7 Things You May Not Know About Buying Bend Luxury Real Estate

Amanda Johnson  |  May 25, 2023

7 Things You May Not Know About Buying Bend Luxury Real Estate

A lovely city benefiting from a small-town feel, it is easy to see why Bend, Oregon, is a highly in-demand location for luxury real estate. Bend enjoys breathtaking scenery, a top-notch quality of life, world-class dining spots, and peerless access to outdoor adventures. Those exploring high-end property in Bend real estate should consider several factors to make an informed decision. Read below for seven essential things to learn about buying Bend luxury real estate.

1. Prevalence of private listings

Private listings, otherwise referred to as pocket listings or quiet listings, are important to consult when investing in Bend real estate. These listings are unavailable on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) because they are often owned by professionals and celebrities. They are truly prestigious properties on private listings that are only accessible through a real estate agent.

Private listings are advantageous for buyers striving to keep their purchase — of a seasonal mountain home, for instance, or investment property — confidential. Compared with public listings and their frantic bidding wars, private listings are generally calmer and benefit from smaller pools of buyers and sellers.

2. Remote work capital and transportation options

Some are surprised to hear Bend is one of the most remote-work-friendly cities in the nation, with 12.1% of its workforce telecommuting, many for tech-oriented companies that call Bend home, like G5 and Hydroflask. For those working remotely who prefer a more social environment, coworking spaces, such as The Haven Coworking, abound.

Bend is centrally located within Oregon, just 30 minutes from the Redmond Municipal Airport. Residents also enjoy easy access to U.S. Routes 97 and 20.

3. Fantastic dining spots

Bend boasts a variety of fine dining options ideally suited for potential luxury Bend real estate owners. For example, Ariana Restaurant, a renowned, high-cuisine institution on Galveston Avenue, offers delightful French and Italian fare. Another beloved premier restaurant is 900 Wall, patronized for its New American cuisine. Steak lovers swear by The Jackalope Grill's romantic ambiance and impressive wine selection.

Before or after a terrific meal, head to one of Bend’s countless breweries, such as Bend Brewing Co., The Brasserie at Monkless Belgian Ales, Boss Rambler Beer Club, Bend Brewing Company, 10 Barrel Brewing Company, or Deschutes Brewery, for an excellent pint. In addition to beer, the downtown mainstay, The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar, features global wines for tasting and by the glass. Wine lovers flock to Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards and winery in Terrebonne, Oregon, a quick trip from Bend.

For exceptional food trucks, don’t miss River’s Place Bend, where you’ll find must-try Mexican dishes, burger sliders, hibachi, sushi rolls, and more.

4. Exploring the great outdoors

Bend is synonymous with easily accessible, nationally-celebrated outdoor activities. Locals and visitors alike relish skiing and snowboarding at nearby Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, or mountain biking on Phil’s Trail. Hiking trails and forestry surround Bend, with endless scenery and adventure in store. From mountain biking and hiking to rock climbing, white-water rafting, fishing, camping, and golfing, there is no end to the excitement.

Locals love Lava River Cave, for example, in the Deschutes National Forest, offering a one-of-a-kind hiking experience — underground! The famous Deschutes River flowing beside Bend provides the perfect opportunity for tubing, rafting, fishing, paddle boarding, and other water sports. Locals love cross-country skiing in winter; during warmer months, bikes sometimes outnumber cars.

5. The importance of property management

A reliable property management company is paramount for those considering Bend luxury homes as investment properties. While winter in Bend is (wonderfully) mild, it does not hurt to have a dependable property manager on hand if you spend the colder months further south.

A trusted property management company will ensure that your home is well-maintained. They will also help you manage the local renter’s market and verify you have responsible renters. It is a nice weight off one’s shoulders not to worry about setting rental rates and screening prospective tenants.

6. Neighborhoods

Naturally, one encounters the most impressive homes for sale in Bend in the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Therefore, when searching for luxury real estate in Bend, organizing your search around coveted neighborhoods in the city is a sound approach. Many of the most desirable communities, such as Aubrey Butte and River West, are in the Northwest quadrant, an area recognized for its access to trails, green spaces, and the Deschutes River. The area also sports many of Bend’s best restaurants, brew pubs, and cafes.

Look no further than Southwest Bend for spectacular riverfront views and abundant outdoor spaces. And for those desiring a property akin to a farm or ranch, Southeast Bend offers hard-to-come-by space in the form of larger, ranch-style homes.

7. Enviable weather

Bend is privileged with excellent, sunny weather. What better way to experience terrific weather than on the porch, roof deck, or patio of a fantastic home? It is a fact that Bend itself is spared most of the snow otherwise blanketing Oregon. This means that while the roads in Bend remain largely snow-free, the slopes of neighboring ski resorts like Mt. Bachelor are ready for adventure.

Even better, due to Bend’s high elevation, temperatures rarely climb to uncomfortable heights. That means you will experience a temperate summer transitioning into a spectacular autumn, enlivened by picturesque foliage, before a story-book white winter and a mild spring — great weather best appreciated from the deck of your new luxury home.

The value of an experienced agent

Although excluded from our list, perhaps the most important thing to prioritize when considering a luxury real estate investment in Bend is an experienced and reputable agent able to contend with a market like Bend’s and connect you with luxury properties. Bend is a rapidly growing city teeming with investments and construction, creating a competitive market for high-end real estate. The best properties call for the best agents.

Trusted broker sales associate Amanda Johnson offers extensive experience in Bend luxury real estate. Her expertise and professionalism equal her dependability and reliability, and she excels at matching clients with high-end properties reflecting their tastes and values. Contact Amanda Johnson today to get started on your real estate journey and find your dream Bend luxury home.

*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock




Work With Amanda