Inconsiderate Californians (Portland, Eugene, Medford: move, offer, community)

[OregonWannaBe]

I live in Orance County, CA and have lived in Southern Ca my whole life. My Fiance and I are fed up with several things here though. One major problem we have with SoCal is that many people are very inconsiderate, only care about themselves, kind of stuck up in away, etc. (of course not everyone is, but that is the vibe you get here). Since we want to move to OR, I was wondering if there is any kind of vibe like this in Oregon, or what kind of vibe is there from the people? Do people keep to themselves, are they snobby, helpful, friendly, etc...? Thank you for reading!

[freedom]

I was born and raised in Fullerton. Spent 20 yrs. there, have lived in Grants Pass for 14 yrs.
There are all types of people here, but most are so grateful to be out of where they came from they are nice.
Like any where it takes getting involved in some local activity to meet people, but if you wave you usually get a wave back, if you smile, they will usually smile back.

Some locals are fed up with the area's growth spurt, so they move, usually to eastern OR, or Idaho, or Montana.

One thing, if you move here and don't like it, don't tell people that you don't like it, just move. We don't like to hear that you don't get this place. It is not O.C. so be prepared for down time, you'll need a hobby, or some interest to engage in. The pace is faster than Hawaii, but slower than CA.

freedom

[Waterlily]

Take a look at the thread called Friendly Oregonians. There's lots of opinions from people in different areas of the state. I can tell you that it's different from one area of the state to another.

[jjpop]

I lived in OR, moved to SoCal for about 5 years in the late 80s/early 90s for school, and came back to OR. I've been back for 15 years.

The biggest difference in the "vibe" between SoCal and the Willamette Valley is the focus on appearances, or the lack of it. When I lived in the Inland Empire and Orange County, I noticed that people were really aware of the kind of car people drive or the clothing they wear or their weight/fitness level. Those things are just not as important in OR. I'm sure my old Buick station wagon would be viewed with disdain by some in So Cal!!!

That's not to say there aren't trade-offs. As other threads have mentioned, there is a certain coldness in interpersonal exchanges here. Some people seem like they really don't want to be bothered. I lived in Eugene (again to go to school--I was in school a lot I guess), and I found it pretty difficult to connect with certain groups of people. They judged me more on my personality and opinions than my car though.

Obviously these are just my experiences, so I can't speak for anyone else. With all the drawbacks I love it here.

[fastfilm]

Wherever I move to, I'll have a custom bumper sticker next to my license plate (until it's geographically updated) that states "I Hate California Too, That's Why I Fled It!"

[CantWait2Bthere]

I don't know about doing the "I hate California" bumper sticker. Personally, when I get up there I won't be advertising that fact or mentioning it unless I am asked. I guess I suffer from "I'm from California paranoia" lol.

Besides, I love Oregon based on it's own merit. It's not something I am settling for because choice A wasn't good enough. Some people love living in California and that's great.

I have learned lately that some of the negativity I have had about where I live now really says alot more about my own issues rather than everyone else here who I want to blame or that California is the problem. I will make a better resident of Oregon now that I have gained the wisdom to see that there is no place I can flee to that will add to whatever happiness I am lacking unless I go there ready to give to the community and not just take.

The state of Oregon offers many things to the kind of lifestyle my family desires and I can't wait to be a part of the more relaxed atmosphere and all the natural beauty. I love Oregon for what she is, and not because I hate California.

[Imperial1904]

Originally Posted by OregonWannaBe

I live in Orance County, CA and have lived in Southern Ca my whole life. My Fiance and I are fed up with several things here though. One major problem we have with SoCal is that many people are very inconsiderate, only care about themselves, kind of stuck up in away, etc. (of course not everyone is, but that is the vibe you get here). Since we want to move to OR, I was wondering if there is any kind of vibe like this in Oregon, or what kind of vibe is there from the people? Do people keep to themselves, are they snobby, helpful, friendly, etc...? Thank you for reading!

I have lived in Oregon for a few years and I think most of the Californians I've met are more considerate and friendlier than Oregonians and I'm originally from Southern California.

I think Oregonians keep to themselves, for the most part. If you live in a small town, gossip gets around and you'll hear things about other people.

[Juba]

I agree about Oregonians keeping to themselves. I grew up there and if you're not part of the local "clique", then no matter what you do you won't be. At least in SoCal, people are more willing to accept you if your part of their group. Also, people in Oregon can lack tact and be very rude if they perceive you as "not one of us".

P.S., the service I recieved in Oregon (restaurant, bar) is quite inferior to SoCal. People in Oregon are not motivated in general, they tend to not strive, but only survive. This can be a good thing, but don't expect alot when people are not driven.

[Westward]

We visited OR a couple years ago, and I was impressed with the friendliness in Medford. We weren't there but a week, but we were spoken to in every store and restaurant by "friendly" strangers. It almost sold us on the area, which I look forward to visiting. Perhaps it is the sunhine like they are discussing in another thread, as Medford is a bit sunnier than N.OR, is it not? We had a few friendly exchanges in Eugene, but not to the extent of Medford.

I agree with Juba on the service. CA is more professional. So is WA. But Medford was great, and so was the Portland area.

[Saffy]

It's almost as if they were never taught anything in this state. I moved here from out East and it is a Culture Shock to say the least... If I were you I would stay put. Cause there are just as many Cali people here too.. Which just adds to the aweful comdtions here.I pray we will get to move out of this state in the very near future. Oregon and California you can have it....