With so many people setting their sights on Bend and Central Oregon these days, there’s plenty to learn about this awesome place where we live, work and play. Part of our ongoing “If You’re New Here” coverage, our “Neighborhoods” feature offers info and some of that special Source Weekly flavor about the various neighborhoods of […]
Central Oregon Visitors Guide
Neighborhoods: BorderlandsโAdventures Between Orchard & Mountain View
On the boundary flanking two east side Bend neighborhoods lies a myriad of all-ages playgroundsโand more importantly, post activity food. With a mix of mid-century homes circling Pilot Butte and newer construction stretching out east, the two neighborhoods still offer some of the most affordable homes in the city. Here’s a rundown of my favorite […]
Neighborhoods: SistersโGreat Views, Awesome People
For those looking for a quieter life than Bend affords, Sisters’ small-town charm combined with its cultural wealth make it an amazing place to live. Home to the Sisters Folk Fest and the Sisters Quilt Show, the town attracts creatives, retirees, cowpokes and those looking to escape city life for something far more serene. An […]
Neighborhoods: Summit and Century WestโNavigating the Way, West Side
Summit Westโfilled with high-end homes, many of “comfortable” sizeโis the fastest-growing zone on Bend’s west side, or as some reference it, The Way Westside. Even though the blank spots are filling in with new homes and businesses, the area once considered the “west side wilderness” has many great features to explore. Bend is a bike […]
Neighborhoods: The Allure of Awbrey Butte
Awbrey Butte evokes images of stunning sunsets, panoramic mountain views, twinkling city lights, colorful sunrises, towering ponderosas and roaming deer, to name a few. Living there feels more about the environment and the surroundings rather than the actual house. Nature surrounds you, creating a sense of peace and allowing one some solitude if needed. It […]
Neighborhoods: East Side Promenade
From my front door on NE Lotus Drive, adjacent to Pilot Butte, there’s a paved bikeable foot path that tracks all the way to Reed Market Road, straight through the heart of the Larkspur neighborhoodโno stop lights and very few street crossings. Its two variations are known as Larkspur and Coyner Trails, however, I informally […]
Neighborhoods: Southwest Bend and Southern Crossing
Howdy, Neighbor! If I was to define the Southwest Bend neighborhood, I’d have to say that it’s a friendly place to be. Why? Bounded by the Deschutes River, Highway 97, Deschutes River Woods and the Old Mill District, Southwest Bend is known for its beautiful homes, quiet nature and plethora of parks. Predominantly a residential […]
Neighborhoods: Boyd Acres: Great Views and an Easy Lifestyle
While some others squabble over coveted west-side neighborhoods, we’ll let you in on a little secret: Some of the best views in all of Bend aren’t found on the west sideโthey’re found in Boyd Acres, the northeast-most neighborhood in the city. Largely consisting of homes built within the past 20 years, many homes’ builders attempt […]
Neighborhoods: Bend’s Highlight ReelโOld Bend and River West
The neighborhoods of Old Bend and River West contain a highlight reel of sorts of what people who don’t live in Bend come to the city to doโfloating the river, cruising the Old Mill, sipping beer at the OG breweries and grabbing an Ocean Roll from the OG Sparrow Bakery. Comprised largely of historic homes, […]
If You’re New Here: Let’s Talk Sno Parks
If you’re new here in Bend or Central Oregon and you’re trying to figure out all the ways to enjoy winter fun, one of the classic destinations is definitely a winter sno park. It’s a mystery that stretches from Oregon to Washington to California sno parks: Why no “w” in snow? Maybe there was no […]

