Well folks, I have been sorta lookin' in to Oregon as a prospective place to move to lately. I lived in Boulder, CO for 15+ years and grew up in the Northeast.
First off, I did learn how to pronounce Oregon correctly! (It's NOT "Orr'-Ih-Gone", right?)
I've heard Bend described as what Boulder, CO was like twenty years ago. Similar topography and proximity to much outdoor activity and skiing, anyway.
I want a place that has a more prominent counter-culture than Boulder. Boulder is definitely more funky, trippy, spiritual, culturally vibrant, consciously-expanded, open-minded and weird than a lot of places, but I just want more, more, more subverting of the dominant paradigms, shall we say.
I understand that the area from say Ashland up to Portland sort of meets this description, but I'm not sure to what degree.
Like in Colorado, Oregon also has the factor of somewhat "snooty" wealthy outsiders movin' in and crowdin' in and causin' a ruckus of sorts amongst the locals.
Someone said Bend was a "tourist hell", and the areas near the Alvord Desert and Lakeview and points east are "redneck hell".
I understand it's a beautiful outdoorsy state, kinda laid-back with a slower pace of life. Lots of green around.
Jobs are rather scarce and pay is kinda low relative to the cost of living.
Weather is coldish and cloudy in Winter, but generally awesome unless you're a complete wimpy pansy. Air quality is somewhat bad in some areas.
Well, guys, have my investigate skills paid-off? What else makes Oregon different?
Any interesting Colorado-Oregon-California comparisons would be appreciated.
Thanks, CD-Peeps.
