Bend, Oregon, is often praised for its breathtaking natural scenery, offering a plethora of outdoor activities that beckon to adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. The city showcases a brilliant blend of serene landscapes, consisting of the Deschutes River, spellbinding mountains, and lush forests. The community is widely recognized for being amiable and welcoming, with a slower and more relaxed pace of life compared to larger urban environments.

Moreover, Bend has a burgeoning dining scene, with a notable number of craft breweries and local eateries that reflect the region’s culinary flair. The city does pose its challenges, predominantly in the form of a high cost of living and a competitive real estate market, resulting from its increasing popularity among both new residents and tourists.

The city is somewhat famous for having the last Blockbuster store in America. The store maintains a presence within the city as it was the subject of a documentary and sustains itself by selling souvenirs from those who come to visit for a throwback to the 80’s and 90’s.

Employment In Bend

1. Tourism Industry:

• Outdoor Recreation: The city’s abundant outdoor recreation options lead to numerous jobs in related industries such as tourism services, guides, and equipment rentals.
• Accommodation and Food Services: Hotels, restaurants, and bars often have a range of employment opportunities due to Bend’s status as a tourist destination.

2. Healthcare:

• Medical Facilities: Bend’s larger medical facilities like St. Charles Health System offer numerous positions, from medical practitioners to administrative roles.
• Specialized Healthcare: Various specialized clinics and healthcare services also contribute to employment in the area.

3. Technology:

• Tech Start-Ups: Bend has been witnessing a gradual growth in tech start-ups, providing opportunities in software development, IT support, and related fields.
• Remote Work: The scenic beauty and quality of life in Bend attract remote workers and freelancers in the tech industry.

4. Education:

• School Districts: Employment opportunities in education, both in public and private schools, are prevalent.
• Higher Education: Central Oregon Community College and OSU-Cascades offer positions in academia and administrative roles.

5. Craft Breweries:

• Brewing Jobs: Bend is known for its craft breweries, offering roles in brewing, marketing, sales, and hospitality.
• Distribution: Opportunities also exist in the distribution of local craft beers to various outlets.

Comparing Bend to Portland, Oregon:

Lifestyle and Pace:

• Bend: The lifestyle in Bend leans towards leisurely and outdoor-oriented living. With an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities, residents often engage in hiking, skiing, and biking. The pace of life can be considered relatively tranquil and unhurried, providing a peaceful living environment.
• Portland: Contrarily, Portland, being a larger city, presents a more dynamic and fast-paced lifestyle. While it also offers access to nature and outdoor activities, the environment is decidedly more urban, providing a wide array of cultural, dining, and entertainment options.

Cost of Living and Real Estate:

• Bend: Bend has witnessed a surge in its cost of living and real estate prices, primarily due to an influx of new residents and a limited housing supply. It is essential to note that while the city offers a serene living experience, affordability can be a concern for those who are not used to Oregon state lifestyle.
• Portland: Portland also contends with high living costs and a competitive housing market, particularly in popular neighborhoods. However, being a larger city, it may offer a broader range of options in terms of housing and neighborhoods, potentially catering to varied budgetary requirements.

Weather

Surprisingly, the weather in Bend and Portland, Oregon, does exhibit notable differences due to their distinct geographical locations and elevations.

Bend:

• Climate Type: High Desert Climate.
• Summers: Tend to be warm and dry. Daytime temperatures can rise significantly but typically cool down in the evenings due to the high desert climate.
• Winters: Can be quite cold with substantial snowfall, especially compared to many other parts of Oregon. This makes Bend a popular location for winter sports enthusiasts.
• Overall: Bend generally experiences more clear days and significantly less rainfall annually than Portland, partly due to its location on the eastern side of the Cascade Range, which blocks moist air from the Pacific Ocean.

Portland:

• Climate Type: Oceanic/Marine West Coast Climate.
• Summers: Are generally mild and dry, with occasional heat waves. Even during the summer, evenings can be cool and pleasant.
• Winters: Are characterized by relatively mild temperatures but can be quite wet and cloudy. Snowfall in Portland is infrequent and typically light, especially when compared to Bend.
• Overall: Portland experiences more rainfall and fewer clear days than Bend due to its closer proximity to the Pacific Ocean and being on the windward (west) side of the Cascades.