1. Weird Is A Compliment
Seriously. Oregonians, and especially Portlanders, don’t mean anything negative when they call you weird.
2. No, Not Every Oregonian Is A Hipster
Sure, a lot of Oregonians like vintage clothing, craft beer, and music from the thriving local scene before the artists make it big. That’s just good taste. Not everyone is rocking a waxed mustache.
3. But Plenty Of Oregonians Are Totally Hippies
If by hippies you mean environmentally conscious and socially progressive, then it’s a label a whole lot of Oregonians will wear with pride.
4. Except You Won’t Find Too Many Hippies In Eastern Oregon
Oregonians come in many different forms, and there’s definitely a live and let live mentality here.. Some are hippies, some are conservative, and some are straight up survivalists.
5. They’re Called Filberts Because…Reasons
Okay, so everyone else calls them hazelnuts, but filberts just sounds so much cuter.
6. Why Does Oregon Have So Many Craft Breweries?
The better question is, “Why not?” Sure, there are over 170 brewing companies in the state, but it’s totally not excessive considering the demand.
7. It’s Not Always Rainy
Certain parts of Oregon, like the coast and Cascade region, can be quite “drizzly.” But Central and Eastern Oregon get way more sunny days every year.
8. A Speed Limit Is Called The “Limit” For A Reason
Oregonians like to take things a little slower. Calm down. Ten to fifteen under is totally normal.
9. Yes, Oregonians Are Obsessed With Salmon
If you had access to fresh caught delicious salmon all the time, you would be too.
10. Life In Oregon Isn’t Just Like Portlandia
If you’re looking for 25 hour work weeks at a coffee shop that you can pay your rent with, sorry. It’s not like that in any part of Oregon.
You will, however, find lots of weird “milk” drinks at New Seasons and birds on everything.
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11. Speaking Of Which, There’s So Much More To Oregon Than Portland
Not that Portland isn’t awesome, there’s just awesome to be found other places too. There are so many more Oregon towns and cities with thriving communities and unique geography to explore.
12. Sales Tax Doesn’t Exist Here. You’re Welcome.
Yep, you can stop checking your receipt. You paid exactly what was on the price tag, and that’s correct.
13. Yes, Bikes Do Totally Rule The Roads
From Portland to Eugene, cyclists are taking over the street. Don’t honk in your SUV at them unless you want to be an Oregon-outcast for life.
14. Nope, Oregonians Really Can’t Pump Their Own Gas
It’s actually illegal, so sit back, relax, and wait for the attendant to come.
15. That Grudge Against Californians Is Super Real
So if you come to Oregon from California, be prepared for dozens of comments about how you’re ruining real estate prices. Or just don’t tell anyone you’re from California ever.
16. But Honestly, That Kind Of Applies To All Transplants
Oregonians don’t blame them for liking it there. But it’d be even better if they enjoyed their visit and left.
17. Voodoo Isn’t Just A Religion—It’s A Religiously Visited Doughnut Shop
With Oregon locations in Portland and Eugene, Voodoo Doughnuts is one of the most frequently visited doughnut shops by visitors and residents alike. Just be prepared to wait in line.
18. No One Knows How To Merge
Listen, if you came to Oregon to make fun of Oregonian driving, that’s just…well, it’s an easy cheap shot really. But have you seen the cyclists? They’re great.
19. Yes, Weed Is Legal
The medical kind. But don’t go looking for recreational marijuana before July 1st 2015.
20. But The Blazers Have Nothing To Do With Weed
They’re just a totally awesome Portland basketball team, the Portland Trail Blazers.
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21. Boring Isn’t Something That Puts You To Sleep
It’s an Oregon town with the ironic slogan, “An Exciting Place to Live & Work.”
22. And Aloha Isn’t Just A Greeting
It’s another town in Oregon near the city of Portland.
23. Beavers And Ducks Are More Than Just Animals
When Oregonians refer to Beavers and Ducks they’re likely referring to the football teams. It could be an animal…but it’s probably not unless they’re talking about something building a dam or swimming in a pond.
24. Snow Seriously Freaks Oregonians Out
It may be funny to some outsiders, but two inches of snow in Oregon can shut a city down. It’s no laughing matter. So…stop laughing, please.
25. It’s Even More Beautiful Than In Pictures
Every time people ask, “Oh, is it pretty there?” Oregonians must physically restrain themselves to keep from shouting, “Are you kidding!” From desert to forested mountains to coast, it’s basically a paradise.
26. There’s More To The Economy Than Coffee Shops And Boutiques
Nike, Hewlett-Packard, Oregon State University, and several hospitals are much bigger employers.
27. But Shopping Local Is A Huge Deal
Whether you’re grabbing fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market or picking out a new pair of jeans, Oregonians will always push you toward the local option.
28. No One Is Actually Eating Owl For Dinner
It’s just an environmentalism slogan to protest deforestation and protect the Spotted Owl…an owl that no one is eating, because it’s endangered.
29. Soccer…Yes You Read That Right…Is A Super Big Deal
Yes, Oregon is in the United States. Yes, people actually know the names of Portland Timbers players and care about the outcome of games. Yes, these two things can be possible at the same time.
30. It’s Okay To Giggle At The Way Couch Street Is Pronounced
Really, you don’t have to hold it in. Oregonians know how funny it sounds too.
What are you exhausted explaining about Oregon? Tell us in the comments below!
