Situated in a bend of Deschutes National Forest is the appropriately named Bend, Oregon. Nicknamed the "outdoor playground of the West," Bend truly has ample opportunity for adventure. The Cascade Mountain Range, the Deschutes River, and multiple national forests surround this mountain town. With all of that stunning topography, Bend has made an effort to be as environmentally responsible as possible, and has multiple wildlife initiatives set in place to keep the natural setting pristine.
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Looking for a career change? Bend might be the place for you, considering job growth is evident. The area registered a 30.5% job growth between 2010 and 2018, and an additional projected growth of 7.9% by 2023, according to Moody's Analytics.
Bend is also a beer-lover's paradise. There are more than 26 breweries within the city limits; a beer-dedicated trek called The Bend Ale Trail tours each of the award-winning craft beer houses, including the famous Deschutes Brewery. Comedy, theatre, and music are all vibrant parts of this 94,000-strong city. Residents can attend music festivals at Sunriver or catch a play or musical at the Tower Theatre. There are also plenty of tasty bites at a variety of restaurants, which have recently seen a surge in vegan-friendly options. — Chloe Wilt
