Most of us already know why people move to Bend—because at one point, we did the same thing. But why does it continue to top Oregon’s “best places to live” lists, and yet not a single Oregon city appears in U.S. News‘ Top 275?
Back in 2000, Bend’s population was 52,029. A decade later, it grew to 76,639, then to 99,178 by 2020. Today, it’s around 107,812—and still climbing. Everyone has their own story of what brought them here, but most fall into a few familiar categories.
Recreational Activities
Are you a skier? Maybe Mt. Bachelor drew you to Bend. A mountain biker? Perhaps it was the endless trails and quick access to forest land. Or maybe you love being on the water—paddleboarding or kayaking on alpine lakes. Whether you hike, climb, or just enjoy the views on your daily walks, it’s easy to see why Bend ranks so highly for recreation. MyGoodMovers.com even rated Bend and Boise, Idaho, as the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities.
Big-City Convenience in a Mid-Sized Package
It always makes me laugh when people complain about traffic in Bend. Sure, we have some congestion, but with an average commute of just 14.9 minutes — seven minutes less than the national average, according to U.S. News — we’re doing just fine. How many cities of 100,000 people can claim top-tier restaurants, a concert venue with national acts, boutique shopping and a brewery on nearly every corner?
Small-Town Safety in a Growing City
You’d expect a city with that much going on to have higher crime rates—but not here. Bend is the only Oregon city with more than 50,000 residents to make OregonEssentials.com’s list of the 10 Safest Cities in Oregon. With a violent crime rate of just 1.87 per 1,000 residents according to neighborhoodscout.com, we sit well below the state average of 3.26 and far below larger cities like Portland (7.23), Salem (4.62), Medford (4.03), and Eugene (3.55). Offering the safety of a town a quarter its size, Bend appeals to residents of all ages and lifestyles.
The Other Side of the Story
So why doesn’t Bend land in the top 275 U.S. cities to live in? A major factor is affordability. At the end of 2024, Bend’s median home price was $687,404 — nearly double the national average — while household income sat only modestly above it. That imbalance weighs heavily in U.S. News’ scoring. Beyond affordability, locals mention limited job opportunities in certain industries and Central Oregon’s distance from larger markets. Of course, for many residents, that remoteness is part of the charm — the very thing that keeps Bend’s mountain-town lifestyle intact.
Maybe Bend doesn’t need to be on any national list to prove its worth. The people who live here already know what makes it special: the balance of adventure and relaxation, community and individuality. Lists can measure numbers, but they can’t measure the feeling of watching the sun set over the Cascades and realizing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Nathan Powers is Director of Marketing/Business Development Engel & Völkers Bend
This article appears in the Source October 30, 2025.
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I was born here in 1951. I don’t want to see anymore people. Everyone who is trying to get richer don’t care that they are trying to get more people here that most of us don’t need. Bend is going to be gone. And SOON.😪