Our Community

Bend is a fast-growing resort town with a population of about 76,000 people. Located near the geographic center of Oregon, Bend enjoys a predominately dry climate at an elevation of 3,625 feet. The city is surrounded by national forest land to the west and high desert vegetation to the east. Visitors and residents enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade mountains.

Central Oregon Recreation

With year-round recreational opportunities, the area has gained national attention for its quality of life. Visitors and residents enjoy skiing or snow-boarding the slopes of Mt. Bachelor during the winter. An outstanding network of trails and wilderness areas attract cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobile riders.
  
In the summer, fishermen, rafters and kayakers enjoy the Deschutes River and the many high-altitude lakes. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders take advantage of the many trails in the Deschutes National Forest. World class rock climbers are drawn to Smith Rock State Park north of Redmond.
  
For those looking for some culture, Bend also offers quality museums, theaters and art galleries, as well as outstanding restaurants and shops.

A Growing Economy

Once a small logging town, Bend now enjoys a growing and diverse economy. The region's top private employers represent a variety of industries including Cascade Healthcare Community, Les Schwab Tire Center, Brightwood Corporation, Mt. Bachelor, Inc., Sunriver Resort and Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs have also fueled growth in the economy. In 2006, the median income for a family of four in Deschutes County was $58,800.