Rachel Kirk Blog
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26
Why Some Bend Homes Are Selling — and Others Are Sitting in 2026
Why Some Bend Homes Are Selling — and Others Are Sitting in 2026
The Bend real estate market has become increasingly selective in 2026. Homes are still selling, buyers are still moving to Central Oregon, and desirable properties continue to attract attention. But there is a noticeable difference between the homes buyers are responding to and those that remain on the market.
As we move through August, we are seeing inventory grow and buyer activity slow. We won't have fina...
24
What's It Really Like to Live in Bend, Oregon?
One of my favorite things about living in Bend has very little to do with mountains. And I love the mountains.
There are a lot of curious people here.
Of course, Bend attracts people who want to be active. People hike, bike, ski, kaya, run, and spend an extraordinary amount of time outside. But I've also noticed how many people here simply like to keep learning.
You can find Spanish, French and German conversation groups. Central Oregon Community College offers Community Education classes for adults, and Bend Park & Recreation District offers an enormous range of programs and classes. People take art and photography classes, learn languages, play music, try new sports and pick up new interests.
There are book clubs...
24
Pros and Cons of Living in Bend, Oregon: It Depends on Your Perspective
You've already read the articles about the pros and cons of living in Bend. You know about the sunshine, mountains and outdoor recreation. You've also read about expensive housing, wildfire smoke and winter snow.
But some of those "pros and cons" are really a matter of perspective.
Housing prices. Expensive compared with what? Someone moving from the Bay Area or Seattle may react very differently to Bend prices than someone coming from parts of the Midwest.
Traffic. Someone who has lived in Bend for decades may tell you traffic has become terrible. Bend didn't get its first traffic control lights until 1952, and as late as 1960 the city was still debating additional downtown signals, one of which was located at the corner of Wall and Franklin - just one block away from...
24
Sunriver or Bend for Retirement?
Sunriver is a wonderful place to vacation. Do you want to live there year round?
One of the biggest differences between Sunriver and Bend is winter. Sunriver sits about 500 feet higher than Bend and, as a result, it snows more in Sunriver. Those beautiful snowy scenes look a little different when you have to go out and shovel day after day!
Then think about your ordinary Tuesday. How often will you want to drive into Bend for healthcare, shopping, restaurants, classes, cultural events and other things you like to do?
Think about your neighbors. Sunriver has a significant vacation rental market, and summer brings a large influx of visitors. If you're planning to live there full time, consider whether you'd be comfortable livin...
24
Moving From the Bay Area to Bend: What Might Surprise You?
If you're thinking about moving from the Bay Area to Bend, some of the biggest adjustments may be the everyday ones.
Bend is really compact. You can get almost anywhere pretty quickly, traffic is relatively light, and you'll encounter a remarkable number of roundabouts anywhere you go.
Your housing dollar may go further. You may find more house and more land for your money, although you'll also have considerably fewer homes to choose from.
Nature is incredibly close. The forest, river, trails, mountains, skiing and lakes aren't far-off weekend destinations. They can easily become part of everyday life.
The weather may surprise you. There's lots of sunshine, snow in the...
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