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Bend and Central Oregon
Clustered at the eastern base of the Cascade Mountains, Central Oregon is a
close network of thriving communities that offer a little something for everyone.
Art lovers and gourmet connoisseurs enjoy the vibrant downtown Bend lifestyle.
The majestic views and outdoor activities are perfect for those who live full-time
or part-time in this high desert oasis. These small communities, with good
schools and good neighbors, are home to growing families, lifetime residents,
and retirees. Known for its year-round sunshine and blue skies, visitors come
to Central Oregon for a variety of outdoor activities including: skiing, snowboarding,
golf, horseback riding, biking, and river rafting. The excellent restaurants,
weekend festivals, and tight knit communities entice people to stay and call
this beautiful area home. From the artsy, casual city of Bend to the small
western-style town of Sisters and the rural communities of Redmond, Prineville,
Madras and La Pine, the housing options vary in price and size. The recreation
community of Sunriver offers many options for vacation homes that are perfect
for outdoor enthusiasts.
Demographics
Population
Deschutes County:
141,838 (2005)
Bend:
75,290 (April 2007)
Elevation:
3,625 feet
Precipitation:
10-15 inches per year.
Cost of Housing:
Click Here to search for homes in the Bend area.
Neighboring Cities
Bend
 City of Bend Neighborhood Associations
Bend Chamber of Commerce
La Pine
La Pine Chamber of Commerce
Madras
Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Redmond
Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce
Prineville
www.prineville-crookcounty.org
Sisters
Sisters Chamber of Commerce
Sunriver
Sunriver Chamber of Commerce
Industry & Employers
Regional experts work to secure major employers that meet Central Oregon’s
requirements for clean industry, family wage jobs, and responsible management.
Diverse economic opportunities are available in industries including:
Aerospace/Aircraft Manufacturing
Research and Development
Software Industry
Recreational Equipment Manufacturing
Furniture and Fixtures
Molding and Millwork
Steel/Equipment Fabrication
Medical Devices
Technical/professional firms serving national and international customers.
Economic Development for Central Oregon
The Center for Business and Industry
Transportation
Central Oregon is just hours by car from Portland, San Francisco,
Seattle, Spokane and Boise. It’s even shorter if you take one of the
direct flights to and from Seattle, Portland, Eugene, San Francisco, Denver,
Las Vegas and Los Angeles via the Redmond Municipal Airport.
For residents who commute, Bend
Area Transit recently expanded its fixed route public bus transportation
system. For seniors and people needing more personal service, Dial-A-Ride
helps them reach their destinations. Visit the Commute
Options website for more information.
Children’s Activities
Bend is a community that cherishes it children. Policies are created to ensure
the safety and security of the young ones. Organizations, dedicated to the
health and well-being of children, promote age-appropriate activities to
help families feel safe in their community.
Working Wonders Children’s Museum
Bend
Metro Park and Recreation District
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon
Deschutes Public Libraries
Schools
Central Oregon is served by several school districts, an expansive community
college system and its own four-year university. In addition, it offers several
private school options, advanced degrees, and continuing education programs
designed to serve every age.
Bend LaPine Schools
Redmond School District
Sisters School District
Central Oregon Community College
OSU-Cascades Campus
Concordia University’s
Bend-Based MBA Program
COCC Continuing Learning
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Central Oregon to explore the thousands of acres
of forests and desert, 500 miles of rivers and the more than 150 pristine
mountain lakes. For those who love snow, Mt. Bachelor, covering 3,683 acres,
maintains 71 groomed runs, six lodges, and 10 lifts. Just 30 minutes from Bend,
the Mt.
Bachelor Ski Resort also features a Nordic Center with 56 kilometers
of cross-country trails. If golf is your game, don’t forget your clubs.
There are more than 25 world-class golf courses within a 50-mile radius of
Bend.
Bend Metro Park and Recreation District
Central Oregon Visitors Association
Bend Visitors and Convention Bureau
Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests
Get Real Winter
Arts and Entertainment
People who’ve taken notice of Bend for the recreation are often surprised
at the variety of arts and entertainment also to be found here. The region
is home to several theater companies, ballet, opera and its own symphony orchestra.
Free music can be heard in neighborhood parks during the summer, and destination
concerts bring visitors from all over the Northwest. Bend is famous for the Cascade
Festival of Music each August, as well as art galleries, the High
Desert Museum, special events at the restored Tower
Theatre, and the Nature of Words Writers Conference. Just looking
for a great movie? We have two multiplexes and the BendFilm
Festival each fall.
Central Oregon Visitors Association Calendar
Les Schwab Amphitheatre
Festivals and Events
Check out any community calendar for Central Oregon and you’ll be amazed
at the number of festivals and event happening year round. From Winterfest
in February to the Bend Christmas Parade in December, there is something happening
almost every weekend – literally!
Central Oregon Visitors Association Calendar
Winterfest
Pole, Pedal, Paddle
Sisters Rodeo
Balloons Over Bend
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show
Deschutes County Fair
Bend Summer Festival
Fall Festival
Shopping and Dining
Morning is the perfect time to window shop in downtown Bend before having
lunch at a local brew pub. The afternoon can be used for your serious shopping
before your dinner reservations at one of Bend’s award-winning restaurants
with menus featuring gourmet cuisine.
Gusto Magazine
The Shops at the Old Mill
Cascade Village Shopping Center
Bend River Promenade
Downtowners Association
Bend Restaurants
Seasonal Markets
The Central Oregon Saturday Market, located downtown, starts in late May and runs through the first of September. It features local craftsman and artisans from throughout the region selling their wares. The Farmers Market, a popular Bend attraction, is where you’ll find the freshest regional vegetables, fruits, flowers, specialty meats and hand-crafted products. Shop the market twice a week from early June through early October. It’s open 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Wednesday at Brooks Street Riverfront Plaza at Mirror Pond; and every Friday at St. Charles Medical Center-Bend.
Pet Central
Well-behaved, leashed and licensed dogs are welcome almost everywhere in Bend.
Your furry friend will love to play in the fully-fenced, 3-acre Big
Sky Dog Park. Enjoy Bend’s annual Pet Parade every Fourth
of July. Have fun parading your pet or just relax and watch the show as it
marches through downtown.
Humane Society of Central Oregon
Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club
Equine Community
Central Oregon’s equestrian community is world famous for the rodeos
it hosts as well as the Central Oregon Draft Horse Show and the Oregon High
Desert Classics held each year. For more information, visit the Central
Oregon Horse Journal website.
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