Portland has plenty of rules and regulations on the books, but these 9 rules are unwritten code in the area. While you won’t be fined, ticketed or taken to court over lack of compliance, following these simple rules will allow you to fit right in and enjoy life even more in Portland.
- Stay in Your Parking Lane
Cindy Mc / Flickr Parking can be tight in Portland, but in residential areas it can become territorial. While street parking in front of your house is technically first-come first-serve, many Portlanders treat the space in front of our home as a personal parking area. This is not a hard and fast rule, especially in higher density areas of the city, but if we can, we park our vehicles in front of our own houses. If you don’t follow this rule, don’t be surprised to receive a knock at the door or note on your car telling you so.
- Keep It Slow
Don McCullough / Flickr We like to move on the slower side of things in Portland and that is fine. No need to lay on the horn or weave in and out of traffic. Just go with the flow. What good is a 4-way stop if you don’t wave the other people to go a few times? It’s the Portland way.
- Maintain Your Layers
Lynne Friedman / Flickr Northwest weather can change dramatically throughout the day. Layers are the perfect way to combat that change without lugging around a heavy jacket. We wear a few different layers, carry a rain jacket, and are ready for anything.
- Roll On
TMimages PDX / Flickr One of the best ways to avoid traffic: hop on a bike. Whether you are going to work, the store, or a friend’s house, chances are there is safe route to get there. Portland is a biking city and we like to be active, especially when the sun is shining.
- Go To The Max
Richard Erikkson / Flickr The best way to avoid the stress of driving: avoid it altogether. The MAX (and/or bus) will get you where you need to go with little hassle. Expanded access in recent years has made ditching your car for a TriMet pass a more viable option. If you don’t take it that far, it is at least a great reliable transportation alternative to avoid parking at crowded events.
- Fuel Up
Jessica Spengler / Flickr The Pacific Northwest is fueled by coffee and you are going to want to get the good stuff. Stumptown, Coava, Barista, and Sterling Coffee Roasters are just a few of the great places to enjoy coffee around the city. Get yourself a cup or two. You are going to need it for the dreary stretch ahead.
- Recycle Everything
Meriweather Lewis Elementary School / Flickr We have a robust recycling program in Portland, and following along is a rite of Portlander. We have all learned that compost and recyclables are picked up every week, more often than the actual garbage, and are expert garbage sorters at all ages of life.
- Shop & Eat Local
Al Case / Flickr In Portland, we love our local economy and all it offers. Shopping locally for food and other wares is easy in Portland with ample farmers markets and locally owned shops. We love to support local businesses and farms in the area and take pride in doing so.
- Be Nice
drburtoni / Flickr Portland has long had a reputation for being a place where people are just nice. Saying ‘hi’ to your neighbors, passersby on the street and whoever else you see, is just good form. As is chatting with everyone everywhere we go. Keep being nice! The world needs more of it.
What do you think are some other unwritten rules to living in Portland?
Cindy Mc / Flickr
Parking can be tight in Portland, but in residential areas it can become territorial. While street parking in front of your house is technically first-come first-serve, many Portlanders treat the space in front of our home as a personal parking area. This is not a hard and fast rule, especially in higher density areas of the city, but if we can, we park our vehicles in front of our own houses. If you don’t follow this rule, don’t be surprised to receive a knock at the door or note on your car telling you so.
Don McCullough / Flickr
We like to move on the slower side of things in Portland and that is fine. No need to lay on the horn or weave in and out of traffic. Just go with the flow. What good is a 4-way stop if you don’t wave the other people to go a few times? It’s the Portland way.
Lynne Friedman / Flickr
Northwest weather can change dramatically throughout the day. Layers are the perfect way to combat that change without lugging around a heavy jacket. We wear a few different layers, carry a rain jacket, and are ready for anything.
TMimages PDX / Flickr
One of the best ways to avoid traffic: hop on a bike. Whether you are going to work, the store, or a friend’s house, chances are there is safe route to get there. Portland is a biking city and we like to be active, especially when the sun is shining.
Richard Erikkson / Flickr
The best way to avoid the stress of driving: avoid it altogether. The MAX (and/or bus) will get you where you need to go with little hassle. Expanded access in recent years has made ditching your car for a TriMet pass a more viable option. If you don’t take it that far, it is at least a great reliable transportation alternative to avoid parking at crowded events.
Jessica Spengler / Flickr
The Pacific Northwest is fueled by coffee and you are going to want to get the good stuff. Stumptown, Coava, Barista, and Sterling Coffee Roasters are just a few of the great places to enjoy coffee around the city. Get yourself a cup or two. You are going to need it for the dreary stretch ahead.
Meriweather Lewis Elementary School / Flickr
We have a robust recycling program in Portland, and following along is a rite of Portlander. We have all learned that compost and recyclables are picked up every week, more often than the actual garbage, and are expert garbage sorters at all ages of life.
Al Case / Flickr
In Portland, we love our local economy and all it offers. Shopping locally for food and other wares is easy in Portland with ample farmers markets and locally owned shops. We love to support local businesses and farms in the area and take pride in doing so.
drburtoni / Flickr
Portland has long had a reputation for being a place where people are just nice. Saying ‘hi’ to your neighbors, passersby on the street and whoever else you see, is just good form. As is chatting with everyone everywhere we go. Keep being nice! The world needs more of it.
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