for $2 admission, $2 hot dogs and $2 beers throughout the summer.

Pacific Crest Weekend Sports Festival
June - Last Weekend in June, SunriverEach year, athletes and their families descent upon Sunriver for the annual Pacific Crest Weekend Sports Festival. The event includes a variety of athletic events from triathlons to bike tours to kids events and more. Families make a vacation out of the event, which also includes live music, a beer garden, food and sports vendors.

Bite of Bend
June - Downtown BendEnjoy regional cuisine and culture at the annual Bite of Bend. The Bite brings together chefs, bartenders, brewers, foodies and local food carts and restaurants for a three-day festival celebrating food from around the area. The event also includes live music, the Bartender's Brawl, The Beer Run, a root beer run for kids and a Top Chef competition.

July 4th Pet Parade
July 4 - Downtown BendIn Bend, we know how to celebrate the 4th of July. A variety of events occur annually including the Old Fashioned 4th of July Festival in Drake Park and the Freedom Ride. Each year, the Pet Parade kicks off the festivities. Kids and adults dress patriotically and walk their pets through the streets of downtown Bend.

Munch and Music
July-August - Drake Park, BendEvery summer, enjoy free concerts in Bend's Drake Park at Munch and Music. The lineup includes local, regional and nationally touring bands, activities for kids, food vendors and a true sense of community. The annual event takes place during six Thursday evenings in July and August.

Bend Summer Festival
July - Downtown BendThe annual Bend Summer Festival is my personal favorite event of the year. The festival takes place the second weekend in July and kicks off the summer season with live music, an artist showcase, gourmet food and wine, family fun on the streets, an eclectic marketplace and more. Celebrate the summer season at the Bend Summer Festival on the streets of downtown Bend.

Sunriver Quilt Show
August - The Village at SunriverThis free event takes place annually in The Village at Sunriver. The Sunriver Quilt Show and Sale showcases over 200 quilts and includes a member's bazaar, which supports Mountain Meadow Quilters' educational activities and service projects.

Bend Brew Fest
August - Les Schwab Amphitheater, BendOne of the most popular events in the region, the annual Bend Brew Fest brings together breweries, wineries and cideries for the biggest celebration of craft beverages in Central Oregon. The festival takes place over three days in the middle of August and is all ages until 5pm. Taste brews from all over the country at this special event.

Sunriver Music Festival
August - Bend and SunriverThe Sunriver Music Festival has been an annual tradition in Central Oregon for decades. The non-profit organization provides a two-week music festival every August featuring classical musicians from across the country. Performances are held in Sunriver at the Great Hall at Sunriver Resort and at the Tower Theatre in Bend.

Art in the High Desert
Late August - Old Mill District, BendEach year at the end of August, Art in the High Desert takes over Central Oregon showcasing original art from 115 nationally acclaimed visual artists. Located along the banks of the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District you can enjoy art in a variety of mediums.

Sisters Folk Festival
September - Downtown SistersThe weekend following Labor Day each year signifies the start of the Sisters Folk Festival. Musicians from across the globe decent on Sisters to perform at a variety of venues throughout town. The Sisters Folk Festival is a non-profit organization that supports music and arts education through the Central Oregon community.

Bend Oktoberfest
September - Downtown BendThe Bend Oktoberfest occurs annually and is a fundraiser for the Bend Downtown Business Association. The event features great beer, games, wiener dog races, beer pong, stein holding competitions, traditional music and more to unite the Bend community.

Uncorked - Sunriver Style
Mid-September - Benham Hall at SHARC, SunriverUncorked brings a two-day wine festival to the SHARC in Sunriver. Uncorked features Oregon wines, cheeses, chocolates, live music and more. Indulge in your favorite treats while dancing the night away to local and regional bands.

Bend Roots Revival
Last Weekend in September - Deschutes Brewery Warehouse Lawn, BendLove live music? This is the Bend event for you! Each year, over 100 local and regional bands perform at Bend Roots Revival, a fundraiser for Bend Roots, a non-profit organization that provides music education throughout Central Oregon. Includes morning yoga sessions, food, beer and entertainment for the entire family.

Bend Fall Festival
October - Downtown BendThere's much to love about the Bend Fall Festival including pumpkin carving, gourmet food, live music, a Harvest Market and activities for children. Put your pie baking skills to the test or dine at the innovative food vendors that bring their bites to the festival.

BendFilm Festival
October - Downtown BendLove movies? The BendFilm Festival brings independent films to screens across Central Oregon in this annual festival celebrating cinema. Watch movies that will play at other major festivals across the country and by aspiring filmmakers and students.

Bend Christmas Parade
December - Downtown BendWill you be visiting in the winter? Kick off the holiday season by attending the Bend Christmas Parade, which takes place at the beginning of December each year.

Plan Your Stay and Check Out Bend and Sunriver Real Estate

There's always something to do in Central Oregon, which makes any time of year the perfect time to visit and check out Bend and Sunriver real estate. Plan your vacation around one of these great Central Oregon events and Scott and I will find a variety of homes within your price range that meet your needs. Trust us to help you make your dream of living in Central Oregon a reality. Contact us today for more information about Central Oregon real estate.