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A big part of moving to Bend, like any city, is learning how to get around! Fortunately, Bend is very easy for newcomers to navigate after a little practice, and there are multiple options for travel within the city depending on where you want to go. We’ve collected several tips to help those who are planning on relocating to the Bend or have recently arrived – you’ll have navigating mastered in no time.

Start with the Popular Vertical Navigation Points

Bear with us a moment and look at this incredibly useful visitor’s map to Bend. Note that several of the most important streets in Bend run vertically north to south, roughly parallel with the Deschutes River. This includes important streets like the Bend Parkway (Highway 97), Mt. Washington Drive/Reed Market Rd., 3rd Street, and 27th street. These streets are responsible for many of the major delineations in Bend (eastside vs. westside, for example), and once you have learned them you will always be able to know where you are in the city, and how to get where you need to be – as well as give and understand directions much more easily.

Note the Routes to Major Landmarks

If you want to go to Mt. Bachelor – a trip that should be on everyone’s list, even if you haven’t tried many winter sports – you’ll want to know where Cascade Lakes Highway/Century Drive is right off the Old Mill District. If you’re interested in heading to the High Desert Museum, Sunriver, or a variety of lakes to the south, you’ll want to be southbound on Highway 97. For Redmond (and the Redmond airport) and Smith Rock, you’ll want to be northbound. If you’re heading to Tumalo or Sisters, you’ll want to navigate over to Highway 20. Both northbound on Highway 20 and Highway 97 can take you to Portland in roughly the same amount of time, but people do have preferences based on their plans.

Bend is Bike-Friendly

Bend’s wide streets and roundabouts make the city particularly friendly for biking, and if you’re only traveling a short distance, then biking (and similar methods of transportation) may be your best option for getting around, especially during busier times of the day.

Of course, you may not want to plan on biking all the way to Mt. Bachelor unless you’re practicing competitively, and winter snow or ice can be factor during some of the coldest months, so make your plans accordingly.

Public Transportation in Bend

While Uber and a variety of third-party services are always available, Bend does have a bus system for public transportation. This includes the Cascades East Transit service with 10 routes throughout Bend (bike racks included on buses), and the free Ride Bend shuttle, as well as the Ride the River shuttle. Learn these routes for easy transport when floating the river, heading up to Mt. Bachelor, or other fun outdoor activities in Bend.

If you have any more questions about getting around Bend, what the different neighborhoods are like, or what transportation options would work best for you, don’t hesitate to contact us at Moving To Bend. We offer a wide range of services to help people living in Bend or in the process of relocating.

Whether you’ve worked remotely for one year or 10, it is easy to slide into less-than-desirable habits with your routine. Working in your pajamas, answering emails at all hours, and permitting distractions during your workday are just several of the ways remote workers begin to erode crucial work-life boundaries. Want to start feeling your best while working remotely? Moving to Bend shares three suggestions to enhance your routine.

1. Establish boundaries that help you mentally “leave” work at the end of the day.

Working from home — especially if you are self-employed — often means that you have no set start or end time. Just so long as you finish your daily tasks, you can set hours that are best for you. 

Unfortunately, this often turns into working more hours than you would normally. It can also lead to feeling like you are always “plugged in” to your work. Find ways to establish or re-establish this boundary by creating distinct transitions in your day. For example, when beginning your workday, enter your home office and remain there until you’ve finished for the day. 

2. Redecorate your home office.

One excellent way to add some energy and motivation to your workday is to redecorate your home office. This is especially true if your current at-home workspace is also being used for other purposes, such as storage or as a guest room. 

As your budget allows, purchase new office furniture, replace flooring, add new blinds, and find decorative pieces that spark a sense of delight. To give your office a dramatic new look and feel, spruce up your walls. Many people are now opting to use customizable, easy-to-install wallpaper for a number of reasons. Wallpaper with adhesive backing can be custom designed to fit any style. This type of wallpaper is both removable and repositionable. Ordering personalized designs also ensures that you’ll always be able to reorder more if you run out.

3. Set a timer to get up and move around.

In a traditional office setting, there are often frequent excuses to get up and walk around. Going to and from meetings, walking to the break room, and getting up to speak with colleagues ensures that you get some level of activity. At home, there is little reason to get up and walk around, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.

Break this pattern by setting timers for yourself throughout the day to remind yourself to get up and move around. Wearing a pedometer will also help you track how much activity you achieve each day.

On top of these suggestions, there are many other ways to make your remote work arrangement even healthier. Several more ideas include stocking up on nutritious lunches and snacks, working out during your lunch break, and meditating throughout your day.

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New parking zones will be implemented in Downtown Bend starting July 1 in an effort to make parking downtown easier. 

The Downtown Parking District will be split into two zones. Zone A will consist of all on-street parking and will all be free for two hours. Zone B will consist of all off-street parking in the various lots around Downtown and in the parking garage, and will provide more long-term paid parking options. 

The amount of free on-street parking will not be changed! Parking on Irving Street will be converted to free two-hour parking as a part of the creation of the zones. There are about 1,800 free parking spaces available in the Downtown Parking District. The majority of parking downtown is still free for two hours. 

To learn more about the parking changes head to bendoregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4579/29

Source – www.bendoregon.gov

If you plan on moving to Bend in the spring or summer, there are endless opportunities for outdoor fun…but picnics are a particularly special way to spend a warm afternoon. If you’ve got picnics on the mind, we can suggest several of our favorite spots to eat while enjoying the nature all around us.

Note: Bend’s parks are well-equipped with handy disposal bins, usually located nearby picnic tables and other spots. It’s also a good idea to make use of them – or bring your own biodegradable trash bag along with your other supplies so you can clean up after you eat!

1. Drake Park

Drake Park is the quintessential park experience in downtown Bend. This strip of beautifully cultivated park land (the trees in autumn never get old) hugs close to the Deschutes River in one of its quiet loops. There’s plenty of options for walking, playing on the grassy hills, feeding the ducks, and more. It’s also home to plenty of events and performers if you’d like some entertainment. When you’re finished eating, it’s an easy stroll to experience downtown shops or stop by one of the cafes at the park’s border.

2. Columbia Park

Do your young  kids need to run off a little energy? Columbia Park is famous for its giant ship-inspired playground, making it particularly popular for young families. There are also plenty of river views and a large lawn for some light sports after you’ve finished up your picnic.

3. Shevlin Park

Shevlin Park is an enormous park stretching outward from the northwest side of Bend, around 1,000 acres. That makes it perfect for adventures, but don’t worry – there are many cozy picnic tables dotted throughout, especially in the early areas of the park. It’s a great choice if you prefer to eat under towering Ponderosa pines. As a bonus, it’s also a great place to take the family snowshoeing in winter if you’re looking for great outdoor activities in Bend.

4. Riverbend Park

If you’re wondering what to do in Bend for a picnic lunch, Riverbend really needs to be on your list. The location of the famous “bend” in the Deschutes River that gave the city its name, this ambling park is a great spot to enjoy river views and has some of the best picnic spots in Bend, including cabin-style structures for shade and larger family gatherings. Just across the river is dog park with areas for fenced-in running (poo bag dispensers are also available( as well as splashing in the river, while Old Mill shops are just a brief walk away and friendly hiking trails await in the opposite direction – giving you plenty of post-picnic options!

5. Pine Nursery

Pine Nursery Park is ideal for active families that like their picnics with some sports to run off calories after. There are designated spots for basketball, skateboarding, disc golf, softball, pickleball, and even fishing is allowed (there’s also a 14-acre off-leash park for your dogs). The park covers more than 150 acres, so there’s always something else to explore here while you’re living in Bend.

Special Mention: Crux Fermentation

While it’s not technically a park, it is one of the best picnic spots in Bend to bring your kids for an afternoon of fun…while allowing the adults to sample some of the most interesting brews in town. There’s a grass field to play in, plenty of picnic tables (as well as indoor seating), and incredible mountain views. If you’re wondering what to do in Bend, a stop by Crux should be on your list. Crux also has several food carts, including a recent – and delicious – expansion by The Rogue Chef, so your lunch plans are covered, too.

It’s National Great Outdoors Month, and it’s never been a better time to explore the many incredible parks of Central Oregon. If you’re planning on your next outdoor activities in Bend, or you’re moving to Bend and what to know more about your recreation opportunities – here are some of the most interesting things about our state and national parks in Central Oregon! Browse through these favorites to find inspiration for your next adventure!

1. Newberry National Volcanic Monument’s Slumbering Volcano is the Size of Rhode Island

Newberry isn’t a volcano in the traditional sense, but rather a vast caldera forming a beautiful valley in the Deschutes National Forest. It’s filled with trails exploring the ancient lava beds and fields of obsidian and is a popular destination for a summer weekend. Pack plenty of water if you want to spend time exploring!

2. Smith Rock is Considered the Birthplace of American Sport Climbing

It’s easy to see why! The towering red basalt monolith is perfect for every kind of climbing sport with rock faces for every level of experience. But if you aren’t into climbing and bouldering, don’t worry: There are still plenty of hiking and camping options in this state park, plus beautiful views once you make your way to the top. If climbing sounds like something you’d be interested in, you can also try out one of Bend’s climbing gyms first to learn more about the sport.

3. Bend is One of the Only Cities in the U.S. with Its Own Dormant Volcano

That would Pilot Butte, which is impossible to miss on your first time in Bend. While Central Oregon is filled with these reminders of past volcanic activity, Pilot Butte is unique in that it’s entirely within the city limits. People wondering what to do in Bend can hike or even drive up the butte to get an overview of the city!

4. Tumalo State Park Is Not the Same As Tumalo Falls

These are two separate – although beautiful – locations that are frequently confused by newcomers. That’s all right: Both locations are great fun, but the Park itself is where you’ll want to go for camping or even finding a beautiful venue for a summer event.

5. Crater Lake is the Deepest Lake in North America

What happens when a massive caldera fills with mountain runoff? You get the amazing Crater Lake, one of the wonders of the natural world and an excellent destination for anyone living in Bend who wants to take a day trip to someplace new. There are many opportunities to hike around the Lake or down to the incredibly blue (and cold) waters of the lake, with beautiful views at every step.

6. Central Oregon Has Painted Hills, Too

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, to be precise, is home to a beautiful stretch of Painted Hills that are perfect for photography adventures. Painted hills occur when ancient volcanic activity and soil movement result in visible layers of yellow, black, red, and gold that are quite stunning in person.

7. Prineville’s Reservoir is a State Park As Well

It may sound a little odd making a reservoir a state park, but it’s easy to see why once you visit: This park features a beautiful calming reservoir lake that is open in summer for a variety of water activities (the level of the reservoir may also affect current options). Another popular option is Craine Prairie Reservoir, although Central Oregon is packed with lakes where boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are all possibilities, so we encourage you to find your favorite.

8. Cove Palisades Are Named After Fencing

“Palisades” are traditional fence-like fortifications often used around a camp. It’s fitting once you see it, as the gorgeous hills of this State Park rise to guard beautiful lakes. It’s a favorite spot for weekend campers and others exploring Central Oregon.

9. Central Oregon Also Has an Official “State Scenic Viewpoint”

It’s not quite a State Park, but it’s certain an official Viewpoint, and designed specifically to take advantage of the Crooked River Canyon. While Central Oregon’s slopes, forests, and lakes get plenty of attention, there’s also a wealth of gorgeous desert canyons that make perfect scenery for your next photoshoot and are filled with hiking opportunities of their own. Get a great look at this viewpoint!

10. You Can Go Spelunking in Bend

Okay, it’s not exactly a State Park, but Boyd Cave is incredibly accessible and a great spot to get started if you are interested in spelunking or just some light cave exploration. When you are ready to take on a little more, you can move up to the Redmond Caves and a variety of other cave exploration options in Central Oregon – or even plan a trip over to the Oregon Cave National Monument for family-friendly cave fun.