With nearly 300 days of sunshine and easy access to the Deschutes National Forest trail system, Bend offers the best of both worlds: idyllic weather and four-season adventure. So it comes as no surprise that people from across the nation are moving to Bend, Oregon. With a close-knit community, modern amenities, and with plenty of open space, Bend is an ideal location to build a custom home.
Why People are Moving to Bend, Oregon
Most recently dubbed a “Zoom town”—an ideal location for remote workers seeking more space and solitude—Bend boasts a desirable balance of small-town charm and upscale luxury. Supported by the fact that Deschutes County continues to have one of Oregon’s highest net migration rates, the worst thing about Bend is leaving.
Limitless opportunities for outdoor recreation
With easy access to the Deschutes National Forest trail system and the sixth largest ski resort in North America, Bend lives up to its reputation as the “outdoor playground of the West.” Skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, kayakers, climbers, and nature lovers find themselves in heaven here.
Million-dollar views in every direction
The most challenging decision when moving to Bend comes down to this: which view to orient your custom home around. With high desert sunrises to the east and views of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains to the west, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an unappealing view. After a day of outdoor adventure, find yourself on a custom-built patio overlooking your favorite landscape with an Oregon vintage or craft brew.
A thriving economy and real estate market
As one of the nation’s most popular vacation destinations and fastest-growing cities with steadily increasing home prices, there’s never been a better time to build a custom home in Bend. Whether you’re looking to secure a prime lot or make a long-term real estate investment, now’s the time. Bend lends the same sense of adventure to every facet of life, including an entrepreneurial spirit.
But if you’ve made it to this point, we don’t need to convince you why moving to Bend, Oregon is the perfect way to kick off your custom home build. Here’s what you need to know before building your new home.
What to Consider Before Building a Custom Home in Bend
The most common faux pas people make when building a custom home is the order of operations. Many people start by buying a lot. After buying the lot, they hire a custom home builder to bring their dream home to life. However, this order doesn’t always lend itself to the most successful outcome.
In reality, the most successful custom homes are the result of home buyers involving the builder from the get-go. Especially if you’re moving to Bend, a custom home builder like CNC Homes can work with you to identify the best lot for your home. Your custom home builder will understand the local market, including building requirements and accessibility.
Create a budget for your custom home
Knowing your custom home budget is an essential first step for you and your builder. It will inform which neighborhoods are the best fit financially and help you prioritize “must-have” features over “nice-to-have” ones. For example, if you work from home, you’ll want to budget for a comfortable home office. Alternatively, if you frequently host family gatherings, you may prioritize a gourmet kitchen and open living space.
A custom home builder can help you incorporate the nice-to-haves and the must-haves. For example, suppose you dream of an infinity pool or at-home gym. In that case, a custom home builder can help you allocate your budget to include your most desired amenities. With experience working throughout Central Oregon, we can guide you through each step of the planning process, accounting for local fees, construction costs, and common contingencies.
Work with a custom home builder to choose the ideal location for your home
Once you’ve worked with your custom home builder to create a budget, it’s time to decide where to build. You’ll want to choose a neighborhood and lot that suits your lifestyle and accommodates your dream home, both structurally and aesthetically. Our team at CNC has lived in Bend for three generations and can help you find your ideal community.
For example, if you have a specific vision for your home’s exterior, check that it adheres to any HOA requirements. If you dream of sunset BBQs on the back patio, consider the orientation of your home. Love to golf? Perhaps a community like Tethrow or Pronghorn is your perfect match.
Determine the timeframe for your custom home build
You probably have an idea of when you want to move into your new home. With this date in mind, work with your custom home builder to develop a schedule. Your builder will know how long it takes to survey your land, develop home plans, submit plans to the city permit office, and obtain adequate resources.
In Central Oregon, seasons also affect building schedules. While rain and snow in the winter won’t typically cause any significant setbacks, they can add some time to construction schedules. If you have a strict deadline, plan to start in spring or early summer.
CNC Takes the Stress Out of Moving to Bend
The appeal of moving to Bend is there. But with a competitive real estate market, finding your dream home can prove challenging. With the help of a custom home builder, you can secure the perfect lot and design your home exactly to your liking. At CNC, we lend our extensive knowledge of the local landscape to make your vision a reality—so you can call Bend home, without the stress.
Ready to build your custom home in Bend, Oregon? We have over 50 years of experience building custom homes in Central Oregon and would love to bring your vision to life. Contact us to get started.