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It’s safe to say we all have many expectations for 2021: Fortunately, those planning on moving to Bend in the coming year will find a lot to look forward to! And if you haven’t created a timetable for moving here yet, 2021 may be one of the years to do it. Let’s take a look at what to expect.

1. Bend’s New High School Debuts

Families with growing students will have a new high school district to look forward to in 2021, the southeast Caldera High School. Not only is this an exciting opportunity for students who are living (or will be moving to) that district, but it should lessen the load and open up more resources for the other high schools in the city, benefiting everyone in the city.

2. You Will Have Plenty of Like-Minded Friends to Meet

Bend has quickly become an immensely popular destination for workers looking to escape larger cities with COVID-19 issues, leading to an influx of residents in 2020 and 2021. That means some serious competition for certain types of real estate, but it also means that those moving to Bend will be far from alone – you’re likely to meet plenty of other people in similar circumstances that you can share experiences with.

3. Innovative New Housing Options Are On Track

Bend is continually updating its development code to help make room for more residential housing and effective developments. In 2021, the city is considering enabling “micro unit developments” (basically one-room occupancies) and smaller dwellings to help meet the latest population needs of the city, which will be opening up a wide variety of new opportunities for developers and those interested in moving!

4. Bend Continues to Enable Remote Work Situations

Bend was one of the premier locations for remote work even before the days of COVID-19. Now that so many organizations have switched over to remote work in 2020, those new organizational structures are likely to stay in 2021 – and Bend is perfectly positioned to enable new remote work scenarios!

5. Oregon Is Helping People Find Health Insurance in 2021

Oregon is joining 14 other states in the big Get Covered 2021 campaign, which is designed to help enable safe distancing protocols and masks (hopefully while vaccines continue to be distributed throughout the year), while also making it easier for people to find health insurance and financial aid for health issues. It’s a great program that should help many people in need!

6. Many Communities Are Planning Important Expansions

A plethora of community expansions are coming to neighborhoods and parks in 2021, including safety and accessibility improvements, many new developments throughout Central Oregon, better access to existing locations, and the completion of developments that were begun years ago. This can provide opportunities for those looking for homes in the area, while also making the city easier to enjoy for residents.

7. Festivals Are Set to Come Roaring Back

Everything from Bite of Bend to Winterfest has been waiting anxiously until 2021 to open again, and with a little bit of luck Bend will see its festivals arrive with great anticipation: You can expect them to be some of the biggest that the city has had in many years!

8. Buying Real Estate Now Should Lead to Gains in the Coming Years

Real estate values in Bend are expected to continue to grow in 2021 and into the future. That means that buying property in Bend next year – albeit in a competitive environment – is likely to be a sound investment as prices continue to increase.

9. Services for New Businesses Are Better Than Ever

Bend has developed a robust network of services, organizations, and local connections/mentorships designed to help new businesses. Other entrepreneurs in the area will be happy to provide support as well, making 2021 one of the best years for people to move to Bend and begin their dream ventures.

10. There’s Plenty of Room to Help Bend Grow

In many ways, Bend is in an important transitional period right now, making many important decisions about community, transportation, local support, education, and much more. Moving to Bend in the coming year is a great way to get involved in these decisions when they matter most and help influence the city toward the best possible future!

Happy patients are our passion and it is our goal to help each person love their smile so they can proudly share it with others. The team at Mill Point Dental is committed to offering the most advanced technology to provide patients not only with exceptional treatments but to make the dental experience a little more fun and a little less intimidating. 

We know your time is valuable. That is why we complete many treatments on the same day. In addition to general and family dentistry, we are pleased to offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry services including KöR teeth whitening, dental veneers, Clear Aligners, and more. Want a smile makeover? You’re in luck because that is one of our specialties!

Do you fear visiting the dentist? Our dentists specialize in anxiety-free dentistry. We take the time to help you feel more comfortable with your dental appointment. Our goal is to transform your dental experience into one that is positive for life.

Don’t have insurance? No problem! We now offer a membership club that allows you to enjoy significant savings on cleanings, exams, needed x-rays, and more.

Are you ready to meet your new family dentist because we are very much looking forward to meeting you!

Michael Longlet, DDS

Michael Longlet (Dr. Mike) is a Doctor of Dental Surgery. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve satisfaction with their smiles. Dr. Mike loves every part of the process, from talking with patients to understanding the mechanics of their mouths as well as restoring and enhancing their oral health functionally and esthetically. He is committed to providing patients with a state of the art experience. Dr. Mike (and Dr. Chelsea) heavily invest in continuing education courses, such as Spear, Kois, Cerec, and Sleep Apnea, and continually update the technology utilized in the practice to deliver upon that commitment.

Fun Fact: Dr. Mike was voted class tree hugger in high school.

Chelsea Longlet, DDS

Chelsea Longlet (Dr. Chelsea) is a Doctor of Dental Surgery. There‌ ‌are‌ ‌two‌ ‌things‌ ‌Dr.‌ ‌Chelsea‌ ‌is‌ ‌passionate‌ ‌about‌ ‌when‌ ‌it‌ ‌comes‌ ‌to‌ ‌dentistry.‌ ‌First,‌ ‌she‌ ‌is‌ ‌passionate‌ ‌about‌ ‌motherhood‌ ‌specific‌ ‌to‌ ‌dental‌ ‌health.‌ ‌She‌ ‌enjoys‌ ‌talking‌ ‌with‌ ‌expecting‌ ‌mothers‌ ‌about‌ ‌their‌ ‌concerns‌ ‌during‌ ‌pregnancy‌ ‌and‌ ‌coaching‌ ‌them‌ ‌in‌ ‌caring‌ ‌for‌ ‌their‌ ‌children’s‌ ‌teeth.‌ ‌Second,‌ ‌Dr.‌ ‌Chelsea‌ ‌is‌ ‌passionate‌ ‌about‌ ‌sleep‌ ‌or‌ ‌airway‌ ‌issues‌ ‌and‌ ‌their‌ ‌relation‌ ‌to‌ ‌dentistry.‌ ‌She‌ ‌enjoys‌ ‌working‌ ‌with‌ ‌her‌ ‌patients‌ ‌to‌ ‌identify‌ ‌signs‌ ‌that‌ ‌can‌ ‌indicate‌ ‌a‌ ‌sleep‌ ‌problem.‌ ‌If‌ ‌a‌ ‌problem‌ ‌exists,‌ ‌she‌ ‌helps‌ ‌her‌ ‌patients‌ ‌better‌ ‌understand‌ ‌how‌ ‌sleep‌ ‌can‌ ‌significantly‌ ‌improve‌ ‌their‌ ‌overall‌ ‌health‌ ‌and‌ ‌quality‌ ‌of‌ ‌life.‌

Fun ‌Fact:‌ ‌Dr.‌ ‌Chelsea‌ ‌ran‌ ‌the‌ ‌Twin‌ ‌Cities‌ ‌Marathon‌ ‌(Minnesota)‌ ‌the‌ ‌same‌ ‌weekend‌ ‌she‌ ‌took‌ ‌her‌ ‌dental‌ ‌board‌ ‌exams.‌

Eric Alston, DMD
Eric Alston is a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. One of Dr. Alston’s favorite things to do as a dentist is new patient exams. He enjoys meeting new people and identifying how best to help them overcome challenges so they can attain optimal health. His very favorite thing is seeing someone smile (when they previously hid their smile) because they are so happy with their results.‌

Fun Fact: Dr. Alston threw javelin while in college at Warner Pacific.

If you are moving to Bend, you’re probably looking forward to the winter weather and may already have a few plans about what to do, especially if you already enjoy snow sports. But if you and your family are still looking for a few ideas, here are 10 2020-friendly activities you should all check out!

1. Snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor

The second-largest single-mountain resort in the country is packed with excellent boarding opportunities and high-quality powder with a long season – why not take advantage of it? If it’s your first time, there are plenty of classes to take, many of them family friendly! The mountain also has carefully maintained inner tube courses as an alternative.

2. Cross Country Skiing

Central Oregon is one of the most incredible places in the world for cross-country skiing, and many people around Bend will be happy to share advice and routes for your expeditions. Mt. Bachelor has a dedicated Nordic lodge and its own 56km of tracks to enjoy, but there are plenty of opportunities to strike out on your own, too.

3. Snowshoeing

It’s no surprised this area of the Cascades is also packed with snowshoeing opportunities, without options for the whole family and plenty of rentals or discounted shoes to buy. From simple excursions to Shevlin Park, to guided tours through snowy old growth forests, to moonlight treks up to cozy cabins, there really is something to try for everyone.

4. Skills and Drills Hockey

Hockey is very popular in Bend, but quite limited this year due to COVID restrictions. However, you or your kids can still attend skills and drills sessions to learn the sport and practice!

5. Skate Sessions

Skating is still allowed in places like The Pavilion, but with some limitations, like limited capacity and face masks. Look for ways to make reservations for sessions like Cheap Skate or Parent-Tot Skate.

6. Tailgating at the Mountain

With only a few people allowed in the Lodge at a time, Mt. Bachelor fans have had to get creative: That means a lot more tailgating in the Bachelor parking lots, as ways for small groups to enjoy the setting and get ready for the slopes. But act fast – the parking lots are only allowing a certain number of vehicles in, and making reservations is important.

7. Hike Riley Ranch

Snowy hiking opportunities abound around Central Oregon, but this year we’re going to recommend the extra-friendly Riley Ranch, a 184-acre ranch that’s been converted to a public park with smooth paths and plenty of opportunities to appreciate nature. Be ready for winter weather!

8. Night Skiing at Hoodoo

Hoodoo is maintaining and expanding its night skiing sessions this year. Whether you love skiing or just want to enjoy the glowing slopes with a family outing, be sure to check out their 23 night skiing runs. Masks are required and food options are more limited this year.

9. Fat Biking

“Fat” bikes with extra-wide tires are designed to handle the snow easily. Many shops around Bend, including the excellent Crows Feet Commons, The Hub Cyclery, and Pine Mountain Sports, offer fat bike rentals! Ask the locals what trails are best or strike out on your own.

10. Find a Fire Pit

Most of Bend’s popular spots, from Cruz Fermentation and O’Kane’s to the On Tap food truck lot and Worthy Brewing, have great fire pits and heat lamps set up. They are great locations to enjoy a pint with a close group of friends when things get chilly.

For those moving to Bend in 2020, getting involved in local holiday festivities is often an important priority for your first winters here – and also a challenge during times when social distancing is required. Here are the top events you and your families can try out!

1. Get a Permit to Cut Your Own Tree

Central Oregon offers limited permits to cut a single tree in certain areas of the Deschutes National Forest. During COVID-19 restrictions, this is an excellent and healthy adventure you can go on with your family while still staying safe. Find the right tools, learn about what trees to watch for, and have fun hiking in a beautiful winter forest! Just remember to bring supplies, a compass, and stay careful! There’s no better time than 2020 to find your own tree.

2. Festival of Trees

Traditionally, Festival of Trees had families and businesses create beautifully decorated Christmas trees and auction them off with proceeds going to charity. This year, the event has been transformed into a clever Tour of Trees, now through December 5, that culminates into a virtual auction on December 5, 2020. Funds raised will benefit the Hospice of Redmond to provide services for terminally ill people and their families.

3. I Like Pie Run

The “I Like Pie Run/Walk” is a kid-friendly event designed to help kids get out and active before Thanksgiving. This year, it’s been re-designed so families can get together in small groups and choose times and places – plus inventive costumes and delicious pies designed to be taken and shared at the event. Post pictures on social media, and your group may be able to win various prizes, too.

4. Christmas Bags Pickleball Tournament

If you like Pickleball, you’ll want to check out this doubles’ tournament combined with a toy drive to raise money for kids in early December. You can knock off a few dollars on the entry fee if you bring a new toy, too. The event happens on December 5th at Pickleball Zone – masks and regulations will still apply.

5. Drop Off a Letter for Santa

While it may be more difficult to meet with Santa in person this year, there are opportunities for kids, nonetheless. One of our favorites are the two mailboxes that will be posted in the Old Mill District now through Dec. 19, designed to receive letters for Santa at the North Pole. Authentic letters are guaranteed a response, so there’s some fun anticipation, too – just remember to add your correct address!

6. Get a Gingerbread House Decorating Kit

Gingerbread house decorating is a perfect activity for staying inside and warm with your family while still celebrating a ton of holiday cheer. You can always pick up your own supplies and wing it, but for an excellent experience you can also pick up a decorating kit from Gingerbread Traditions at the Sunriver Main Lodge (instructions are included for those new to the whole experience). Or, if you don’t make it up there, you can find a lot of ideas online.

7. Get it to Go on #TakeoutTuesdays

If you’re busy, don’t have kids, and are still trying to get settled in, celebrating the holidays in 2020 may be a challenge. We suggest taking a look at #TakeoutTuesdays, where Bend residents take one day a week to order new foods from a local restaurant and support Bend’s businesses during these trying times (Grubhub, UberEats, Doordash, and many other apps are perfect for this, while other places do pickups). It’s easy, frees up some time to spend with a significant other, and it’s a great way to try warm, tasty winter foods that you may never have gotten to experience otherwise. Local favorites like Jackson’s Corner, Crux Fermentation, Sunriver Brewery, Worthy Brewing, and many more will have amazing seasonal foods!