Living in Oregon is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. While you may have heard about our awe-inspiring landscapes or our unmatched craft beer scene, there are some things that you simply can’t learn from the guidebooks. Here are 11 things longtime Oregonians wish they could tell you about life in the Beaver State.
- There’s supposed to be a catastrophic earthquake any day now.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk The Cascadia Earthquake, also known as the “big one” is overdue. When it strikes, it will devastate the Pacific Northwest and destroy bridges like this one.
- We’re already pretty overcrowded.
Flickr/Incase Oregon has been a top relocation spot in recent years.
- The Pacific Northwest landscape may be more rugged than you think.
Flickr/cjnoof Oregon ranks as the sixth most dangerous state for mountaineering deaths.
- The traffic is a nightmare.
Flickr/Amy the Nurse The commute in Portland is truly soul-sucking.
- You’ll need to bring a sweater to the Oregon Coast.
Flickr/Gold Field Don’t expect to get much tanning done on our beaches.
- Learn the difference between recycling, compost, and trash.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington Don’t be caught putting your cans in the trash.
- Respect our nature.
Flickr/Jeremy Wilburn We are very protective of the natural beauty in our state. Don’t mess with it.
- It actually doesn’t rain all that much.
Flickr/Y’amal Eastern Oregon is relatively dry, and despite Portland’s rainy reputation, it normally doesn’t even crack the list of the top ten U.S. cities with highest annual rainfall.
- Pronunciation matters.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn We don’t say “Ore-gone” and we don’t say “Willa-mette.”
- Do not try to pump your own gas.
Flickr/Joe Goldberg Oregon remains one of two states where it is illegal to pump your own gas. You can even be slapped with a $500 fine if you don’t follow this law.
- Oregon is very naturally diverse.
Flickr/Dru! Oregon has the ocean, mountains, high desert, valleys, lakes, rivers, small towns, cities, and more.
- If you don’t love it here, leave.
Flickr/Doug Kerr We’re proud of our state. Complaining is a right reserved for home-grown Oregonians.
So, what do you think? What would you tell someone who is planning on moving to Oregon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
The Cascadia Earthquake, also known as the “big one” is overdue. When it strikes, it will devastate the Pacific Northwest and destroy bridges like this one.
Flickr/Incase
Oregon has been a top relocation spot in recent years.
Flickr/cjnoof
Oregon ranks as the sixth most dangerous state for mountaineering deaths.
Flickr/Amy the Nurse
The commute in Portland is truly soul-sucking.
Flickr/Gold Field
Don’t expect to get much tanning done on our beaches.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Don’t be caught putting your cans in the trash.
Flickr/Jeremy Wilburn
We are very protective of the natural beauty in our state. Don’t mess with it.
Flickr/Y’amal
Eastern Oregon is relatively dry, and despite Portland’s rainy reputation, it normally doesn’t even crack the list of the top ten U.S. cities with highest annual rainfall.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
We don’t say “Ore-gone” and we don’t say “Willa-mette.”
Flickr/Joe Goldberg
Oregon remains one of two states where it is illegal to pump your own gas. You can even be slapped with a $500 fine if you don’t follow this law.
Flickr/Dru!
Oregon has the ocean, mountains, high desert, valleys, lakes, rivers, small towns, cities, and more.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
We’re proud of our state. Complaining is a right reserved for home-grown Oregonians.
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