Author: Melissa Gottlieb

If you’re thinking about moving to Bend or already looking for relocation rentals in Bend, we have some good news for you: We’re one of the friendliest cities in the country! It’s not just us saying that, either: My Move thinks so, too, and Livability.com thinks we’re one of the best options for getting a fresh start. But what makes Bend so friendly to newcomers? There are plenty of reasons, but here are a few of the most important.

The Small City Lifestyle Encourages Congregation

Bend is famous for its small city, friendly vibe and plentiful recreational activities. This sets up a lot of cascading events where coworkers and those with similar interests get together for hikes, biking, or fun on the slopes, then end up heading to a favorite pub or park for relaxing conversation (there’s also indoor activity versions of the same trend).

The result is a lifestyle that leads to plenty of fun conversations over beer and food, and a general sense that everyone is down for a chat. Since everything in Bend is relatively easy to reach by vehicle, time and distance are far less a factor in keeping people from meeting up. It’s no surprise that living in Bend simply helps people be friendly with each other!

Lots of Flexible Work/Life Options

Bend is a city of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and one of the highest remote worker ratios in the country. That makes it easy to find a flexible schedule and work/life balance that actually leaves time for friends or trying new activities. The many recreation programs and activity options around the city also give families a lot to experiment with until they find their favorite spots, from ice-skating at The Pavilion to taking part in the frequent High Desert Museum activities. It’s easy to build your ideal version of life with plenty of room for friends.

The Town is Built to Chill

We mean this literally! Our broad roads and plentiful roundabouts make it easy to get around while looking for things to do in Bend. Our numerous parks are designed for family fun – and a whole lot of dog recreation – while the river is a perfect spot to float in the summer and greet the hundreds of others gliding along with you. Plentiful open-air food courts and beer gardens, often within walking distance, make perfect spots to meet up with friends or even strike up a conversation with a stranger. Pubs and restaurants are often designed with common areas and larger tables for people to gather around fires in the winter or casually share spots for a meal (with allowances made for COVID-19 restrictions, too).

Bend Doesn’t Mind Where You Come From

Unlike some spots in the Northwest with strong opinions, Bend doesn’t really mind what other state you may be coming from, and people are less likely to form opinions about you based on where you came from. Much of this probably due to Bend’s fast growth in the past few decades, which has seen newcomers from a wide variety of places mix together and form a unique, tourism-friendly identity – one with plenty of room for new people.

Consistent Events Draw the City Together Throughout the Year

Bend is an event-focused city where there’s always something going on to gather together tourists and citizens alike. Here’s just a few that people love: Nightglow skiing, Brewfest (and many others), First Fridays for small businesses, many various art and music festivals, seasons festivals to celebrate all the latest weather and in-season foods, Oktoberfest with its charming wiener dog races, the Bend Film Festival, Pole Pedal Paddle (where local business are encouraged to make their own teams or root for others), and much more. Many of these events are starting back up in 2021 or set for 2022, so there’s a lot to look forward to!

Do you have plans for higher education after moving to Bend? Or maybe you want to see what opportunities are available for family earning degrees or continuing education in Central Oregon. These are important questions, so let’s break down what you should know about higher education in Bend and beyond.

1. OSU Has a Chapter Here – OSU-Cascades

Bend is home to the Oregon State University’s satellite branch, typically called OSU-Cascades. It is Oregon State University, just with a different campus, and the only satellite option that OSU provides. They call it “Oregon State with an Edge” because it’s particularly popular among OSU students who prefer living next to the slopes or with easy access to outdoor adventures, as opposed to the original Corvallis campus in the valley.

The big advantage to OSU-Cascades is the ability to earn your full 4-year baccalaureate degree in Bend, along with the option to press on and earn your graduate’s degree in a variety of disciplines. Currently, around 20 majors and 30 minors are available at the university, plus a selection of signature programs.

2. For Shorter Programs, Try COCC

Bend is also home to the Central Oregon Community College (COCC), an excellent option for seeking out two-year degrees and a wide variety of options to continue select higher education pursuits. The 140-acre campus is a beautiful mix of forest and mountain views, bringing together more than 17,000 students for a variety of options, plus small satellite centers around Central Oregon for more specific activities.

COCC offers a variety of programs, but there are several centers particularly helpful for those seeking jobs in the area: That includes a Small Business Development Center that all entrepreneurs should investigate, a Health Careers and Science Center for those interested in paths ranging from veterinary technicians to nursing, and of course a remarkable outdoors and recreation program with multiple specialization options.

For those with growing families, COCC is also an excellent option for high school students interested in earning college credits early, or for people who prefer to take a slower approach to a full college education.

3. Chefs Will Love the Cascade Culinary Institute

If you’re interested in a degree in food or anything else to do with professional (and delicious) food services, the Cascade Culinary Institute (CCI) is waiting for you. The Institute offers both degrees in particular subjects like Baking, Pastry, and Culinary arts, as well as certifications for specific capabilities like Sustainable Food Systems or Nutrition and Dietary Management. It also has an award-winning, student-operated restaurant called Elevation on campus!

4. Campus Locations Allow for Easy Access to the Heart of Bend

Bend’s campuses aren’t as isolated as some college campuses can be. Instead, they are integrated into different core sections of the city, making it easy for students to plan their daily schedules around activities or jobs throughout Bend. For those living in Bend near the campuses, amazing restaurants, breweries, and events are usually just a few minutes away!

5. Housing is Important for Out-of-Town Students

Housing is very limited on Bend’s campuses, so students that will need a place to stay should start making plans very, very early. Apartment and rental spaces are hotly contested in Central Oregon, which can increase prices and make availability an issue. The early you start looking for open spots and potential roommates to split the bill, the better. Don’t hesitate to ask us for help finding the right place to live – our relocation services can make the process much easier!

6. 2021 Should Be a Return to Normalcy

2020 saw multiple measures put in place due to lockdown and social distancing conditions, which changed the education landscape in Bend as elsewhere. Blended classes and careful transitions helped keep a balance, with the Bend campuses well-suited for small class sizes and distance learning. However, due to (currently) falling COVID rates and the continued spread of the vaccine, Bend campuses have plans in place to slowly but surely return to more traditional classes in 2021.

 

One of the most important parts of moving to Bend is securing the employment you’ve got your eye on. That can mean taking on a lot of interviews, many of which are online these days. These professional tips will ensure you’re prepared to find the job you want in Bend!

1. Position Your Webcam

We know, lots of interviews are being done over video chat these days…and that’s not always flattering. Always take time to set up your webcam and use the picture-in-picture function to see exactly how you look, and adjust for the best angle, lighting, and background (and your own posture, of course. Practice this even if you don’t have interviews scheduled!

2. Prep Your Space

While video and phone interviews are now common for employment in Bend, they come with their own challenges. Always find a quiet spot for your interview. Make sure distractions like alarms, phone notifications, kids, pets, and anything else are not going to be a problem. Test out the video chat app that the employer wants to use and make sure you know how to turn it on, mute, and other basic actions.

3. Dress Your Best

Yes, even for a video chat. Find a common-sense professional outfit that you feel comfortable in. If an outfit makes you feel uncomfortable, it will show and affect your interview performance – so find a compromise that signals your seriousness about the job, while also helping you feel confident.

4. Study, Study, Study

Research both the position available and the company itself. Really dig into the responsibilities of the available job description, and if you’re living in Bend try to visit the business’s location, too. It’s important to be informed and, if possible, ready to immediately start your job (give or take some in-person training). Learn how to write a summary to ensure that you have clear and concise details about your work that you can review later. This will show through in your interview, and it will help you prepare for any later steps, since some companies have you take tests or complete assignments.

5. Practice the STAR Method

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Results. It’s a handy little guide for giving a real-world example of your skills. When an employer starts asking about your skills, always have a quick STAR story ready for them!

6. Put Together a Powerful Online Package

Impress the employer before your interview begins. Create a complete online PDF with links to important sites like your LinkedIn profile, a portfolio of your work, testimonials from past employers or clients, and more. Include visuals, like a detailed timeline presentation, if possible, to showcase your milestone project. Make it a complete package that you can proudly share anywhere.

7. Talk to Yourself

Well, not during the interview! But take some time to talk to yourself during private times, so you hear the sound of your voice discussing your work life, professional skills, and so on. This will help you find the right pitch and a natural flow for the interview. Do a warm practice a bit before the interview too, so your voice is ready.

8. Get There Early

This is even more important for virtual interviews, because you need to set up, make sure your internet connection is good, and enter a chat room. Give yourself plenty of time so you’re ready for any surprises.

9. Ask Your Own Open-Ended Questions

Every interviewee dreaded open-ended questions like, “What are your greatest weaknesses?” There’s a lot of advice available about how to deal with those questions, but we want to add an important point: Ask your own! Good job interviews include an option for interviewees to ask the employer questions. Try out open-ended questions like, “What achievement is your company most proud of?” These questions can reveal a lot about an employer and lead to more organic, enjoyable conversation.

10. Send a Follow-Up Email

It’s not just good interview etiquette, sending an email is always a great way to remind the employer that 1) you exist and that 2) you’re responsive and appreciative. A good follow-up email can upgrade a mediocre interview to an impressive showing!

Super Bowl parties are still looking a little different in 2021, but people in Bend are happily making game plans for smaller home parties with close friends and loved ones. With that come two very important questions: What snacks should your football party have, and what beer should you bring?

With takeout being an immensely popular option this year, we’re listing the top places for Super Bowl takeout in Bend, and the best breweries to get beer from! Those moving to Bend or recently arrived will find everything they need below.

Best Takeout for Superbowl Parties

The good news is that restaurants and food trucks in Bend fully embraced takeout features in 2020, so you can order food from just about anywhere, and get it delivered with services like Doordash. However, to really help out local Bend businesses, it’s always best to call up or use their direct online order services for a pickup. Here are some of the best places to try, based on what football cuisine you prefer. Keep in mind, many of these locations are going to be extra busy for the Super Bowl, so plan ahead of time.

Baldy’s BBQ

Baldy’s specializes in catering and is an excellent choice for easy BBQ, especially if you have more mouths to feed than usual. Baby back ribs are a highlight, but there’s pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken, smoked wings, and everything you need for BBQ sandwiches.

Mio Sushi

If your family prefers lighter party snacks, Mio Sushi will delight with numerous sushi options, with a wide variety of additional appetizers and entrees. They make ordering sushi platters and larger bento boxes for parties especially easy.

Los Jalapeños

In the mood for Mexican-style food? Los Jalapeños is a hidden gem on Greenwood, with a broad menu full of delicious options at very affordable prices. If your group loves nachos, burritos, quesadillas, or even inventive Mexican salads, you’ve found your spot, and it tends to be faster than popular options like El Rancho Grande.

Stone Pine Pizza

This pizza truck is famous for its delicious and innovative pizzas, available in personal or large sizes depending on what people want. It’s a great pick if pizza sounds good but everyone is in the mood for something special – and you can even grab a beer at Spoken Moto while you wait. Just get there before they run out of ingredients on the big game day! For vegan options, try Bend Pizza Kitchen, or for especially large orders, visit Pizza Mondo.

Chan’s

If game day isn’t complete without Chinese food, Chan’s of Bend has you covered. Their food is affordable, tasty, and comes in big portions without a big wait. Their location on 3rd street also makes it easy to swing by for pickup, although delivery is offered through some apps. If you prefer to compare options before deciding, take a look at China Doll’s tasty menu too.

Miyagi Ramen

Looking for something outside the box? Miyagi Ramen has turned their little Old Mill joint into an impressive assembly line for pickup orders. Combined with their excellent online ordering system, there’s no better way to enjoy delicious – and customizable – Japanese-style ramen bowls in Bend.

Best Beer for Superbowl Parties

Bend is full of distinct brew options, and there’s no bad choice. But if you don’t already have a preference and want beer for a whole party, these are the best breweries in Bend.

Deschutes

Deschutes has become a world-famous brewery because it knows how to create great beers with broad appeal. If you want something that works for everyone, Deschutes brews are always a safe bet. Their Red Chair beer is especially popular this time of year, while the light Mirror Pond ale is a fit for everyone.

10 Barrel

If your party is more interested in light beers, 10 Barrel specializes in lighter brews that are easy to swig after a big bite of food. Their Pub Beer is an affordable example, but the classic Apocalypse IPA is there for those who want something stronger.

Crux Fermentation

If you’re watching the Superbowl with beer nerds, Crux Fermentation is the way to go. Just mention the name – they’ll know what they want, and will be happy to make recommendations, too.

Avid

Is your group not really into beer? Avid Cider has delicious ciders with fruit combinations from around the world, from classic Apple to innovative Orange Cream.

Now that 2020 is finally behind us, it’s the perfect time to take a look ahead: What exactly is waiting in the future of Central Oregon? This time, we wanted to take a specific look at how the past year has affected the economy of Bend and the surrounding area, and what the outlook is for 2021. Here’s what you should know if you’re moving to Bend!

Real Estate Prices Continue to Grow

During 2020, real estate inventory in Bend was one of the many things to go into lockdown, with relatively low numbers of sellers in the market. However, trends like remote work and people seeking smaller cities to escape the crowds continued to make property in the area extremely popular, so home prices continued to rise, with the median sale price of residential properties shooting up as much as 14% toward the end of 2020. Home appreciation is expected to continue its fastest growth in 2021 since the Great Recession, although sellers that were waiting are also likely to add inventory to the market this year, leading to greater activity.

But there’s also good news for buyers: Interest rates for mortgages are expected to remain particularly low in this period as well.

Employment in Bend

In 2020, Bend and surrounding areas fought the impact of lockdown procedures halting various sectors – some hit harder than others. Deschutes County became the country with the third-highest share of layoffs in the state during the year, and employment in the third quarter was down 7.2% compared to the previous year.

However, the area also proved both adaptable and resilient. By the end of the year, many sectors had started to recover, while tourism continued to be profitable despite travel being discouraged. Although lockdown measures continue to affect the area, 2021 is shaping up to be a record year for tourism and will hopefully see the rebound of all sectors affected by 2020 conditions – dependent on things like vaccine rollout, of course.

That brings us to two positive observations. First, the health industry in Bend has remained strong, one of the largest employment sectors in the region with relatively little job loss. Second, Bend’s population continued to grow from outside relocation even during 2020, and 2021 should be another key year for population increases.

Overall Economic Expectations for 2021

After a sharp recovery in the third quarter of 2020, where the Central Oregon Business Index rose by 16%, growth slowed and stabilized as new lockdown measures were implemented. That puts the first quarter of 2021 in an interesting position: The first few months are likely to present challenges, followed by a period of activity and growth with a dramatic rebound likely as the year moves on.

Bend’s economy also saw continued diversification throughout 2020. As skilled professionals continue to move into the area in 2021, that diversification will provide a growing number of new opportunities for those living in Bend.

Long term estimates expect Central Oregon to have the highest job growth in Oregon by the end of the 2020s (narrowly beating out the Portland area), with healthcare and social assistance leading the pack. Software development, research analysis, and marketing are also expected to be key sectors for jobs and growth.