This is the cultural and historical heart of Bend, a haven for out-of-town visitors but also one of the city’s most desirable residential neighborhoods. Downtown itself features a handful of penthouse-style condos, while the area around downtown has some of the city’s oldest buildings, including cottages and larger craftsman and colonial-style houses.
Some smaller fixer-uppers can be had for affordable prices, but expect to pay a premium for close access to downtown amenities. So, what does downtown have to offer? It might be better to ask, what doesn’t it have to offer? Old Bend is a slice of heaven for anyone with a zest for life, offering nationally-renowned restaurants, award-winning microbreweries, art galleries, coffee roasters, gelato shops, boutiques, and idyllic walks along the Deschutes River.
Drake Park and Mirror Pond, with riverfront paths, open grass, an outdoor stage, and even several resident great horned owls provides easy access to recreation on 13 acres. Then, of course, there’s the river itself, perfect for summer kayaking, swimming, and inner tubing.
