Want to live and work in Redmond?

Redmond is a mid-sized city that has surpassed 39,000 residents and remains among the fastest-growing cities in Oregon. The population is predominantly non-Hispanic white, with a Hispanic/Latino community exceeding 12%, present both in downtown commerce and in new neighborhoods east of the airport.

The demographic profile blends young families attracted by lower costs, retirees drawn by the dry, sunny climate, and remote workers who chose central Oregon for its quality of life. The 30 to 50 age group has grown consistently since 2015.

In terms of origin, the most visible migration flow is domestic (California, the Portland and Seattle areas), but there is a longstanding presence of Mexicans in agriculture and services, along with small communities of Filipinos, Ukrainians, and Canadians connected to hospitals and construction.

The area around Downtown and Dry Canyon is the heart of the city, with older homes, tree-lined streets, and walkable access to the center, the canyon's linear park, and schools. It is the most sought-after area for those who prioritize an urban lifestyle within what Redmond can offer.

East of US-97, neighborhoods such as Eastridge, Obsidian, and the area around Ridgeview High School grew through new single-story home developments with double garages and yards. These are common options for families coming from California or Portland in search of more space.

For those seeking larger lots, rural areas to the north (Terrebonne, toward Smith Rock) and to the southwest (Tetherow Crossing) offer properties from half an acre to several acres, with views of the Cascades. Three-bedroom home rentals in Redmond tend to come in well below equivalent prices in Bend.

Elementary and secondary education is provided by the Redmond School District, which operates schools such as Ridgeview High School, Redmond High School, Obsidian Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district has a stable reputation and is one of the main draws for families relocating here.

There are also charter and private schools, such as Redmond Proficiency Academy, focused on a more flexible curriculum and college preparation. The region is receptive to homeschooling and educational cooperatives, with ample resources and active groups.

For higher education, Central Oregon Community College has a campus in Redmond offering technical, vocational, and two-year transfer programs. For a full bachelor's degree, OSU-Cascades in Bend, half an hour away, is the regional reference.

Redmond is, overall, a safe city in which to live and raise a family. Violent crime rates are low compared to American metros, and policing is handled by the Redmond Police Department, with a visible presence downtown and in residential neighborhoods.

The main concern tends to be property crime: car break-ins, petty theft at retail locations, and incidents related to substance use in some stretches near US-97 and in parks at night. Keeping cars locked and free of visible belongings resolves most of these situations.

Residential neighborhoods such as Eastridge, Tetherow Crossing, Obsidian, and the rural areas to the north are perceived as quieter. Areas to avoid at night tend to be empty parking lots along the highway and some stretches near the industrial corridor, without this constituting serious danger.

Redmond's culture blends ranch town roots in the high desert with a newer scene of brewpubs, food trucks, and street art. The historic downtown hosts events such as the First Friday Art Walk, with open galleries, music, and sidewalk food on the first Saturday of each month during the warm season.

The most traditional event is the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, held in July or August at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. It draws professional rodeo, national country music acts, agricultural exhibitions, and visitors from across the region.

Local cuisine celebrates high desert products, meats, and craft beer. Establishments such as Wild Ride Brewing, Initiative Brewing, and Porter Brewing are part of the local circuit, alongside downtown restaurants and food trucks offering Mexican, Asian, and barbecue fare.

As a small city in inland Oregon, Redmond has no large ethnic enclaves, but there are active immigrant communities, primarily Latin American. The Mexican presence is the oldest and most visible, with markets, restaurants, and religious festivals that are part of the local calendar.

Growing in smaller numbers are communities of Central Americans (Guatemala, El Salvador), Filipinos tied to healthcare, Canadians attracted by the climate and cost of living, and Ukrainians and Russians connected to Evangelical congregations in the Pacific Northwest. Brazilians, Argentinians, and Western Europeans appear in modest numbers, generally in remote work or retirement.

Support structures are shared with Bend and the wider region: organizations such as Latino Community Association, Mosaic Medical, and local churches provide assistance with language, healthcare, schooling, and documentation. Consulates are almost all located in Portland or Seattle, for any country of origin.