New to the area
Getting Settled
Your guide to the practical basics across Redmond, Terrebonne, and Crooked River Ranch: utilities, your library card, getting around, schools, and more.
New to the Area / Recien Llegados
Bilingual resources for our Spanish-speaking neighbors, in partnership with the Latino Community Association.
Your first-week checklist
- Set up water, sewer, and garbage service with the City of Redmond.
- Set up your electricity and natural gas.
- Get your free library card.
- Transfer your driver's license and register your vehicle (you have a limited window as a new Oregon resident).
- Register to vote. Oregon votes by mail, so your ballot comes to you.
Utilities
Water, Sewer & Stormwater
Provided by the City of Redmond if you live inside city limits. Start, stop, or transfer service online, or call Utility Billing. A one-time service fee applies for new accounts. (If you live outside city limits, your water may come from a private company such as Avion Water, or from a well.)
Garbage & Recycling
Curbside garbage and recycling is handled by Republic Services and is required inside Redmond city limits. They also serve Terrebonne.
Electricity
Your provider is either Pacific Power or Central Electric Cooperative, depending on your exact address. Look up your address on Central Electric's service map at cec.coop to see which one serves you.
Central Electric Cooperative
Electricity provider for parts of the Redmond area. Check their service map to confirm if they serve your address.
Books, WiFi, and more
Redmond Library
Part of Deschutes Public Library. A free library card gets you books, e-books and audiobooks (through the Libby app), free WiFi, a MakerSpace, meeting rooms, and programs for all ages. A card is free for Deschutes County residents, and you can apply online or in person. An Oregon driver's license with your current Deschutes County address is all you need to prove residency.
Buses and roads
Cascades East Transit (CET)
Local bus service with in-town routes, on-demand rides within Redmond city limits, and regional Community Connector routes to Bend and other nearby towns. (Routes and times change periodically, so check the website for the latest.)
Roads & Winter Driving
For real-time road conditions and winter passes, see TripCheck at tripcheck.com or dial 511. There is more on staying safe through winter weather on our Seasonal Safety page.
Enrolling your kids
Redmond School District 2J
Serves Redmond, Terrebonne, Crooked River Ranch, Tumalo, Eagle Crest, and Alfalfa. New students enroll online through the ParentVUE portal, then register at their assigned neighborhood school. Not sure which school that is? Use the address lookup or bus route tool on the district website. (Redmond Proficiency Academy is a separate public charter option, with its own enrollment.)
Make it official
Oregon DMV, Redmond
New to Oregon? Transfer your out-of-state driver's license and title and register your vehicle soon after you move. Many tasks can be done online at DMV2U without a trip to the office.
Register to Vote
Oregon votes entirely by mail, so once you are registered your ballot is mailed to you. Register or update your address online at the Oregon Secretary of State. You can also register when you get your Oregon license, or through the Deschutes County Clerk. Register at least 21 days before an election.
Get involved
Redmond Area Parks & Recreation District (RAPRD)
Classes, youth and adult sports, an activity center, and community events.
City of Redmond
Find city services, report a problem, look up city council meetings, and get connected to your local government.
Healthcare
Figuring out health insurance in a new state is confusing. This guide walks you through the main paths and points you to clinics in Redmond that welcome new patients.
Lost job coverage?
You usually have 60 days to sign up for a new plan (Special Enrollment).
Open enrollment
HealthCare.gov open enrollment runs November 1 to January 15 each year.
Turning 65?
Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your birthday month.
Pick your path
- 1Ask HR for the plan summary of benefits and the provider network list.
- 2Confirm your current doctor is in network. Call the clinic or check the insurer website.
- 3Pick a primary care provider (PCP) in Redmond if the plan requires one.
- 4Save your member ID card and set up the insurer online portal.
- 5Note the deadline to add a spouse or dependents, usually 30 days after a life event.
Local clinics in Redmond
St. Charles Redmond
Hospital & 24/7 EREmergency care, surgery, maternity, and inpatient services.
- 1250 NE Vineyard Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
- 541-706-5000
- scchealth.org/st-charles-redmond
Mosaic Medical Redmond Health Center
Sliding fee scaleAccepts OHP, Medicare, and uninsured. On site pharmacy.
- 1250 SW Veterans Way, Ste 120, Redmond, OR 97756
- 541-383-3005
- mosaicch.org
High Lakes Health Care Redmond
Primary carePrimary care and behavioral health. Accepts most plans and new patients.
- 645 NW 4th St, Redmond, OR 97756
- 541-389-7741
- highlakeshealthcare.com
Mosaic Redmond School-Based Health Center
For studentsCare for Redmond students on site. Call before visiting.
- 675 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond, OR 97756
- 541-383-3005
- mosaicch.org
Dental and vision care
Dental
Advantage Dental Redmond
Accepts OHP and offers a membership plan for uninsured patients.
- 3853 SW 21st St, Suite 103-105, Redmond, OR 97756
- 541-512-5878
- advantagedental.com
Many Redmond dentists accept OHP. Search the Redmond Compass directory for more options.
Vision
High Desert Vision Source
Eye exams, glasses, and contacts.
- 443 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
- 541-923-2221
- visionsource-highdeserteyecare.com
Orion Eye Center
Medical eye care and surgery.
- 1775 SW Umatilla Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
- 541-548-7170
- orioneyecenter.com