Thinking about moving to Bend Oregon with your family? This guide gives straightforward advice from the team at Knightsbridge International Real Estate. We are Real Estate Agents in Bend Oregon who have helped many families find homes and get settled. Bend mixes beautiful nature with easy family living. It is a great spot for a fresh start. We cover key topics here, from home buying to daily tips, to help your move go well.
Why Choose Bend for Your Family?
Bend sits in central Oregon. The Big Cascade Mountains and the Deschutes River hug it close. It acts like a cozy small town. Yet it packs big-city perks. Breweries bubble up nearby. Shops line the streets. Fun events pop up often. Families love the wild play spots. Over 300 miles of paths wait for bikes and feet. Summer means river swims for kids. The sun shines for more than 100 days. That gives tons of dry outdoor joy.
Why Bend Shines for Families
Bend keeps kids safe. Crime is low. Neighbors talk and help each other. Homes cost more. But tech jobs, doctor jobs, and tourist fun pay well. Moms and dads pick it for woods and rivers close by. Shops and clinics are right near homes. In the West, Bend wins for best youth life. Schools do great. Parks fill every spot. St. Charles Hospital is right in town.
Keep in mind: Winters have snow. Summers might have smoke from fires. We suggest a visit first. Come in August for hot days or February for snow fun. This lets you see if Bend’s busy outdoor life fits your family.
Navigating the Bend Real Estate Market
Our Bend Oregon real estate team keeps a close eye on home sales. Right now, prices hold steady. The median home price sits at $780,000. That’s up just 1% from last year. Yet it’s down 4% from the top point.
Homes for sale fill five months of stock. Buyers see more picks than at any time since 2013.
Families hunt 3- to 5-bedroom spots in fun areas like Northwest Crossing or Tetherow. Prices run $400 to $500 per square foot there. The average home value hits $721,000. It dipped 3.4% this year. Still, the market stays tough and full of life.
Here are some top spots for families:
- Old Mill District: By the river with shops and food. Good for active families. Starts at $600,000.
- Awbrey Butte: High views and big yards for kids. Fancier, from $800,000.
- Southeast Bend: Cheaper homes near $500,000, close to parks and work routes.
Start with local Real Estate Agents in Bend Oregon, like us. We check prices, find good deals, and do checks on homes. Houses sell in 30 to 45 days now. Plan around school starts. Save extra for closing. Oregon has no sales tax, but the property tax is about 1% of home value.
Top Schools in Bend for Growing Minds
Schools matter a lot when moving with kids. Bend-La Pine Schools cover most families, with 26 elementary choices. Public schools do well in learning and community. Private and charter schools offer other options for special needs.
For elementary, here are the top picks:
- Highland School at Kenwood Elementary: Teaches STEM and outdoor skills. Gets 9/10 on GreatSchools with good test scores.
- High Lakes Elementary: Mixes art with classes in a bright school. Parents like the friendly feel.
- Amity Creek Elementary: Loves nature, small groups under 150 kids.
Middle and high schools have good choices too. Cascade Middle is calm, not too strict, say locals. High schools include:
- Bend Senior High: Focuses on community and sports.
- Caldera High: Good for arts and teams, with many backgrounds.
- Mountain View High: Strong in farm and animal programs like FFA.
Private schools like Seven Peaks (K-8, world program) or Cascades Academy (PK-12, hands-on) cost $10,000 to $20,000 a year. Help with money is there. We match homes to school areas as Real Estate Agents in Bend Oregon. Sign up by February for fall. Visit schools and read parent talks on Reddit’s r/Bend.
Fun Family Activities to Enjoy Year-Round
Bend keeps kids busy all year. The Deschutes River is like a backyard spot. Tube down it in summer or kayak for fun.
Some favorites:
- High Desert Museum: See live animals, ride a train, and learn old stories. Free for kids under 13 on some days. Good for wet weather.
- Tumalo Falls Hike: Short 1-mile walk to a big waterfall. Easy with strollers; bring lunch.
- Lava River Cave: Go in dark tunnels with lights. Free and exciting for ages 6 and up.
In winter, Mt. Bachelor is 20 minutes away. Ski lessons start at $100 a day. Inside, Sun Mountain Fun Center has bowling, mini-golf, and games on 7 acres.
Old Mill District has free music, skating, and treats. Try the alpaca farm near Terrebonne, pet animals, and visit kid-friendly spots. These help kids make friends fast.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Family Move
Moving with kids takes planning beyond boxes. Here is our simple list:
- Time It Right: Move in summer to skip snow or school breaks. Book movers 3 months early.
- Purge and Pack Smart: Give away old toys and clothes. Label boxes by the kid. Keep fun things like toys out.
- Handle Paperwork: Change addresses, send school papers, and get Oregon IDs. The top tax rate is 9.9%.
- Connect Early: Join Facebook groups like “Moving to Bend Oregon.” Start library or park groups right away.
- Budget for Extras: Plan $5,000 to $10,000 for moving and fixes like safe gates. Buy gear on sale at REI.
- Self-Care Check: Parents, try a quick brewery stop. Kids, have an ice cream party to celebrate.
From California? Enjoy less traffic, but get sunscreen for the strong sun. Move pet papers too.
We help with home deals as Real Estate Agents in Bend Oregon. We make sure it fits your family.
Healthcare and Community Resources in Bend
Health care is key for families. St. Charles is main, but Summit Health does kids and quick visits. We link families to doctors for allergies or sports hurts. Stores like Rite Aid are easy to find. Online doctor talks help in busy times.
Groups help too. Family Resource Center has free parent classes and play times. Bend Parks run cheap camps and sports for quick friends. Family Kitchen gives food help if needed.
Save for checkups $200 to $500 a year without full cover. Use the Bend Family app for events like story time or teen jobs.
Budgeting for Life in Bend: What Families Need to Know
Money planning helps the move last. We work budgets with clients as Real Estate Agents in Bend Oregon. Food for four costs $800 a month, 10% more than average. But farms give fresh stuff cheap.
Bills run $250 a month, more in cold months. Day care is $1,200 full-time; help for low pay. After-school at the YMCA is $300 a term. Share rides or watch kids together to save.
Gas is $4 a gallon, but trails mean less driving. Trips to work take 15 minutes. Set $100-200 a month for fun like lessons. Track with apps like Mint before you go.
Owning a home grows money by 3-5% a year. We find help programs up to $15,000 for new buyers.
Final Thoughts
Bend boosts family life with good schools, fun spots, and fair home prices in 2025. Our Real Estate Agents at Knightsbridge International in Bend Oregon make it easy from home hunts to tips on places like Crux for pizza.
Contact Knightsbridge International Real Estate to start. Your Bend life is ready. Reach out to share what you look forward to. We would love to hear from you.