Tucked into the the base of the Eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range along the Deschutes River, Bend, Oregon sits 3,635 ft above sea level on the dividing line of the “high desert” and the Willamette Valley.

Bend’s favorable climate and stunning scenery has caught the attention of visitors, companies and media outlets, making this once sleepy town a vibrant city that has it all. If you’re new to Bend, and looking to make Discovery West your home base, take a look below to learn more about this amazing place we’re proud to call home.

ARTS & CULTURE

Whether it’s taking in a film at the annual BendFilm Festival, rocking to your favorite band at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater, taking in a live performance at the Tower Theatre, or just strolling around Bend’s many art galleries, there’s a little something for everyone. Learn more about our arts & culture scene >>

EDUCATION

The Bend-LaPine School District is the 5th largest district in Oregon, serving over 18,000 students each year. Bend is fortunate to have an excellent public education system that boasts high academic success rates.

In addition to public school, many award-winning private schools are available to families searching for just the right academic fit for their children.

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) was founded in 1949 as part of the Bend School district and is the longest standing community college in Central Oregon. COCC also operates the Cascade Culinary Institute. COCC has a total enrollment of over 16,500 students.

OSU-Cascades‘ started serving Central Oregon in 2001, though it didn’t have a permanent campus until fall 2016. This four-year university provides students personalized instruction and OSU’s excellence in both academics and innovative research. Over the next several decades, OSU-Cascades will expand, creating a 128-acre campus for up to 5,000 students.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Hailed as one of the country’s top hotspots for entrepreneurship, Bend is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic environments for startups in the country. In fact, Entrepreneur Magazine recently claimed

“The diversity of people bringing businesses here is astounding. A community of big brains, here because they want to be.”

With events and accelerators like Bend Outdoor Worx, Bend Venture Conference, Cascade Seed Fund and Oregon Outdoor Alliance, just to name a few, Bend offers resources and support for business startups.

To learn more about this entrepreneurial spirit, watch the video below or visit the EdCo website >>

TRANSPORTATION

There are a plethora of transportation options for getting in and around Bend. Whether your style is a cab or Uber, an eBike or SEGWAY, or a good old-fashioned bus, you’re sure to get from point A to point B, and enjoy the ride along the way.

The Redmond Airport (RDM) is the region’s largest airport hub, offering daily commercial flights by four air carriers: Alaska Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta Airlines and United/United Express. Direct flights include Burbank, Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Seattle.

Located on approximately 420 acres, five miles northeast of Bend, Oregon, the Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN) caters to the needs of general aviators, hosts two flight training schools, and is home to numerous businesses. Their combined operations make Bend the third busiest airport in the state in terms of takeoffs and landings.

Cascades East Transit (CET) connects people to places through high-quality transit service. CET bus services include fixed-routes within Bend, city connectors throughout Central Oregon, recreational shuttles and rural Dial-a-Ride service for the public and Dial-a-Ride service for qualifying persons with disabilities and seniors who qualify as low-income.

The City of Bend provides a bike share program for individuals aged 16 and older. The electric, pedal-assist bicycles ensure that the service is both convenient and accessible. Through the Bird app, low-income individuals, veterans, and senior citizens can received discounted pricing on rentals. 

PARKS

Bend Park & Recreation District maintains and operates more than 3,035 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland. This includes 81 parks/open spaces and 70 miles of trail, not including the future park space in Discovery West.

In 2006, Bend Park & Recreation District received the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Park and Recreation Management, a national award recognizing the best park and recreation agencies across the U.S.

Discovery Park Bend Oregon

BEND IN THE NEWS

#1 Best Performing Small City, 4 consecutive years —Milken Institute

“America’s Best multi-sport town” —Outside Magazine

“Dog Town, USA” —Dog Fancy Magazine

“North America’s Coolest Downtowns” by Expedia

“Top 5 SUP Destinations in Ski Country” by On The Snow

“19 Best Trips to Mend a Broken Heart” —Business Insider

“Best Beer Towns” by CNN Travel and USA Today

“Top 18 Under-The-Radar Travel Destinations in America” by Business Insider