5 Reasons Why Living in Bend Reduces Your Stress

Yes, it is Stress Awareness Month – and we bet many of you didn’t need the reminder that life can be stressful…especially in the middle of important (and complicated) events like moving to Bend or finding work in a new city.

We’re happy to help make the moving process a little easier, and in the meantime, let’s take a look at some good news: 5 ways everyone agrees that life in Bend is good for your stress levels!

1. Remote Work is Easy and Encouraged

Bend was already one of the friendliest remote-work cities in the very friendly remote-work state of Oregon. Thanks to the 2020 remote work trend, that reputation has increased even further, making it easier than ever to find the right work-life balance that involves working from home or taking more frequent home days for yourself and your family.

Not only can this help reduce work-related stress, it also makes your life much easier to plan around. And if you’re working in Bend, keep in mind that it’s also one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the country, so if you’re feeling a lot of stress in your current position and would like to strike out on your own sometime in the near future, Bend has an excellent support network waiting to help you out during the early days!

2. Outdoor Recreation Offer Both Playtime and Me-Time

The wealth of outdoor options in Central Oregon allows everyone to find what’s most fun for them. If you feel like hitting the slopes or going camping with friends, there’s no end to the possibilities. Are you more into a quiet hike or relaxing kayak session to help reduce stress? Options still abound throughout the city and beyond. Wherever you feel most centered, you’ll be able to find plenty of outdoor options to meet your needs.

3. There’s Always an Option to Find a New “Favorite Spot”

Bend’s microbrewery and cuisine scene gets plenty of credit, but there’s a hidden benefit for those who are looking to manage their stress levels and take more time for themselves: There’s always something new to try and explore! Whether you are looking for a spot to cozy up with a new book, a taphouse to relax by a fire and schedule your week, or a brewery that has a tasty new seasonal meal to try, Bend is packed full of options for your next favorite spot.

Plus, since navigation in the city is easy, you don’t need to take a lot of time to reach your destination, which cuts down on the stress of planning extra me-time when you really need to go decompress.

4. The City is Family and Pet Friendly

Whether you desperately need some time with your favorite furry friend or would love to find an activity to keep the kids happy for the day, Bend is friendly to families and pets alike! Plentiful parks and dog parks are located throughout the city and beyond, each unique and filled with opportunities for play, walks, and more. Multiple summer and winter activities, from the slopes to educational opportunities in the High Desert Museum, make it easy to find something for the kids to do when they’re looking for what to do in Bend on their next adventure.

5. You Can Finally Get Away from the Rain

Rain and dreary days certainly don’t help with stress levels or depression. That’s why it’s such a great benefit that Bend is one of the sunniest spots in the Northwest, with more than 155 clear days per year and an additional 105 days that are mostly sunny. The beautiful high desert climate could be just what you need to start feeling great!