Bend is a city of 76,621 residents and is situated in Central Oregon at the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The county seat of Deschutes County, it is noted for its scenic location, endless recreation options and growing economy. The landscape of Bend features Ponderosa Pine and a high desert plateau. Bend has excellent healthcare, education and residential services. Those moving to Bend will also discover that it is a popular retirement location. Many senior citizens prefer moving intrastate to Bend after retirement. In addition to older people, Bend is also famous among married couples for raising a family.
Economy:
The major factors in the economy include healthcare, social, scientific and technical services. Wood manufacturing is also a major industry in Bend. The tourism industry is also one of Bend's largest sectors of the economy. In the skiing season, the town attracts people from all over Oregon, Washington and California. A number of tourism and travel businesses are very successful in the area. In the healthcare sector, the St. Charles Medical Centre is the largest, with about 2,300 employees. In fact it is also the largest employer in the city. Other major employers include the Bright Wood Corporation, Les Schwab Tire Centres, Sunriver Resort and Mt. Bachelor Inc. Retired people moving to Bend have also contributed significantly to the economy of the city. Their investments and experience have led to the growth of consultancy firms and non-governmental organizations. The median household income of Bend is $53,177, much higher than the State's average.
History:
The area was popular among native Indians for more than 12,000 years. They came here for hunting and fishing. In the winter of 1824, a party of fur trappers led by Peter Skene Ogden visited the area. This group was then followed by other pioneers like John C. Fremont, John Strong and also by army scout parties. These groups forded the River Deschutes at a point that they named "Farewell Bend". The river had very few fordable points and so the "Farewell Bend" area became a frequented path for travellers going further west. The initially sparse population saw its first major economic operation when the Pilot Butte Company set up a commercial sawmill there. The population eventually grew and the settlement took shape of a town. The place was incorporated as a city in 1905, and was named ‘Bend' by the US Postal Office.
Tourism:
Bend is primarily known as a popular ski resort. The Mt. Bachelor ski resort attracts hundreds of tourists every year. Downhill there are facilities for white-water rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, biking and horse riding. The Cascade Mountains are very famous among bikers and hikers. For fishing enthusiasts, the Paulina and East Lakes are perfect locations to enjoy fishing hours. The landscape includes forests, lava fields, desert terrain and mountains, and are perfect for casual sightseeing. Attractions within the city include the Newberry National Volcanic monument, the Tower theatre and the Les Schwab amphitheatre. Bend is served by the Roberts Field Airport.