Portland Transplants post here. (Salem: real estate, house, gated)

[nephthys]

I notice almost everyone in Portland is from some place else. I've met so many people from all over the country, especially from the east coast. Where is everyone from and what do you like or dislike about Portland.


I'm from Omaha, NE. I've lived in Portland for 2 years. I like the scenery and everything, and being close to the ocean and mountains. But one thing I dislike is that most people here have alot of pride, and are closed minded about other parts of the country. I got laughed at being from Omaha, yet it's a city not much smaller than Portland. I know that because I lived there. The first person to make fun of me was from Salem. After living here for a year, I ran into more backwoods/redneck type people in Oregon than I did living in Nebraska my whole life. I also notice that people in Portland drive super slow, im not sure if it's because people are more cautious of bikers or pedestrians or people are more laid back. I like that Portland isn't segregated like the midwest. Everyone lives amongst eachother and live happily. Less racism is what im getting at.

Anyway, I love Portland... these are just some observations.

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by nephthys

After living here for a year, I ran into more backwoods/redneck type people in Oregon than I did living in Nebraska my whole life.

Well, there aren't many woods in Nebraska, are there?

[nephthys]

Originally Posted by EnricoV

Well, there aren't many woods in Nebraska, are there?

There are, Nebraska is the home of Arbor Day But no, not compared to Oregon.

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by nephthys

I'm from Omaha, NE. I've lived in Portland for 2 years. I like the scenery and everything, and being close to the ocean and mountains. But one thing I dislike is that most people here have alot of pride, and are closed minded about other parts of the country.

You'd get the same thing in California, Washington, Colorado, Arizona and Texas (to name but a few states where "pride of place" borders on obnoxious).

[Minervah]

I am from Chicago and still get teased after living here 30 years. People ask me if I knew Al Copone. Honestly! I am not THAT old.

I was used to transplants when I lived in Chicago because people from all over frequently moved there. I never saw already established Chicagoians resenting or making fun of them.

[bliss60]

Twice, since coming back to Portland, after 40 years gone, I have been flipped the bird because I had California license plates. Whatever.

Pretty funny, since I was born here but I am not of here, if you know what I mean. I have always felt like a stranger, when coming home. My family believes (as a group) that they are mentally ill, so for me to be accepted, I not only have to believe I am mentally ill but I have to act like it. Had I stayed here, my life would have been terrible.

The first 2 women I met (both professionals) just barely survived abusive men...one of the husbands threatened to burn down their house with her and the dogs in it. I am not saying this behavior doesn't go on in other parts of the country, but acting out is far more tolerated from men here than most places in the country. Raging men are common. It is shame-based behavior..related to generations of seasonal employment, nasty weather, alcohol and blue collar mentality.

Actually, there are nicer, better behaved and more intelligent people in Washington State; it was settled by different people.

So, abusing newcomers is just traditional. Too bad really...to give people the impression that Oregon is a third world country. It won't be long though that Oregonians will have something really serious to complain about and that will be the cost of supporting more tens of thousands of homeless and illegal aliens. Oregonians are nice to those people.

So now that the fish and trees are gone, be nice to tourists.

I will continue visit as I please, California plates or not. This is the U.S. but to live, give me sunny, beautiful San Diego. We have already been through all of this...one year everyone came from Chicago, the next from Denver. Get used to it..we are a people who search for opportunities and better quality of life. If you don't find it here, kill the promoter who made a lot of money lying to you...most likely a charming real estate developer.

Getting conscience of problems is the only way to solve them. Getting angry just doesn't cut it...in fact, that kind misplaced behavior makes people very vulnerable and more easily run over.

[Bluesmama]

Yeah, I've noticed the same things you have regarding attitudes against "outsiders". Funny thing is, most of THEM aren't natives, either! And what Oregonians don't realize is that EVERY state complains about growth and transplants. (Well, maybe with the exception of Wyoming.)

Other than that, the only thing I really don't like are the springs here. In fact, we don't have spring anymore. In due time it will cycle back, I'm sure. There are a couple of other things I don't like but would rather not disclose.

What I love is July and August when there are so many terrific things to do that nobody has a right to be bored. Love the Farmer's Markets. Love the different festivals. Close to the coast, Sauvie Island, even the gorge during the good months. Lots of good restaurants. Great blues music scene. The Saturday Market is a favorite.

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by nephthys

There are, Nebraska is the home of Arbor Day But no, not compared to Oregon.

Uh, oh. Not exibiting a bit of Nebraska pride there, are you?

[zeno44]

Originally Posted by Minervah

I am from Chicago and still get teased after living here 30 years. People ask me if I knew Al Copone. Honestly! I am not THAT old.

I was used to transplants when I lived in Chicago because people from all over frequently moved there. I never saw already established Chicagoans resenting or making fun of them.

That sounds just like the people of Portland...an underachieving, closed off, oddball city making fun of a place like Chicago. What a joke. My wife and I tried living in Portland and got out of the place eagerly after half a year. As soon as a Portlander realized you were from elsewhere it was like you were just released from a leper colony. That's if they would even converse in the first place. We headed up to Washington State...much easier to get along there, the people were much more well-adjusted.

You've gotta laugh...Portland people making fun of Chicago. Get a clue.

[Bluesmama]

Originally Posted by zeno44

That sounds just like the people of Portland...an underachieving, closed off, oddball city making fun of a place like Chicago. What a joke. My wife and I tried living in Portland and got out of the place eagerly after half a year. As soon as a Portlander realized you were from elsewhere it was like you were just released from a leper colony. That's if they would even converse in the first place. We headed up to Washington State...much easier to get along there, the people were much more well-adjusted.

You've gotta laugh...Portland people making fun of Chicago. Get a clue.

I think the worst experience I ever had with this sort of thing is when I lived in Texas. I didn't hate blacks, I didn't hate gays, I was from ~ gasp! ~ Cal-ee-fore-ny-yay! And, to make things worse in their eyes, I didn't care that I differed from them! I was 7 months pregnant when we left the state and never looked back.