Courtesy of Nancy Padberg

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 now it is even more hospitable, especially for retirees. Located close to the geographical center of Oregon, Bend's attractions are many: a relatively mild climate, a variety of affordable housing options, a slower pace of life, clean air and water, peace and quiet, and countless recreation opportunities minutes from town. In downtown Bend, make sure to visit Drake Park, which overlooks the Cascade Mountains.

Basic statistics 

• Population: 80,100
• Cost of living: Above average
• Rain: 12 inches
• Snow: 33.8 inches
• January temperatures: High, 40; low, 21
• July temperatures: High, 82; low, 44

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 Security benefits are exempt, as is all federal pension income based on service performed before October 1, 1991. For federal pension income based on service before and after October 1, 1991, the pension subtraction is prorated. Federal pensions for service on or after October 1, 1991, and state and private pensions are not exempt.

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 homestead deferral program exempts from property taxes those 62 and older or disabled who meet certain income requirements. There is a 6% interest charge on the deferred amount, payable at death or upon sale of the home.

Religion: Bend has many houses of worship, representing some 30 denominations and 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 is located less than a mile from the center of town.

Health: Bend is the primary medical center for all of central Oregon as well as parts of eastern Oregon and western Idaho, providing first-class medical facilities close at hand. Cascade Healthcare Community operates the 220-bed St. Charles Medical Center in Bend and the 40-bed St. Charles Medical Center in nearby Redmond. Cascade Healthcare Community is the area’s largest employer, with 2,250 employees. The two hospitals offer a wide variety of services, including cardiology, critical care, emergency medicine, neurosurgery, and oncology. AirLife helicopters provide emergency transportation.

Housing: Bend is largely a town of single-family residences. However, an increasing number of condominiums and townhomes have been built in recent years. Those seeking more acreage can find it outside Bend’s city limits.

Near St. Charles Medical Center, the Aspen Ridge Retirement Community (541.385.8500) rents studio apartments and cottage duplexes to seniors 55 and over. Rents range from $1,620 per month for a studio to $2,900 for a cottage.

Located close to the banks of the Deschutes River, just 2.5 miles from downtown Bend, Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village (888.231.1113) offers a campus-style development for seniors over 55. 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) is an active-adult community with 54 holes of golf, sports facilities, a day spa, trails for hiking and biking, two restaurants, fitness classes, and airport and ski shuttles. Homes start at $302,600.

Visitor information: Bend offers a wide variety of lodging, from motels to hotels to resorts and bed-and-breakfast inns. In the heart of downtown, the 117-room Phoenix Inn (541.317.9292 or 888.291.4764) has doubles and suites for $89 to $179 per night.

Just a few miles out of town, in a wooded setting, Mount Bachelor Village (800.452.9846) offers hotel rooms starting at $110 to luxury three-bedroom condos overlooking the Deschutes River for $235.

Close to downtown and Bend’s verdant Drake Park, the Lara House B&B (541.388.4064 or 800.766.4064) has six rooms with private baths for $90 to $150 with breakfast included.

Located on Highway 97, just minutes from downtown, The Riverhouse (541.389.3111 or 800.547.3928) has 220 rooms with prices ranging from $82 to $172. The Deschutes River flows through the center of the property.

Further details: Contact the Bend Chamber of Commerce (a relocation package is available for $15), the Bend Visitor and Convention Bureau, and/or the Central Oregon Visitors Association.

Watch the following video to learn more about the good life in Bend!