If you’re looking for a picturesque city in Oregon without the crowds of Portland, Bend is a fantastic choice. The city has become a magnet for folks looking to live a life of outdoor adventure mixed with vibrant culture, a relaxed lifestyle, and outstanding cuisine. If Bend is at the top of your list of cities to move to, learning as much as you can before making a decision is a smart choice! To help, the storage experts at Northwest Self Storage have put together this short article on why people are moving to Bend, Oregon! If that sounds like the information you’re searching for, read on.
The Natural Beauty of Bend is a Big Draw
It’s not a stretch to say that Bend is a paradise for those who love exciting outdoor adventures and beautiful, wild nature. Bend has the majestic Cascade Mountains as its backdrop, providing unrivaled access to outdoor activities, hobbies, and sports. For example, one of the most popular activities in the city is hiking the miles of trails in and around the Deschutes River in Bend. Camping is also one of the more popular activities in the area, as is fishing in lakes teeming with trout, bass, and other finned species. In other words, Bend provides an exciting, invigorating, peaceful, and mesmerizing escape from everyday life. (See more activities below!)
Bend has a Unique Climate and Weather
Although located in the Northwest, you might be surprised that Bend is somewhat different from most northwestern cities. For example, Bend has over 300 days of sunshine a year in an area where rain is widespread. There are more sunny days with low humidity and cool nights than in most of the towns and cities in this part of the United States, making Bend even more attractive.
Best Places gives Bend a Comfort Index of 9/10, which is almost perfect! Summertime in Bend is hot but not sweltering, with low humidity and comfortable nights. July through September are the most pleasant months in the city. Bend gets a good amount of snow in winter, but it only lasts about 3 months.
There’s a Strong Sense of Community Pride in Bend
There’s no denying that Bend has grown quite a bit in the last decade or two. However, despite all this growth, the city still retains a small-town feel. (With nearly 100,000 residents, that’s saying something.) You’ll find it faster to integrate into your new life in this city while making connections and new friends more easily. Community pride is another reason people are moving to Bend, OR.
Bend is Filled with Culture
As much as the people who live in Bend value their outdoor activities, they might appreciate their culture even more. The arts, including various public art installations throughout the city, thrive in Bend. This city also hosts several fantastic festivals throughout the year to bring some excitement and pageantry to the city. The culinary scene in Bend is also burgeoning, and there’s an impressive array of new and old restaurants, craft breweries, and phenomenal wineries in the surrounding countryside.
There are Outdoor Adventure and Relaxation Opportunities Galore in Bend
We mentioned earlier how many exciting activities and sports are available in Bend and wanted to expound on that for you. Below is a list of the most popular outdoor activities in, around, and outside the city!
- Hiking – With its scenic trails and varied terrain, hiking in Bend is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Trails range from easy walks along the Deschutes River to challenging hikes up the Cascade Mountains, catering to all skill levels.
- Mountain Biking – Bend is renowned for its extensive network of mountain biking trails, offering everything from gentle rides through pine forests to adrenaline-pumping downhill courses.
- Fishing – The rivers and lakes around Bend are abundant with fish, making it a prime location for fishing. Whether fly fishing in the Deschutes River or angling in mountain lakes, there’s something for every angler.
- Skiing and Snowboarding – During winter, the nearby Mount Bachelor Ski Resort becomes a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding, boasting some of the best powder in the Pacific Northwest.
- Kayaking and Paddle Boarding – The Deschutes River provides a perfect setting for kayaking and paddle boarding, offering both serene waters for beginners and challenging rapids for the more adventurous.
- Rock Climbing – Smith Rock State Park, located just north of Bend, is a world-class climbing destination. Its towering rock formations attract climbers from all over the globe.
Honorable Mentions
- Golfing – Some of the best in the Northwest
- Winery and Brewery Tours – One word: phenomenal.
- White Water Rafting – For genuine adrenaline seekers!
- Horseback Riding – The horse trails out here are lovely!
- Bird Watching – We’ve got over 500 species!
Bend isn’t Like Portland
This is not to say that Portland, Oregon, doesn’t have its charms, but for most who live here, Bend is a better choice. Sure, Portland, being Oregon’s largest city, has a wider variety of attractions and amenities. It also has the hustle and bustle of a major city, something Bend doesn’t have. (Along with higher crime rates, living costs, commute times, etc.)
Living in Bend provides a more laid-back, relaxing, and nature-centric lifestyle that most would agree is missing in Portland. In other words, it balances “big city” living and country living. If that’s the kind of balance you’re looking to strike in your life, Bend should be a great choice!
Store Your Things Safely with Northwest Self Storage
If you’ve already arrived and need storage units in Bend, OR, Northwest Self Storage is your best choice! Northwest has 5 self storage facilities in Bend, so finding one should be a breeze! You can store an entire home’s contents if needed or clear out a bedroom to repurpose it into a craft, hobby, or movie room. You can reserve a storage unit in Bend, OR, online in under five minutes if ready. Until then, we hope the information provided today on why people are moving to Bend, Oregon, has answered all of your questions and given you the insights you were searching for!