Several factors are transforming Bend into one of the fastest growing cities in the country: An improved real estate market in the Golden State, active baby boomers looking for the next big adventure and a bustling job market in Oregon.

Many people who make the move are launching their own businesses. Bend is the sixteenth largest metro area in the country for high-tech startup density. Pretty amazing for a town with fewer than 100,000 people.

In addition to the four major data centers that include Facebook and Apple, Bend currently boasts 95 startups across multiple technology sectors. Nearby Portland, Oregon is home to over 300 startups; between the two markets, nearly 80 new startups are forming each year.

A healthy housing market is always the foundation for future economic growth and all the signals indicate the boom for Bend, and really all of Deschutes County, is not over. In April, rental vacancy was at 2.4% for single family homes, and .8% for duplexes.

So Bend has a lot to crow about: The top inbound county in the top inbound state, affordable real estate values, dynamic job growth, low vacancy rates and a legendary quality of life. The secret is out, Bend is on the map and poised for continued growth.

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The recreational opportunities are almost limitless with everything from rafting, camping, golfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing and much more. After a hard day playing on the mountain or a nearby local stream, you’ll still have time to head out for a local show or sample a meal from our delectable selection of restaurants.

Bend isn’t only about recreation, the city also hosts many festivals, fairs, parades, concerts, and shows throughout the year. Enjoy an evening of music at the Les Schwab Amphitheater or make sure to hit the local Farmer’s Market in the spring and summer. Looking for something even more cultural? Bend is surrounded by several museums and theatres.

Oregon has become a prime destination to invest in real estate as its housing industry recovers after the Great Recession. The state has seen a 3.63% growth in population since 2010, but new housing construction hasn’t kept pace, and as a result, rents have surged.