Bend & Central Oregon Real Estate & Homes for Sale

Complete Information to Buy or Sell Real Estate in Bend, Oregon

Bend, OR Area Guide

The City of Bend offers more than 32 square miles of breath-taking landscapes, mild climate, year-round recreation opportunities, growing economy and thriving businesses in the heart of Oregon. Bend is home to a little over 76,600 of the friendliest residents you could ever meet, making it the most populated city in Central Oregon. Enjoy sunny days and cool nights in this thriving and vibrant urban center filled with fantastic attractions, fun activities for the whole family and year round events that are sure to please everyone.
Discover more about what Bend has to offer you and your family by visiting their official website by clicking here: http://www.ci.bend.or.us/.

History

Bend’s rich history begins shortly after Oregon had reached statehood. In 1860, the first settler to Deschutes County arrived and began work on a bridge across the Deschutes River at Sherar’s Falls. Seventeen years after the completion of the bridge, John Young Todd returned to the area with his herd of one thousand cattle to start the Farewell Bend Ranch. During the next twenty years, Central Oregon began to develop as homesteads and ranches sprouted throughout the region. Many of the local street names and landmarks are named after these first settlers to Central Oregon.

By the turn of the century, Bend had become home to a population of 250 when a man named Mr. A.M. Drake arrived from Michigan. He made a permanent camp on the banks of the Deschutes River where Drake Park is now located. Motivated by the Federal Carey Act of 1894, Drake conceived and spearheaded the building of irrigation systems in the area. He bought lots of land and set about designing a modern city. Between 1902 and 1904 Drake’s Bend Townsite Company platted the townsite. Drake’s efforts attracted settlers, many of whom went to work for him in his various ventures.

In 1904, Bend was incorporated by a general vote of the community’s 300 residents. By January 4, 1905, the City held its first official meeting as incorporated municipality, appointing A.H. Goodwillie as the first mayor. Twelve years later, Deschutes County was formed from the western half of Crook County and Bend was designated as the County Seat.

Clyde McKay and his father, Wisconsin residents, made numerous trips to the area to buy timber for the Mueller Lumber Company of Davenport, Iowa. Their annual trips for wood eventually led the younger McKay to settle here and form the area’s first significant logging operation. He was a key player in forming The Bend Company, which purchased Drake’s holdings in 1911. He encouraged Brooks-Scanlon and other lumber interests to expand to the region, becoming a major force to local economic development between 1911 and the mid-1920s. To learn this and more about Bend’s rich history, please click here: http://www.bendchamber.org/About/History.html.

Parks and Recreation

Bend Parks and Recreation Department offers more than 2,500 acres of park land and facilities for visitors and residents alike to enjoy. This land includes 81 parks/open spaces and 56 miles of trail. The Department also offers over 770 recreational programs for all ages, as well as several community events throughout the year. The mission of Bend Parks and Recreation Department is “to enhance the vitality of our community by promoting healthy lifestyles and enriching Bend’s unique character with exceptional park and recreation services”. In 2006, the Bend Parks and Recreation District was awarded the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Park and Recreation management. This prestigious award is given to the best park and recreation agency in the nation for its population category. Please visit the Bend Parks and Recreation Department’s official website to find out more. http://www.bendparksandrec.org/

Attractions and Activities

Bend is home to a vast assortment of magnificent attractions and activities that draw visitors from all over the range from fantastic theatrical performances the Cascades Theatrical Company and Innovation Theater Works to fantastic natural attractions such as Lava Cast Forest and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. If you’re looking to spend an afternoon admiring art at one of Bend’s excellent art galleries or museums, be sure to check out Mockingbird Gallery or The High Desert Museum. Enjoy one of Bend’s many outdoor activities including boating, cycling, fishing, kayaking, golf, motorcycling, rafting, shooting/hunting, rafting, rock climbing, skilling, swimming and more! Bend also offers fun activities for the whole family, including bowling, camping, amusement centers, and scenic drives. To find out about any of the activities and attractions listed above or to learn more about Bend’s attractions as a whole, please visit:
http://www.bendchamber.org/Visitor/ThingsToDo.html

Events

Bend offers a variety of exceptional events throughout the year! From fun community events such as First Friday Art Walks held the first Friday of each month and BrewFest to excellent theatrical performances such as Shakespeare in the Park, there’s something for people of all ages and interests. Please visit the link provided below to discover just a few of these family-friendly events and activities that await you in the upcoming months.
http://www.ci.bend.or.us/depts/police/events/index.html