Why Bend, Oregon is a Great Place to Live

If you've visited Bend, or if you're one of the lucky ones who gets to call Central Oregon home, then you understand why so many choose to relocate here either full-time or as a vacation destination. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, endless outdoor activities, and a trendy yet independent mountain culture, Bend is genuinely an awesome place to live. 

If you need specific reasons why Bend is the best city in Oregon, check out this list that covers everything from the Arts to Breweries. Are you planning a trip to Central Oregon this holiday season and looking for places to go while you're in town? Grab a cold beer, sit back, sit back and Visit our Discover Bend page to learn about summer hot spots, locals favorites, and some of the most beautiful hikes in Oregon. 

Life is Great on Skates

The snow isn't falling yet in Bend, Oregon, but the Bend Parks & Recreation Ice Pavilion is officially open for the season! If you're looking to polish your figure skating skills, practice your curling technique or start an ice hockey team this is the spot to do it. Be sure to check out their website for schedule and details.

Staying in Sunriver this holiday season? Not to worry, they have a fantastic ice skating rink for all to enjoy. They also offer the Alpine Express Train that takes the little ones on a short ride around Sunriver Village - a must do for families visiting Sunriver this winter season.

If being on ice skates isn't your thing (trust me, I get it), you can always snuggle up next to the fire pit, drink some hot cocoa and breathe in the crisp fall and winter air in Central Oregon.

10 Homes Built for Nature-Lovers in Central Oregon

It's no secret that Central Oregon is known for it's unique high desert landscape - a mix of juniper, aspen and oak trees, mountain views, and volcanic terrain. Check out these beautiful homes that make our rustic and breathtaking scenery the star of the show.

Want to find your own nature-inspired Central Oregon getaway? Feel free to browse here!

Homes Under $300,00 in Bend, Oregon

Prices in Bend, OR have been increasing about 6%/year over the last 3 years, but that doesn't mean you've missed out on finding a great deal! Check out these homes for sale under $300,000 in Bend! If you're a first time home buyer or an investor looking for an affordable property, check out the list here:

See Homes! 

Fall Home & Garden Tips

As fall rolls in, nights get cooler, days get shorter and life seems to take a bit of a breather after seemingly non-stop summer activity. While you pull out the crock pot, and dream of pumpkin spice lattes, it's also time to prepare your home for fall and winter. Here are a couple of tips to ensure you're ready:

1. Once trees have shed their fall leaves, be sure to check your gutters and roof to ensure they're clear of debris that can clog gutters. Also caulk/seal gutter joints to prevent leaking.
2. Winter is a time to get cozy! Be sure your fireplace and chimney are serviced and cleaned to help prevent house and flue fires.
3. Check windows & doors for drafts. According to bobvilla.com, proper sealing and insulation can save you 20% on your heating and cooling bill.
4. Prepare your yard for colder weather: clean and store outdoor furniture and garden tools, and contact your irrigation company to winterize sprinkler & irrigation systems. 
5. Planning on entertaining this winter and holiday season? Prepare now by cleaning ovens, stoves and refrigerators to ensure they're ready for extra use.

August Housing Stats - Bend, Oregon

It's been a strong summer for real estate sales in Bend, OR. As fall rolls in (did anyone else notice it was 37 degrees this morning?!) I think we will continue to see a steady housing market even with inventory increasing slightly. As fall and winter roll on, I expect to see another decrease in inventory and a slight decrease in activity. With many moving from out of state, we will need to keep an eye on if their activity affects our typical winter slow down. 

The months of inventory (calculated by taking the number of houses currently for sale divided by the average number of homes sold per month.) in August was 3.4 months. This number has remained fairly steady the past year with the exception of last winter where inventory dipped into the 2 month area and last fall where inventory took a quick jump to nearly 4 months. 

The median sales price in Bend was $372,500 in August, which is a 6.4% increase over August 2015. It's down slightly from the peak for this year, which was $379,000 in June.