If you’re exploring Bend’s west side, NorthWest Crossing is a neighborhood that comes up often. This master-planned community combines residential streets with parks, trails, schools, restaurants, shops, and other everyday amenities.
Rather than separating homes from commercial areas, NorthWest Crossing was designed around a more walkable neighborhood model. Residents can walk or bike to many destinations within the community while remaining close to downtown Bend and the recreation opportunities of Central Oregon.
Here’s what to know about living, renting, or owning property in NorthWest Crossing.
Key Takeaways
- NorthWest Crossing is a master-planned community on Bend’s west side built around walkability and mixed-use development.
- Homes are integrated with parks, trails, restaurants, shops, schools, and community spaces.
- The neighborhood hosts community events, including a seasonal farmers market.
- Its west Bend location provides convenient access to trails, downtown, the Deschutes River, and the Cascade Lakes Highway corridor.
- Housing ranges from detached homes to townhomes and other residential options.
- Buyers and rental-property investors should evaluate the individual property, current pricing, rental demand, and applicable rental restrictions before purchasing.
Where Is NorthWest Crossing in Bend?
NorthWest Crossing, commonly called NWX, is located on Bend’s west side.
The neighborhood sits west of downtown Bend and is centered around its own commercial and residential core. Its location provides convenient access to other west-side neighborhoods, downtown, parks, trails, and the roads leading toward Central Oregon’s mountain recreation.
For residents who regularly travel between downtown Bend and outdoor destinations west of the city, the location can be particularly convenient.
What Is NorthWest Crossing Like?
NorthWest Crossing was designed to feel more like a traditional neighborhood than a conventional suburban subdivision.
Residential streets connect with commercial areas, parks, schools, sidewalks, and trails. Instead of requiring a drive for every daily activity, the neighborhood places many destinations within walking or biking distance.
Architecture throughout NorthWest Crossing varies, but many homes incorporate Craftsman, Northwest, contemporary, and traditional design elements. Tree-lined streets, front porches, sidewalks, and relatively connected blocks contribute to the neighborhood’s recognizable character.
The result is a community that feels distinctly different from many newer developments where residential and commercial uses are more separated.
Is NorthWest Crossing Walkable?
Walkability is one of NorthWest Crossing’s defining characteristics.
The neighborhood’s mixed-use design means residents can reach restaurants, coffee shops, parks, schools, professional services, and other businesses without necessarily driving across Bend.
Sidewalks and pedestrian connections also make walking part of everyday neighborhood life rather than simply a recreational activity.
For people comparing Bend neighborhoods specifically because they want restaurants, parks, and everyday amenities nearby, NorthWest Crossing deserves consideration.
What Shops and Restaurants Are Near NorthWest Crossing?
NorthWest Crossing has its own commercial district with restaurants, cafes, shops, and professional services.
This is an important distinction from purely residential Bend neighborhoods. Residents can access many everyday businesses within the community itself while additional shopping, dining, and services are available throughout Bend’s west side and downtown.
The commercial areas also function as neighborhood gathering places, contributing to the community-oriented atmosphere for which NorthWest Crossing is known.
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Recreation
NorthWest Crossing integrates parks and outdoor spaces throughout the neighborhood.
Residents also have convenient access to Bend’s broader trail network and west-side recreation.
Depending on where you live within the neighborhood, walking, running, and biking can begin close to home. Bend’s west side also places residents in a convenient position for reaching the Deschutes River corridor, Shevlin Park, Phil’s Trail area, and other Central Oregon recreation destinations.
For skiing and snowboarding, residents can travel west toward Mt. Bachelor through the Cascade Lakes Highway corridor.
That combination of neighborhood amenities and access to outdoor recreation is a major part of NorthWest Crossing’s appeal.
What Is Community Life Like in NorthWest Crossing?
NorthWest Crossing was intentionally designed around shared spaces and neighborhood activity.
Community events bring residents and visitors into its commercial areas and public spaces throughout the year. One of the better-known examples is the seasonal NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market.
Parks, restaurants, cafes, schools, and community events create natural opportunities for neighbors to interact.
For residents who value being able to walk to neighborhood activities rather than driving across town, this community structure can be particularly appealing.
What Types of Homes Are in NorthWest Crossing?
NorthWest Crossing includes a variety of residential properties rather than one uniform housing type.
Depending on the part of the neighborhood, buyers and renters may encounter:
- Detached single-family homes
- Townhomes
- Smaller-lot homes
- Larger custom residences
- Apartments and other multifamily housing
Homes also vary significantly in age, size, design, lot size, amenities, and price.
That variety allows NorthWest Crossing to serve different types of residents, although availability at any particular time depends on current market conditions.
Is NorthWest Crossing a Good Neighborhood for Renters?
NorthWest Crossing can appeal to renters who want the residential feel of Bend’s west side while remaining close to shops, restaurants, parks, and recreation.
The neighborhood can be particularly attractive to tenants who value walkability and want everyday destinations relatively close to home.
Rental properties may range from apartments and townhomes to detached houses, depending on current availability.
For prospective tenants, the tradeoff is that desirable location and amenities can influence rental pricing. Renters should compare individual properties based on rent, size, condition, included amenities, lease terms, and proximity to the parts of the neighborhood they expect to use most.
Is NorthWest Crossing a Good Place to Own a Rental Property?
NorthWest Crossing has several characteristics rental-property investors commonly consider desirable: an established neighborhood identity, west-side Bend location, nearby amenities, walkability, and access to recreation.
Those characteristics can contribute to rental demand, but they do not automatically make every property a strong investment.
Before purchasing a NorthWest Crossing rental, investors should evaluate:
- Purchase price
- Realistic market rent
- Property taxes and insurance
- HOA or association expenses, when applicable
- Maintenance requirements
- Expected vacancy
- Property management expenses
- Financing costs
- Applicable rental restrictions
- Expected cash flow
A desirable neighborhood can support demand while simultaneously producing higher acquisition costs. Investors therefore need to evaluate the numbers for the individual property rather than relying solely on the neighborhood’s reputation.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rentals in NorthWest Crossing
Investors should distinguish between purchasing a property for conventional long-term tenants and purchasing specifically for short-term rental use.
Bend regulates short-term rentals, and additional restrictions or requirements may apply to an individual property through governing documents or associations.
Regulations can also change.
Anyone considering a NorthWest Crossing property specifically for vacation-rental income should verify current City of Bend requirements and any property-specific restrictions before purchasing.
Long-term rentals involve a different investment model and should be evaluated based on expected monthly rent, operating expenses, tenant demand, financing, and anticipated holding period.
Buying a Home in NorthWest Crossing
Homebuyers considering NorthWest Crossing should look beyond the neighborhood name and compare individual properties carefully.
Location within the neighborhood can affect the experience. One buyer may want to be within a short walk of restaurants and businesses, while another may prioritize quieter residential streets, trail access, a larger home, or outdoor space.
Important considerations include:
- Home size and layout
- Lot size
- Garage and storage
- Distance to commercial areas
- Parks and trails
- HOA or other governing documents
- Property condition
- Current and future housing needs
Because NorthWest Crossing includes multiple housing styles, touring different parts of the community can help buyers understand which area best fits their priorities.
NorthWest Crossing vs. Other Bend Neighborhoods
One of the biggest differences between NorthWest Crossing and many other Bend neighborhoods is how deliberately residential and commercial spaces have been combined.
Someone prioritizing larger lots or a more secluded setting may prefer another part of Bend.
Someone prioritizing walkability, neighborhood restaurants, community events, parks, and convenient west-side access may find NorthWest Crossing particularly appealing.
There is no single Bend neighborhood that works best for everyone.
The better approach is to compare neighborhoods based on how you actually expect to live: commuting, recreation, housing type, walkability, schools, budget, and proximity to the places you visit most.
Living in NorthWest Crossing
For many residents, the appeal of NorthWest Crossing comes down to convenience and neighborhood design.
You can live in a residential community without being completely separated from restaurants, businesses, parks, and gathering spaces. Downtown Bend remains nearby, while trails and outdoor recreation are easily accessible from the west side.
That combination has helped NorthWest Crossing develop a strong identity within Bend.
It can also mean that homes and rentals attract considerable interest, so buyers and renters should evaluate current availability and pricing rather than relying on historical market conditions.
Owning a Rental in NorthWest Crossing
Rental ownership in NorthWest Crossing can involve everything from determining an appropriate rental rate and marketing the property to screening tenants, coordinating maintenance, collecting rent, and overseeing the home throughout the tenancy.
For owners who prefer not to handle those responsibilities themselves, professional property management can simplify the day-to-day work involved in maintaining a Bend rental.
Preferred Residential works with residential rental property owners throughout Bend and Central Oregon, including long-term and furnished executive rentals. Local market familiarity can be particularly useful when determining how a property should be positioned, priced, and managed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NorthWest Crossing known for?
NorthWest Crossing is a master-planned community on Bend’s west side known for walkability, mixed-use development, parks, trails, local businesses, restaurants, schools, and community events.
Where is NorthWest Crossing in Bend?
NorthWest Crossing is located on Bend’s west side, west of downtown. Its location provides convenient access to other west Bend neighborhoods, downtown, trails, parks, and routes toward mountain recreation.
Is NorthWest Crossing walkable?
Yes. Walkability is a central part of the neighborhood’s design. Residential areas are connected with restaurants, shops, parks, schools, and other services through sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets.
What types of homes are in NorthWest Crossing?
NorthWest Crossing includes detached single-family homes, townhomes, smaller-lot residences, custom homes, apartments, and other multifamily housing. Available property types vary throughout the neighborhood.
Are there rentals in NorthWest Crossing?
Yes. Rental options can include apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes depending on current availability. Rental prices and lease terms vary by property.
Is NorthWest Crossing good for rental property investment?
NorthWest Crossing has characteristics that may appeal to renters, including its west Bend location, walkability, amenities, and recreation access. Whether an individual property makes sense as an investment depends on its purchase price, achievable rent, expenses, financing, restrictions, and expected return.
Can you have a short-term rental in NorthWest Crossing?
Short-term rentals in Bend are subject to city regulations, and an individual property may have additional restrictions. Investors should verify current City of Bend requirements and property-specific rules before purchasing a home based on expected short-term rental income.
How far is NorthWest Crossing from downtown Bend?
NorthWest Crossing is on Bend’s west side, a relatively short drive or bike ride from downtown. Actual travel time depends on the property’s location, route, traffic, and destination.
Why do people choose NorthWest Crossing?
Common reasons include walkability, neighborhood restaurants and shops, parks, community events, west-side location, and convenient access to Bend’s outdoor recreation.