REDMOND
LIVING IN REDMOND WHERE AFFORDIBILITY MEETS ADVENTURE. REDMOND DELIVERS A BALANCED CENTRAL OREGON LIFESTYLE WITH ROOM TO GROW AND PLACES TO EXPLORE.
Redmond is a fast-growing city of about 38,000 people situated on the high desert plateau just 15 miles north of Bend. Historically a railroad and farming town, Redmond today is a thriving hub in its own right – known for its central location, regional airport, and emerging downtown scene. The city sits at 3,000 feet elevation, with wide-open skies and views of Cascade peaks on the western horizon. Redmond’s development in recent years includes revitalized streets, new breweries and restaurants, and expanding housing subdivisions, yet it proudly retains a small-town, “everyone knows your neighbor” feel. It’s essentially the heart of Central Oregon’s tri-county area, conveniently located for commuters and adventurers alike.
population skews younger than Redmond’s Bend’s, with a median age of about 36. It’s a mix of lifelong locals and new transplants (often families and first-time homebuyers drawn by relatively affordable housing). Many residents work in construction, education, healthcare, or retail, or they commute the short drive to jobs in Bend. There’s also a significant number of military veterans and retirees who appreciate Redmond’s quieter setting. The community is a bit more diverse than other Central Oregon towns – roughly 15% of residents are Hispanic/Latino contributing to the local culture (you’ll find great Mexican eateries and bilingual services around town). With a median household income around $80K, Redmond is solidly middle-class. “Who lives here” really comes down to hardworking folks and families – people who value community, outdoor recreation, and a little elbow room in their daily lives.
Nearby & Notables:
Recreation & Parks: Redmond’s pride and joy is the Dry Canyon – a 3.7-mile long natural canyon that cuts through town, now developed as a linear park with trails, bike paths, playgrounds, disc golf, and even an outdoor ice rink in winter. It’s a fantastic place for a walk or ride with views of basalt cliffs and open sky. Just outside town, residents frequent Smith Rock State Park (15 minutes north) for world-class rock climbing, hiking, and photography of its dramatic spires. To the west, the Deschutes River offers fishing and rafting (try Cline Falls State Park, 10 minutes away, for a picnic and swim in summer). Golfers have options like Eagle Crest Resort (just west of Redmond) with multiple courses. And because Redmond is centrally located, you can reach just about any Central Oregon outdoor activity – ski at Mt. Bachelor, boat on Lake Billy Chinook, or ATV in the Ochoco National Forest – within an hour’s drive.
Downtown & Dining: Downtown Redmond has undergone a renaissance. Stroll along 6th Street under the vintage-inspired Centennial Arch (est. 1910) that welcomes you to the historic core. You’ll find a mix of old-school establishments and new hotspots: classic breakfast at One Street Down Café, gourmet burgers and shakes at Gap Mountain or Bogey’s Burgers, and a growing craft beer scene led by Wild Ride Brewing and General Duffy’s (a popular food-truck lot and taproom). In the summer, Centennial Park in downtown hosts farmers markets and concerts. For shopping, downtown offers boutiques and antique shops, while big-box stores and groceries cluster on the south and north ends of town. Don’t miss Smith Rock Brewing or Kobe (a sushi restaurant) for a taste of how Redmond’s culinary scene is diversifying.
Community Events: Redmond takes pride in its community gatherings. The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, held every summer at the Fairgrounds, is a huge draw – it’s one of Oregon’s largest fairs, complete with rodeo events, carnival rides, and concerts. The Fairgrounds (Expo Center) also host year-round events from horse shows to craft expos. Downtown, look for seasonal events like the Redmond Ice Skating Rink in Dry Canyon (winter), the Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving, and festive parades on July 4th and the Holiday Season (when downtown lights up with the Starlight Parade). Neighbors here love to celebrate their city – whether cheering on youth sports or enjoying Music on the Green summer concerts, Redmond’s small-town camaraderie shines through its events.
Notables & Infrastructure: A significant advantage for Redmond is the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) – the region’s commercial airport is located here, with direct flights to major West Coast hubs. This makes travel convenient and also brings business visitors to town. The airport’s presence contributes to local employment and amenities (you’ll notice a few hotels and eateries around the airport area). Another notable feature is Redmond’s emerging tech/light-industrial scene – for example, Facebook has a large data center just 5 miles out (in Prineville’s direction), and Redmond has some growing manufacturing businesses. Finally, for a quirky outing, the Petersen Rock Garden (between Redmond and Bend) is a roadside attraction of elaborate rock sculptures – a fun piece of local history.