• Population: 80,100
  • Cost of Living: Above average
  • Rain: 12 inches
  • Snow: 33.8 inches
  • January High: 40 – January Low: 21
  • July High: 82 – July Low: 44


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Learn about Bend’s History

Three great tours give you an insider’s look at Bend, Oregon

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Bend, Oregon Details

In the late 1800s, Bend was a small settlement on the banks of the Deschutes River. It was the last friendly place pioneers visited before starting the demanding trek west over the Cascade Mountains to the Oregon Territory’s rich farmlands. Today the village is a town called Bend and not it is even more hospitable especially to retirees. Located close to the geographical center or Oregon, Bends attractions are many: a relatively mild climate, a variety of affordable housing options, a slower pace of life, clean air and water and countless recreation opportunities minutes from town. Drake Park in downtown Bend overlooks the Cascade Mountains. The area has clean air, clean water, and is quiet.

Videos of Bend, Oregon

Sales Tax

None

Income Tax

For single filers, it ranges from 5% of taxable income up to $2,650 to $413 plus 9% of the excess over $6,650. For married couples filing jointly, it ranges from 5% of taxable income up to $5,300 to $825 plus 9% of the excess over $13,300.

Income Exemptions

Social Securi ty benefits are exempt, as is all federal pension income based on service per formed before Oct. 1, 1991. For federal pension income based on service before and after Oct. 1, 1991, the pension sub traction is prorated. Federal pensions for service on or after Oct. 1, 1991, and state and private pensions are not exempt.

Intangibles

None

Estate Tax

Applicable to estates of $1 million or more. For estates exceeding $1 million, an Oregon inheritance return must be filed.

Property Tax

The property tax rate on a single-family dwelling in Bend is $15 per $1,000 making taxes on a $250,000 home about $3,750 per year.

Homestead Exemption

The home stead deferral program exempts from property taxes those 62 and older or disabled who meet certain income requirements. There is a 6 percent interest on the deferred amount, payable at death or upon selling the home.

Religion

Bend has more than churches representing some 30 religions

Education

Bend is the home of Central Oregon Community College (COCC, which offers two-year associate degrees. Oregon State University has a branch on the COCC campus. Through COCC, Oregon State offers 20 four-year degree programs in collaboration with partner institutions such as the University of Oregon and Eastern Oregon University Central Oregon Community College serves 4,000 students and located less than a mile from the center of town.

Health

Bend is the primary medical cen ter for all of central Oregon as well as parts of eastern Oregon and western Idaho. Cascade Healthcare Community operates the 220-bed St. Charles Medical Center in Bend and the 40-bed St. Charles Medical Center in nearby Red mond. Cascade Healthcare Community is the area’s largest employer with 2,250 employees. The two hospitals offer a wide variety of services, including cardi ology, critical care, emergency medi cine, neurosurgery and oncology. Air Life helicopters provide emergency transportation. First class medical facilities close at hand.

Housing

Bend is largely a town of single-family residences. Howev er, an increasing number of condomini ums and townhomes have been built in recent years. Those seeking more acreage can find it outside Bend city lim its. Near St. Charles Hospital, the Aspen Ridge Retirement Community, (541) 385-8500 or wvvw.frontiermgmt.com, rents studio apartments and cottage duplexes to seniors 55 and over. Rents range from 51,620 per month for a stu dio to 52,900 for a cottage. Located close to the banks of the Deschutes River just 2.5 miles from downtown Bend, Touch-mark, (888) 231-1113 or wvvw.touchmarkbend.com, offers a campus-style development for seniors over 55. Cliff Lodge, the newest phase of the commu nity, is scheduled to open late 2006. Reservations are available for one- to three-bedroom lodge-style homes priced at $200,000 to $600,000. About 17 miles north of Bend, The Falls at Eagle Crest, (888) 703-2557 or vwvw.fallsresortcommunities.com, is an active-adult com­munity with 54 holes of golf, sports facili ties, a day spa, trails for hiking and biking, two restaurants, fitness classes, and airport and ski shuttles. Homes start at 5302,600.

Visitors Information

Bend offers a wide variety of lodging from motels to hotels, resorts and bed-and-breakfast inns. In the heart of downtown, the 117-room Phoenix Inn has doubles and suites for 589-5179 per night, (541) 317-9292 or (888) 291-4764. Just a few miles out of town in a wooded setting, Mount Bachelor Village offers hotel rooms start ing at $110 to luxury three-bedroom condos overlooking the Deschutes River for $235, (800) 452-9846. Close to downtown and Bend’s verdant Drake Park, the Lara House B&B has six rooms with private baths, 590-5150 with breakfast included, (541) 388 4064 or (800) 766-4064. Located on Highway 97 minutes from downtown, the Riverhouse has 220 rooms with prices ranging from $82 to $172. The Deschutes River flows through the cen ter of the property, (541) 389-3111 or (800) 547-3928.

Further Details

Bend Chamber of Com merce, 777 N.W. Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701, (541) 382-3221 or http://www.bendchamber.com. A relocation package is available for 515.
Bend Visitor and Convention Bureau, (877) 245-8484 or wvvw.visitbend.com.
Central Oregon Visitors Association, (800) 800-8334 or http://www.visitcentraloregon.com
Economic: Develop ment for Central Oregon, (800) 342 4135 or http://www.edforco.org.