It’s no secret that Bend has changed significantly as people from neighboring states move in. Once known as a small quiet town in the mountains, Bend has become one of the fastest-growing cities since 2010, with multiple families coming in ranging from young teens, to senior citizens.
While some people appreciate the new growth added to Bend, others aren’t too fond of the situation, creating tension among the town.
Many of these newcomers are arriving from states including California, Washington and Arizona, with the majority of Bend’s growth coming from these areas with major cities according to Common Sense Institute of Oregon. It’s no surprise there has been plenty of backlash. Although some have been bothered, newcomers just strive to find a nice place to raise family and experience new culture and community.
“We just moved here from California,” said Jordan A., who arrived in Bend just in time for her son to start school. “We love it. It is such a diverse environment perfect for my son and I really like his teachers in school.”
Bend’s public education system has definitely gotten quite the recognition, as staff and school administrators pride themselves on making a welcoming community fit for each student. Yet even with positives Jordan’s family has found so far, adjusting to the community has had its challenges.
“There have been times when going out that we’ve received snarky remarks or micro aggressions concerning our character and recent migration,” said Jordan.
Stereotypes and typecast labels have been used on those coming in from bigger cities for many years, and as Bend grows in population so does its schools, shops, restaurants and living space, creating challenges in expanding appropriately for everyone.
With over 100,000 people now in Bend, personal troubles and preferences have risen.
“It has definitely been a struggle for me with this past new growth to Bend.” Said longtime local of over 30 years, Hayley Albin. She expresses her feelings towards the new attitude migrants have brought forward, explaining, “People never smile anymore.”
The small tight nit community that Bend once was definitely has had some changes in not only people but their mannerisms too. Once a place where everybody knew everybody now it’s hard to even make conversation with people. “This is not the Bend I grew up in”. Hayley states. Comparisons of how lively, communicative and unreserved Bend used to be seems to be affecting people more than you would think.
Though without this growth, you could argue Bend wouldn’t be as diverse as it is today. Showing off its undeniable widening of cultures and practices, uniting those with similar belief groups. Especially with Bend’s newest high school of five years, Caldera. A dual immersion school, focused on incorporating academic activities in both Spanish and English for native and learning speakers. The major attraction to Caldera’s amazing performance in administration, with Caldera’s principal, Chris Boyd, receiving the title of Bend-La Pine Schools’ 2025 Administrator of the Year, has only made people, including exchange students, want to join the pack.
While “Old Bend” is gone, a wider, expanded community has arisen, creating more opportunities for newcomers arriving both from the states or other countries. Nationwide, small towns will evolve into transforming cities, new people will come in as construction makes room for apartments, office buildings or stores for new shop owners. Though Bend 30 years ago might not appear the same as today, those moving into the small city are simply striving for a better way of living.
