One question we see all the time about moving to Bend is where to start looking for jobs, if you need to have a job set up before you move to Bend, and what sort of industries do the most hiring in Central Oregon. Great questions! We offer a number of resources for finding a job or starting a business in Bend, but for a broad overview, let’s go over the top industries in the area that are popular options for new employees.

1. Healthcare and Medicine

Healthcare is responsible for some of the largest employment numbers in Central Oregon, and St. Charles Health System on its own is one of the biggest employers in the area around 5,000 employees, plus many additional medical clinics and specialists that may be looking for hires. This makes St. Charles and others a great spot to start looking for a job, but it can also be a competitive field (made all the more complex by long-lasting reworks due to the 2020 pandemic). Training and qualifications are very important when considering healthcare or adjacent positions!

A special mention should also go out to Central Oregon veterinarians: Bend and the surrounding areas love animals, from dogs to horses, and there are a high number of vet clinics that may also be looking for help.

2. Technology

Bend has developed into a hotbed for technology startups and incubation, with a mix of content creation studios like Sony Bend to spice things up. Incubators like FoundersPad and EDCO can help new tech ventures find ways to thrive in the area, but it’s certainly an industry for those with big ideas. Alternatively, telecom also has a strong employment history in the city thanks to groups like Bend Broadband/TDS Telecom and Consumer Cellular.

3. Tourism, Recreation, and Hospitality

These three industries broadly blend together when it comes to Bend’s employment options, and skillsets in any category will be very useful in finding jobs across Bend. That can include major resorts here like Mt. Bachelor, Eagle Crest, Sunriver Resorts, or Black Butte Ranch, which are closely connected to recreational opportunities and classes offered throughout the area. Other businesses may be looking for those with experience in specific types of recreation or sports equipment to help with sales and maintenance.

Then you have hospitality options from lodges and dining at the resorts to a wide array of popular breweries, starting with Deschutes Brewery but also filled with smaller employees looking for those who know their hops or can offer food with a smile.

4. Automotive and Construction

Central Oregon’s high desert weather provides plenty of work opportunities whether you are changing seasonal tires at an employer like Les Schwab, helping the city fill in potholes, or updating local construction to make sure it’s ready for the elements. Bend has a lot of development projects currently ongoing that can provide temporary construction opportunities for experienced workers.

Special mention: If automotive isn’t quite for you, look into local grocery stores. Brands like Safeway, Fred Meyer, Costco, Whole Foods, and Market of Choice are big employers in the city and excellent places to look for employment opportunities.

5. Startups

Bend is one of the entrepreneur capitals of the country, so it’s no surprise that one of the most important industries are the self-employed and those starting their own businesses in the city. That means starting a venture of your own is always an option or joining a new venture with like-minded people could be a possibility. There’s also a network of experienced entrepreneurs across Bend that can help you get started and understand what you need to succeed in the business of your choice.

If you are looking for other business resources in Bend to help you find the job you need while you focus on other life matters as well, we recommend stopping by our working in Bend page to find more info.

If you are moving to Bend or currently making plans to do so, you are probably also making plans about whether to buy or rent, depending on your situation. This is also a long-term decision: Do you want to buy a home as soon as you can, or are you happy to rent for the foreseeable future? If you’re comparing both options, we have several tips that can make your decision a bit easier.

Renting a Home in Bend

Renting is a popular option in Bend, especially for young professionals who have recently moved here. Rentals in Bend, however, can also be challenging to find at affordable prices, as there is high demand and low vacancy rates throughout town. Here are several points to keep in mind:

• While finding a vacancy may be a challenge, renting is still the fastest way to arrange a place to move to in Bend. Options like Airbnb are also well-suited for renting for just a few days or weeks while checking out the city or arranging for other accommodations.
• If you want to find a rental, work with a relocation service or property management company in Bend.
• Homes for rent in Bend span a broad range of locations and types, from cabins and farmhouses to townhomes and condos. This makes renting one of the best options if you want more choices about where to stay in Central Oregon.
• Always check if a rental is pet-friendly, and what kind of additional fees may be required for pets.
• Rental prices in Bend start at around $1,500 but increase for larger spaces or single home rentals.
• Life gets busy: Moving To Bend can help you locate rentals in your price range and more options to save time! If you are looking at rental sites on your own, don’t stick to just one site: You may be able to find other options by consulting a variety of listings.

Buying a Home in Bend

You can check out our page on buying property in Bend to learn more details, but real estate inventory in the city is very low – particularly at this point in time – so buying may be a bit more of a challenge. It’s important to start looking for properties early and be willing to act fast if you find a home you want to purchase. Here’s what else you should know about purchasing a home in Bend:

• A key step in purchasing a home is arranging for a mortgage and getting pre-approval, which will make putting an offer on a property much easier. Get started on this process early, too!
• What prices are we talking about? New lots are regularly selling for $100,000 over the asking price. Price per square foot in 2020 averaged around $400.
• Keep in mind that a mortgage payment can be fixed, and may even be adjusted down with a refinance in time, but rental payments can rise, which is one reason why buying a home may be a better long-term plan for you.
• If you are looking for the best neighborhoods in Bend, it’s common advice to start in the northwest area of the city and work outwards. The good news is that there aren’t any “bad” neighborhoods in the city to warn against, and new spots like Summit West tend to have more new development options.
• “Cash, patience, and flexibility” is what the Bend Bulletin advises for potential homebuyers. All three will make the process easier.
• Keep in mind that Bend now has a new high school zone for Caldera High if you are looking for a new home based on school options.
• Your own property remains the best option for keeping a garden or just finding a home that you can really make your own.
• Many homes in Bend sell before even going on the market, or once listed often sell within just a couple of days. It’s important to have a contact on the ground in the city, ready to act on your behalf or seek out properties for you.

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!