"Seattle Freeze" In Portland?

[toughguy]

Notice how neurotic most of the NE is.....we get tons of flack for being introverts up here in the PNW, but neuroticism in my opinion is just as grating as anything you will find in Seattle or Portland.

[suncat]

Originally Posted by argo69

OK, so it is official now...the Northwest is a land of introverts.

The United States of Mind - WSJ.com

Great article, and a really interesting interactive graphic. I love demographics and observing subtle differences between regions. Thanks for posting it.

[rickca]

Interesting topic, I'd be interested to hear anyone's perspective on this to include the Bay Area in California and then Southern California (I know its off topic). I've been to Seattle and definitely noticed that people acted what I considered to be strange, definitely not a "warm" place, everyone seemed kind of aloof. I'm from near the Bay Area in California but have also lived in southern California. I think that the Bay Area sort of has some of the same traits as the PNW but not as extreme and then southern California is completely different as for people there social skills are very important and if you aren't outgoing you will definitely be regarded as being "weird". Kind of interesting how it gradually changes the further south you go on the west coast, I had been thinking about looking at moving to Portland but not sure if it would fit me.

[robertpolyglot]

Originally Posted by hml1976

I grew up in Toronto and while Torontonians come off as a little frosty as first its just their British stiff upper lip...really they're loads of fun.

We've lived in the Portland area (actually Camas) for 9mths now and everyone is very nice, not crazy extroverted but kind and genuine. I prefer it miles above the South where everyone was very nice on the outside, but couldn't wait to dig that knife in when your back was turned.

I'll comment on New Yorkers too since we lived there as well. New Yorkers are emotional, they're angry, they're excited and kind of over the top, above all they are honest to a fault. They are loads of fun but exhausting.

This is an awesome, awesome post. You are clearly an observant person.
Toronto is such a big city, Canada's "engine," if you will. Its heritage is British, so you will have the attendant smugness, but those damn eccentric Brits have had their tentacles all over the world and the whole damn world living in their own cities so, underneath that veneer, they can't be all that smug and intolerant. Also, I once read that, in some research done by the UN, Toronto was declared, on a per capita basis, as the world's most ethnically diverse city. It's a fantastic place, though I prefer Quebec for having more character.

Yes, people in the PNW are polite and all, so it makes for a "predictable" and reasonably hassle-free existence.

Agreed, as an Atlanta resident for 2 years, I noticed that Southerners can be: 1) over the backyard fence genuine and nice and will judge you on your chemistry with them, or 2) "sugarcoated" to the point of being insulting to one's intelligence. Any half-way perceptive person would know which is which and pick from category 1. However, with all the transplants that have made the S.E. their home, you might not even have to make that choice as so many of the transplants are open to new friendships.

Lastly, I love your observation of New Yorkers. I credit my unfiltered honesty for enabling me to getting along fantastically with NYers and having the most problems native PNWers. Yeah, they can be a bit much, but I tolerate them very well since my M.O. is similar, even though I'm not a NYer.

[robertpolyglot]

Originally Posted by rickca

I've been to Seattle and definitely noticed that people acted what I considered to be strange, definitely not a "warm" place, everyone seemed kind of aloof.

I'm from near the Bay Area in California but have also lived in southern California. I think that the Bay Area sort of has some of the same traits as the PNW but not as extreme and then southern California is completely different as for people there social skills are very important and if you aren't outgoing you will definitely be regarded as being "weird".

Another very concise and accurate post. Yes, the Bay Area is kind of a mid-point, with the West Coast being a continuum. I've lived in So Cal, Nor Cal (currently), PDX and SEA.

Nor Cal (Bay Area) definitely aligns better with PDX and SEA and those people usually have a better "go" at transplanting to the PNW, though they too note that it isn't as informal as California. And, right, even Northern Californians raise their eyebrows at those from SoCal as being too much. The obnoxious and free-wheeling behavior I found in So Cal (only in LA, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura Counties) is not found anywhere else on the West Coast. I think that the ability to make fun of themselves as much as they do is very healthy.

[Tiger Beer]

An interesting thread...I've been reading a lot about the 'Seattle Freeze', and sometimes I associate Seattle and Portland culture as very similar. I lived in PDX in the past, and certainly didn't feel any kind of 'Seattle Freeze' whatsoever.

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

An interesting thread...I've been reading a lot about the 'Seattle Freeze', and sometimes I associate Seattle and Portland culture as very similar. I lived in PDX in the past, and certainly didn't feel any kind of 'Seattle Freeze' whatsoever.

I'm proud to say it exists in Oregon if you look for it.

[zerralia]

I spent some time in Portland last month and I made casual friends extremely fast (people I still talk to). Coming from Rhode Island, I find this odd and my neurotic side is wondering if these people have ulterior motives! I had a bit of culture shock when I was greeted by friendly cashiers and helpful strangers. Nobody was flipping me off or screaming at me when I crossed the street. People weren't in a rush to go nowhere. The homeless people didn't tell me to "go break a $20" when I said I had no change (which they have done in RI!). I like the way things work out there, even if it is just on the surface and it won't lead to lasting friendships. I'd much rather deal with a warm welcome and a smile, then a grumpy glare that leads to misery and bitterness. The whole friendly upfront thing is cool, it really sets the tone and just makes the day seem so much better.

Granted I was there when the weather was nice, I'm sure that made a difference...hehe