Let the numbers do the talking.
Bend, OR vs McMinnville, OR
Bend, OR vs McMinnville, OR: What the data shows
Bend, OR is in Bend, OR while McMinnville, OR is in McMinnville, OR — both in the same state. On home prices, McMinnville, OR is the more affordable option at $387,200 median — $101,000 less than Bend, OR's $488,200. WYLT rates Bend, OR as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and McMinnville, OR as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Bend, OR has the stronger safety profile of the two. Bend, OR has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. McMinnville, OR has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Bend, OR has Low flood risk and McMinnville, OR has Low flood risk.
McMinnville, OR is the more walkable neighborhood. Bend, OR scores 7/100 (car-dependent) versus McMinnville, OR's 25/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Bend, OR has the higher school rating — Bend, OR rates 8.6/10 and McMinnville, OR rates 8.3/10.
| Category | Bend, OR | McMinnville, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $488K | $387K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $72K ✓ Higher income | $67K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 7/100 | 25/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 28/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 31/100 ✓ More bikeable | 25/100 |
| Commute | 120 min | 70 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.6/10 ✓ Better schools | 8.3/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesOutdoor enthusiastsRemote workers | Families with childrenRetirees seeking quietRemote workers needing a calm environment |
Bottom line
If you're a family with young children or a retiree seeking a quiet atmosphere, McMinnville might be the better choice due to its affordability and decent school ratings, though you'll still need a car. For an outdoor enthusiast or someone prioritizing stronger schools, Bend might be the superior option, despite its higher costs and car-centric lifestyle. Ultimately, both areas require trade-offs, so carefully consider your priorities.
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