Changing Demographics in an Amenity Migration Destination: A Case Study of Bend, Oregon

Abstract:

The flexibility of how and where people earn a living has been rapidly changing over the past 20 years, at least.  According to a 2019 survey by Upwork Global Inc. an estimated 57 million Americans are now freelancing, a trend that is likely to continue.  Many freelancers are leaving large cities for often much smaller, more affordable, and amenity rich areas where they can pursue an active and often culturally rich lifestyle[AR1] . Subsequently, the economic, environmental, and sociocultural changes and challenges associated with this amenity driven migration cause significant transformations to these relatively small places. The focus of this research is on Bend, Oregon, a town known for its scenic beauty, proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities (skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, etc),[AR2]  and cultural amenities boasting a dynamic restaurant scene and a plethora of community events.  As such, Bend has become a hotspot of amenity migration, and has more than doubled its population over the past 20 years.  This research highlights the demographic changes between 2010 and 2020 in Bend, a period encompassing population doubling, complemented by a qualitative component based on convenience interviews conducted during the past two years. Not surprisingly, the demographic data reveal the population of Bend is getting younger, more educated, and slightly more diverse.  The qualitative analyses revealed a wide range of emotions but the majority of people still show a strong affinity for the place, despite rising house prices and increased congestion and a continued increase in tourists. 

Keywords: Amenity Migration, Demographic Change, Bend OR,

Authors: