The Bungalows at Northwest Crossing is among the prized developments that continue to grow.
By Jason Boone
Bend has changed quite a bit from when I moved here in 2003 from Seattle. Indeed, ask any longtime Bend resident and he or she will tell you: The one constant in this wonderful place is change.
The last few years the pace of growth has seemingly been breakneck, and Bend remains one of the fastest growing cities in America. That much has been well chronicled.
Recent data suggests that the growth may not slow down any time soon thanks to a robust economy. In fact, Deschutes County building permits for single-family homes were up significantly in 2015. The 35 percent jump from 319 permits in 2014 to 432 permits over the course of 2015 has been driven by destination resorts, it appears. Still, such growth is palpable.
Of course, Bend itself drives much of the growth in Central Oregon. And if anything, it appears that development in Bend may be quickening the pace.
A look at a report recently compiled by AmeriTitle shows some eye-opening data:
- February 2016 saw 87 residential building permits issued in Bend. That is exactly the same number issued in February 2012 and February 2013 — combined. And the permits issued in February were far more than the 62 permits that were issued in February 2015. The total estimated valuation of the 2016 permits? $21.45 million.
- Local home builders have been busy. Of all the home builders, the three with the most permits issued in Bend through February are local developers: Pahlisch Homes with 26, Simplicity Homes with 25, and Hayden Homes with 24.
- Eastside developments are popular. With 12 permits, Hayden Homes’ Eagle Crossing development on Bend’s northeast side has had the most permits issued of any subdivision in Bend. Franklin Brothers’ Mirada (12) in Bend’s northeast and Pahisch’s Bridges at Shadow Glen (10) in the southeast section are not far behind.
One of the key issues with development here in Central Oregon will be to maintain an affordable price point for those with aspirations of entering the market. Regulators have certainly taken up that issue.
Some developers seem to be responding, too. Local builder Woodhill Homes, for instance, has shifted focus with a development to provide entry-level homes in Redmond. It will be interesting to watch to see if other developers concentrate more on the entry-level market.
One thing is certain, though, the growth in Bend shows little sign of slowing down.
To learn more about the Bend market, get started with listing your Bend home, or to view area homes contact me call (541) 383-1426, or visit Bend Property Search to connect with me through my website.