Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Bend offers stunning alpine scenery, unique sightseeing opportunities, and outdoor activities for all age groups — and travelers take notice.
An estimated 3 million people visit Bend each year to enjoy the area’s striking natural beauty. This demand is exactly why there’s strong vacation rental opportunity for buyers seeking a Bend, OR real estate investment.
To help you understand the earning potential of this top vacation rental market, we created a free, downloadable vacation rental market analysis. Inside you’ll find:
The findings in this analysis are based on Evolve’s Bend market averages in the last 12 months and provide a general baseline for performance potential. They’re designed to help inform smart buying decisions when exploring investment property in Bend, OR.
Download Our Complete Bend Vacation Rental Investment Analysis
With over 160 days of sunshine per year — more than any other area in the state — Bend attracts Pacific Northwest travelers seeking outdoor adventure and picturesque scenery in every season.
Travel demand peaks in summer months as visitors come to raft and fish along the Deschutes River, climb in the Cascade Mountains, and hike around Pilot Butte. It holds strong in the fall as leaf-peepers arrive, before tapering off toward the end of the year — but starts to rise again around the holidays and lasts through early spring as winter sports enthusiasts flock to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort.
While outdoor adventure drives a significant amount of Bend’s year-round foot traffic, it’s not all the city has to offer. Bend has thriving downtown hotspots like The Old Mill District, a trendy riverside neighborhood with shops, restaurants, breweries, and art galleries. This all means investors can grab consistent occupancy via a variety of traveler interests.
Bend’s median home value currently hovers around $720,000. Though pricey, it’s more approachable than its northern West Coast neighbor of Seattle (where values sit around $824,000). And with so much for visitors to do in the area, the right investment property in Bend, OR can bring year-round vacation rental income opportunity that helps you offset costs and earn steady profit.
With natural beauty and entertainment for the masses, income potential for Bend buyers is solid. Here’s a closer look at what a successful Bend, OR real estate investment looks like, and what you can do to earn more money in the long run.
According to our data, smaller properties tend to see the most nights booked per year on average, with one-bedroom homes currently in the lead. The best news? One-, two-, and three-bedroom properties make up the majority of the local available inventory, broadening your options if you go this route.
Unsurprisingly, larger properties bring in the most annual revenue, with five-bedroom properties taking the lead. However, our top performer last year in terms of rental income was a four-bedroom vacation rental. Just know that both of these home sizes make up the smallest portion of available inventory — so it may be trickier to nail down your dream property.
Overall, this wide range of well-performing property sizes gives buyers flexibility during the search for an investment property in Bend, OR — so you can confidently dial in on homes that fit your budget and suit your goals.
According to our real estate experts, proximity to the area’s biggest attractions is key to drawing in the most guests. Conveniently, the bulk of available homes in Bend sit on the perimeter of the downtown area. This makes it easier for investors to find a home with a walkable — or bikeable — commute to city must-sees like the Bend Ale Trail, Hayden Homes Amphitheater, and High Desert Museum.
If you’re looking to provide a more nature-forward retreat for guests, consider homes near the Mount Bachelor area or close to Smith Rock State Park. Properties a little more off the beaten path offer travelers a chance to truly escape the hustle and bustle of life.
No matter the location of your Bend, OR real estate investment, guests will appreciate the ability to stay close to nature. So, be sure to provide an updated outdoor space for easy access to the fresh air at all times. Think: a sun-soaked deck for lounging, a spacious backyard for kids to play in, or a patio with a private hot tub for ultimate relaxation.
When guests are ready to venture out into nature, you can make that extra easy for them with on-site access to hiking trails. And of course, don’t forget all the top amenities that travelers have come to expect (and love).
Many Bend visitors are also looking to bring a furry friend along. Consider making your property pet-friendly to appeal to even more eager bookers. Add a dog bed and provide treats to welcome four-legged companions — and their humans’ five-star reviews — by demonstrating your willingness to go the extra mile.
This area’s demand for adventures shows no signs of slowing down, making it a prime opportunity for potential buyers seeking a Bend real estate investment. And of course, the idyllic, scenic location doesn’t hurt either.
So whether you’re considering turning an existing home into a source of income or seeking a Bend, OR investment property with potential, download our free Vacation Rental Market Analysis today. It’s full of helpful insights, like:
Evaluating your investment opportunities should feel as relaxing as a scenic stroll (or float) along the Deschutes River. Use our report to help guide smart buying decisions on your path to vacation rental success.