Bend OR

Bend, Oregon – where the peaks of the Cascades meet high desert charm. This scenic city blends outdoor adventure with small-town warmth, making it a haven for nature lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, and families alike. Whether you’re floating the Deschutes River, exploring ancient lava tubes, or enjoying a cozy meal downtown, Bend offers a laid-back lifestyle with stunning views around every corner.

• Population: ~100,000
• Weather: Sunny and dry most of the year; warm summers (70–90°F), snowy winters (20–40°F).
• Places To Visit: Smith Rock State Park, Deschutes National Forest, Old Mill District, High Desert Museum, Mount Bachelor.
• Top Activities: Hiking and mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, paddleboarding, rock climbing, brewery tours.
• Famous Food: Farm-to-table fare at Jackson’s Corner, brews from Deschutes Brewery, artisan pizza from Pisano’s, and wild game dishes at The Blacksmith.

Bend, Oregon, is a rapidly growing city known for its outdoor lifestyle, thriving tourism, and diverse economy. With its expanding population and strong local businesses, Bend offers excellent career opportunities across various sectors. Below are some of the top jobs in Bend, OR.

Top 5 Jobs in Bend, Oregon

Nestled in the high desert of Oregon, Bend offers a plethora of spots for students to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, and dive into fun activities. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or someone who loves arts and music, Bend has got you covered.

Drake Park – Take a stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax by the Deschutes River. With its lush green spaces and beautiful scenery, it's an ideal spot for a laid-back afternoon with friends.

Old Mill District – This vibrant area combines shopping, dining, and entertainment. Catch a movie, enjoy live music, or just enjoy the scenic riverfront views while sipping on a coffee.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School – A former Catholic school turned hotel and pub, this spot offers a unique atmosphere with cozy seating, quaint bars, and even a secret speakeasy—a student favorite for a chill night out.

Deschutes Brewery – A must for craft beer enthusiasts. Tour the brewery, sample local brews, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of Bend’s most popular hangouts.

Smith Rock State Park – If you're up for adventure, head a bit out of town to this stunning park. It offers amazing rock climbing, hiking trails, and breathtaking views, perfect for clearing your mind after a busy week.

Les Schwab Amphitheater – Check out the lineup of concerts and events at this outdoor venue. Whether you're into big-name bands or local acts, it's a fantastic place for music lovers to gather and enjoy live performances.

With its blend of stunning natural landscapes and lively downtown areas, Bend, Oregon, provides a range of places for students to relax, recharge, and have a blast.

Bend, Oregon is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant outdoor lifestyle, and growing academic community. The city is home to top-rated institutions providing students with quality education in fields like environmental sciences, business, and health care.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Bend

Oregon State University – Cascades – As a branch of Oregon State University, OSU-Cascades offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on sustainability, engineering, and computer science. The small campus allows for meaningful student-instructor interaction and hands-on learning.

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) – COCC is the oldest two-year college in Oregon and serves as a primary hub for students starting their academic journey. It offers associate degrees, technical certifications, and transfer programs to four-year universities.

Eastern Oregon University – Bend Center – Through a partnership with COCC, EOU offers select upper-division and graduate programs in education, business, and liberal studies to students seeking to complete a four-year degree in Central Oregon.

Portland State University – Central Oregon Programs – PSU partners with institutions like COCC to offer accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs in education and social work, helping meet the regional demand for qualified professionals.

Oregon Institute of Technology (through satellite offerings) – OIT occasionally provides remote or hybrid courses in areas such as health technologies and engineering, connecting students in Bend with specialized training and academic pathways.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Bend

George Fox University – Redmond/Bend Center – A respected Christian university, George Fox offers degree-completion and graduate programs in education, counseling, and business management. It emphasizes values-driven leadership and academic excellence.

University of Portland – Bend Area Programs – Known for its strong nursing and education programs, University of Portland sometimes offers extended learning opportunities and professional certification courses in Central Oregon, especially in partnership with local hospitals and school districts.

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) – Central Oregon Collaboration – While not based in Bend, OHSU partners with regional medical providers to offer clinical rotations, nursing education, and healthcare programs in the Bend area. It plays a key role in regional healthcare education and innovation.

Corban University – Bend Adult Degree Programs – This private Christian university extends adult education offerings in business, human resources, and ministry leadership to the Bend region. It offers flexible coursework for working professionals.

Pioneer Pacific College (historically active in the region) – While Pioneer Pacific closed in 2020, it once played a notable role in providing private career training in Bend, particularly in clinical, business, and legal support fields.

Bend, Oregon is home to excellent high schools that offer strong academics, extracurricular activities, and supportive learning environments. Whether you're interested in public or private education, Bend provides families with great options for student success and college preparation.

Top Public High Schools in Bend, Oregon

• Summit High School – Known for its high test scores, AP course offerings, and rich sports and arts programs, Summit consistently ranks as one of the top public schools in Oregon.
• Bend Senior High School – Offering a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, Bend High also features strong athletic teams and diverse student clubs.
• Mountain View High School – Renowned for balanced academics, career technical education programs, and a supportive school culture that helps students thrive.
• Realms High School – A project-based learning school with a focus on adventure and character development, Realms encourages creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement.
• Marshall High School – A smaller school that provides a personalized education experience, helping students who excel in non-traditional learning environments find academic success.

Top Private High Schools in Bend, Oregon

• Cascade Academy – A therapeutic boarding school for girls that blends personalized academics with emotional wellness support in a structured environment.
• Cascade School – This private boarding school focuses on academic growth, personal development, and strong teacher-student relationships, offering a nature-rich campus setting ideal for learning.
• The Waldorf School of Bend – Following the Waldorf education model, this school promotes hands-on learning, creativity, and social responsibility in a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere.
• St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School – A faith-based school offering a values-centered education along with rigorous academics and a focus on leadership and service.
• Seven Peaks School – An independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School that offers inquiry-based learning, global perspectives, and a strong focus on the arts and sciences.

Bend, Oregon is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest, known for its beautiful scenery, craft beer, and love for the outdoors. While Bend does not have any major league professional sports teams, it has a strong sports culture and supports local teams and regional fan favorites. Bend is home to a beloved minor league baseball team and is a hub for outdoor and action sports that attract athletes from around the world.

⚾ Baseball – Bend Elks (West Coast League)

• Bend Elks – The Bend Elks play in the West Coast League (WCL), a collegiate summer baseball league featuring top college talent. Founded in 2000, the Elks play at Vince Genna Stadium and have built a loyal fan base. They won the WCL Championship in 2005 and continue to be a cornerstone of the Bend sports scene each summer.

🏀 Basketball – Closest NBA Teams

• While Bend does not have its own professional basketball team, fans often support nearby NBA teams like the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland is about 160 miles away and is home to iconic players like Damian Lillard and past stars such as Clyde Drexler.

🏈 Football – Nearby NFL Teams

• Residents of Bend typically cheer for teams from neighboring areas. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are popular NFL teams among locals, and many fans make road trips to attend games in those cities.

⚽ Soccer – Timbers and Thorns Connection

• Portland Timbers (MLS) – A favorite club for soccer fans in Bend, the Timbers won the MLS Cup in 2015 and are known for their energetic fan section, the Timbers Army.
• Portland Thorns FC (NWSL) – One of the top women’s soccer teams in the country, the Thorns have won multiple NWSL championships and feature U.S. Women’s National Team stars. They inspire many young athletes in the region.

⛷️ Outdoor and Action Sports

• Bend is widely known as a playground for outdoor athletes. The city hosts numerous events in skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and trail running. With Mount Bachelor just a short drive away, it attracts professional and amateur snow sports athletes every year.
• Bend also hosts the Cascade Cycling Classic, one of the country’s oldest stage races, drawing elite cyclists from across the nation.

While Bend, Oregon may not have major league sports teams, its passion for local teams, outdoor recreation, and regional pro sports makes it a vibrant sports town with plenty of action year-round.

Bend, Oregon is a charming city full of outdoor adventure, rich history, and quirky surprises. Nestled along the Cascade Range in Central Oregon, it offers more than just scenic beauty. Here are some fun facts about Bend that might just inspire your next trip:

1. From Logging to Lifestyle – Bend was once a lumber town and had two of the largest pine mills in the country by the 1920s.
2. Beer Heaven – It’s known as “Beer Town USA” thanks to having more breweries per capita than nearly anywhere else in the nation.
3. Volcanic History – You can hike through Lava River Cave, a mile-long lava tube formed over 80,000 years ago.
4. Sunny Days Galore – Bend gets an average of over 300 days of sunshine every year, perfect for year-round outdoor fun.
5. Movie Star Mountain – Mount Bachelor, a popular ski resort near Bend, has appeared in several outdoor adventure films.
6. Deschutes Delight – The scenic Deschutes River runs right through town and is a top place for floaters, kayakers, and fishermen.
7. High Desert Life – Bend sits in Oregon’s unique high desert region, where dry landscapes meet pine forests and mountains.
8. Home to the Last Blockbuster – Bend is famous for having the very last Blockbuster Video store on Earth!
9. Dog-Friendly City – Bend is incredibly pet-friendly, with over 13 off-leash dog parks and shops that welcome pups.
10. A Rock Climber’s Paradise – Smith Rock State Park, just north of Bend, is a world-famous spot for rock climbing and hiking.