The Vibe: Everyone Isn’t Actually A Hipster
Despite what you’ve heard,
Oregon isn’t just the land full of the hipsters. Sure, places like Portland have their moments but what this state should really be known for is the wide range of people it attracts.
With the popularity of the Northwest area growing throughout that past few decades, tons of transplants have come here from all around the country for the booming economies in the larger cities, the beautiful weather year round, and the incredible outdoor appeal.
You’re just as likely to run into someone sporting an ironically large handlebar mustache as you are to run into someone with their hiking boots laced up tight, along with all personalities that fit in between. Regardless of what you’re looking for, Oregon is sure to have it.
Local Flavor: People Don’t Settle For Boring Days In Oregon
The entire state of Oregon has a great community feel, as towns and cities are filled with active residents constantly looking for something to do.
Two of the most popular events in Oregon include the Portland Rose Festival, which focuses on highlighting the rich heritage of the people living in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the Oregon State Fair in Salem, with plenty of awesome food competitions, local art displays, and horse racing.
Cuisine: American Favorites With A New Twist
Oregon is huge on fresh food, whether it’s found at one of the copious amount of farmers markets scattered around the state or handpicked at one of the many orchards. Even the restaurants in this state tend to focus on bringing all-natural ingredients to the table, crafting unique flavors from blends of ingredients you’d never find in places like the Midwest.
Plus, being on the West Coast, there’s plenty of fresh seafood to go around here. Food trucks are also a big deal in this state, usually all known for one or two dishes that they’ve perfected, sure to be a big hit.
Oregon cuisine doesn’t just stop at the food either, as independent coffee shops and craft breweries are also easy to find. If you want to sample the best beer this state has to offer, check out Portland’s Oregon Brewers Fest, featuring over 80 breweries serving up tastings to over 80,000 beer drinkers.
Oh! And one last thing…Voodoo Donuts is one place you’ll definitely have to try. If you’re having trouble picking just one option, you can’t go wrong with a pastry topped with bacon.
Nightlife: There’s Something For Everyone In Oregon
The nightlife in Oregon is just as diverse as the people that live there, from small town dive bars in Bend to swanky clubs in downtown Portland. For the most part, this state is known for having tons of “pub-like” destinations that serve up specialty cocktails, delicious food, and often live music into the late hours of the night.
If you want the best after dark entertainment that Oregon has to offer, Portland is where you’ll find it, with districts like Nob Hill being home to sophisticated wine bars and places like the Pearl Districts having plenty of new age brew pubs to enjoy.
Weather: It’s Pretty Great Year-Round
Oregon is known for having some of the mildest weather in the country, as summers typically average temperatures in the 60s while winters drop down to something tolerable in the 40s.
Colder temperatures and more snow do occur the further east you go, but roughly 70 percent of this state’s population live in the Willamette Valley in places like Salem and Portland, an area on the western side of the state that doesn’t experience anything crazy when it comes to the climate throughout the year.
Safety & Crime: You’ll Feel Safe In The Beaver State
Oregon is a pretty safe place to live, with roughly 3,428 crimes reported per 100,000 residents every year, slightly higher than the national average.
Even the big cities here aren’t too dangerous as Salem and Portland report crime rates of 4,615 and 5,348 criminal acts per 100,000, respectively, an inflated rate that’s typical for cities of their size. The crime in Oregon’s largest city, Portland, has been declining by 4 percent annually.
Commute: There’s No Need To Deal With Traffic Here
One of the most bike friendly states in the country, tons of people in Oregon choose to get around on two wheels instead of four, as most large cities have plenty of greenway trails that make getting from point A to point B a breeze, regardless of where you’re headed.
Even if you have to drive, the commutes aren’t that bad, with an average state commute time around 22 minutes each way. Even people that call cities like Portland home only experience an extra couple minutes on the road each day despite the higher population and more traffic, thanks to an efficient roadway system.
Cost Of Living: Oregon Life Is Pretty Pricey
On the same cost of living index that puts average America at an even score of 100, Oregon scores a statewide average of 117, meaning things are a bit more expensive in the Beaver State, most notably due to the expensive housing market.
Everywhere in this state isn’t quite so expensive though, as cities like Salem score a 110 on the same scale, cheaper than the state average, but still a little pricier than the rest of the country.
Sports: This State Loves The Ducks
While there are two professional sports teams in Oregon, the Portland Trailblazers basketball team and the Portland Timbers soccer squad, most people in this state tend to be more obsessed with University of Oregon Ducks than anyone else.
Known for their ever-changing uniforms and their close ties with Nike, Ducks games are always electric. The only team that really manages to steal away supporters from this dedicated fan base are the Oregon State Beavers, equally as loved as the Ducks, but not quite as dominating on a national scale. The rivalry game between the two football squads from each school is so intense that it’s been coined the “Civil War.” The Ducks currently lead the series 62-46-10.
Nature: Beauty Is Never-Ending In The Beaver State
Where Oregon really shines is its outdoor nature, with natural attractions spread across every corner of this state. With almost half of the state covered in dense forest, there are also deep valleys, enormous mountains like Mt. Hood, tons of waterfalls, and even a rocky coastline.
Regardless of where someone is at in the Beaver State, there’s a good chance that jaw-dropping beauty is only a short drive away. It’s no surprise that the people in this state are some of the most active in the entire country.
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