From the lush Deschutes National Forest to the bustle of downtown Bend, our community has always been one of a kind. So, it’s no surprise that Bend-Redmond has once again made its mark in the Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index, soaring to 5th place in 2023, up from 10th last year.
It’s been a journey, not without challenges. A few years ago, in 2021, Bend-Redmond slipped to 13th place due to housing affordability issues and broadband access. But, as our community has shown time and again, we bounce back.
This progress, however, is more than just statistics and rankings. It’s about hardworking individuals, from CEOs of tech startups to the newly-hired nurses, who are all contributing to the vibrant economy of our area. It’s about the struggles and the triumphs that we face together as a community.
The median housing price is high and we need to address it. But let’s not forget the positive strides we’ve made, like the wage growth in our area that outpaces other communities.
Our story is one of resilience. Our area has not only weathered challenges but turned them into opportunities for growth and improvement. This ranking is a testament to that, so let’s continue to work together to make Bend-Redmond an even better place to live, work, and thrive.