Dave Killen/The Oregonian
Portland is a popular place for people to relocate. In 2018, SmartAsset found it to be the
.
But what is Portland really like? Is it the liberal recycling utopia of “Portlandia” or is it the riot-filled hellscape that some national news networks make it out to be?
Spoiler: It’s neither and both of those things -- and a lot of other things, too. Here are 27 real things about Portland, that newcomers should know.
The recycling thing is real.
Portlanders recycle with an intensity reserved for very little else. Do not incur the wrath of your neighbors or coworkers by putting a La Croix can in the trash. And do not even think about dropping trash on the ground unless you are planning on moving, like, tomorrow.
Dave Killen/The Oregonian
Those “riots”? They don’t impact most people’s lives.
When protesters clash downtown, most Portlanders aren’t around to witness it. These events happen generally in non-residential places on weekends. For most people in town, they are just a non-factor.
Umbrellas are controversial.
A lot of Portlanders look down on umbrella users, it’s true. But it’s still reasonably acceptable to have one, as long as you don’t poke anyone’s eye out with it and under that umbrella you are still wearing a hefty raincoat.
Mark Graves/The Oregonian
There is more than one Powell’s Books.
The City of Book on Burnside Street is the Powell’s megastore and you will probably want to check it out. But, there’s also a smaller store on Hawthorne Boulevard and a much smaller one at the Portland Airport. And, if you’re headed to the ‘burbs, there’s a very large Powell’s in Beaverton that frequently hosts bigger name literary guests.
Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian
Some of Portland’s best food is actually in Beaverton.
Sure, Portland is a foodie city. But if you’re looking to expand beyond the big names and the long, long waits,
.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
CBD is available everywhere.
It’s in sausages and sodas and creams and pet treats, and they now sell CBD products at grocery stores. But, if you want the best stuff, you still need to hit up a marijuana dispensary.
Oregonian file photo, 1993
A lot of people have a vague idea that when the Big One hits, they will die.
Even though they very well might not, this is just a belief a lot of people have. Don’t get on this train. Instead, get yourself an earthquake kit and develop a disaster plan.
Michael Russell/The Oregonian
You might as well pick an ice cream allegiance now.
Portland is full of fancy ice cream shops that have different things to recommend them. Do your research -- stand in line at least once at Salt and Straw and get a Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwich -- but be prepared to have an opinion on ice cream.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
Every bar is legally required to sell food.
This is an all-of-Oregon thing but all bars have food which leads to a sort of arms race of happy hours. Enjoy it but also don’t be surprised if you put on the Portland 15...or 30.
Sean Meagher/The Oregonian
Damian Lillard is a god here.
In a city known for its lack of religion, Portland does worship at the feet of one well-deserving man: Damian Lillard. Say whatever you want about any other member of the Trail Blazers, but never, ever disparage Lillard in public.
Kristi Turnquist/The Oregonian
There is an epidemic of too-polite drivers.
People really will stop their cars when they shouldn’t to let a pedestrian or bicyclist cross the street. They will also try to wave you through an intersection when they have the right of way. They legitimately find the zipper merge to be rude.
Thomas Boyd
There is also an epidemic of dangerous jaywalking.
When you drive down 82nd Avenue, keep your eyes open. People will dart across this very busy road, 10 feet away from a crosswalk and light, for no real reason.
Mark Graves/The Oregonian
Don’t ever mention it if you don’t like dogs.
The quickest way to get uninvited from your neighborhood’s annual barbeque is to casually mention you aren’t a dog person.
Dave Killen/The Oregonian
There’s almost no situation where you can’t talk about the weather.
Is it raining? Let’s discuss how hard and how much! Is it sunny? Let’s go deep into why it might be sunny this time of year! Is it snowing? You better believe only a meteorite hitting City Hall will be a more interesting topic of conversation.
Bruce Ely/The Oregonian
When it snows, the whole city panics.
Portlanders cannot drive in snow. They cannot function in snow. When it snows, the whole system breaks down. At least until it melts the next day.
Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian
It’s desperately uncool to like Voodoo Doughnuts.
But, if you do, the secret hack is to go to the location in inner Northeast Portland and skip the downtown location entirely.
Mark Graves/The Oregonian
Unlike in some places, e-scooters are actually pretty popular here.
As long as you aren’t riding one on the sidewalk, it’s OK in Portland to enjoy that fun zooming around.
Mark Graves/The Oregonian
Our blocks are relatively short.
In downtown Portland, blocks are only 200 feet long. That means a 10-block walk, which in some cities can be a great distance, is only about half a mile.
Andrew Theen/The Oregonian
Portlanders both love and hate their public transit system.
In Portland, MAX will take you to the zoo or the airport or to Providence Park. And a lot of people, even people who own cars, take the bus to work because it’s the fastest and cheapest way to get around, especially if you work downtown. But, if a line makes changes or the train stops because of snow or heat, or if someone has to take the streetcar for some reason, get ready to listen to complaints.
Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian
It’s basic courtesy to say “Thank you” to your bus driver.
Not everyone does it, but it’s still Portland etiquette to thank your driver.
Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian
Summer is construction season.
Between about April and October, there is so much construction and road work happening, it’s a good idea to do some research before you attempt to drive anywhere.
Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian
A Nike employee store pass is like gold.
The Adidas and Columbia employee stores are much easier to get into. The Nike store though … that’s the real dream.
Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian
People like to get naked here.
The World Naked Bike is a huge summer event in Portland and there are multiple nude beaches in close proximity to town. You might surprise yourself by stripping it all off at Sauvie Island and basking in the sun and the body positivity.
Faith Cathcart/The Oregonian
Brunch lines, ice cream line, Portlanders love lines.
In Portland, people will line up for what they love, with a smile on their faces.
Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian
Almost nobody dresses up for anything.
Unless it’s prom or maybe your own wedding, jeans and Nikes are fine for almost any situation.
Mark Graves/The Oregonian
Portlanders are very into their airport.
The people of Portland are proud to have an airport that is
.
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
The rest of Oregon sort of hates Portland.
Oregon is a big state. If you are new here, you should check it out! We’ve got mountains. We’ve got beaches. We’ve got rivers and canyons and birds and bears. There are also other towns -- it’s not all the great outdoors. But the people outside of Portland sort of resent the metro area, where over half of the state’s population lives, due to its liberal politics and massive voting power. Kind of like saying you’re from Canada when you’re in Europe, you might just want to fib and say you’re from Estacada when you belly up to a bar in Joseph.
-- Lizzy Acker
503-221-8052
lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
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