15 False Beliefs About Oregon That Need Correcting
As a diverse, beautiful, and unique state, Oregon is full of things to talk about. But over the years, many misconceptions of the state have come into being, which have painted a lopsided picture of life here. These beliefs exist in the form of exaggerated stereotypes to blatant myths, which can lead a person to the warped image of Oregon.
Let’s clear the air and set the record straight. If you’re thinking about moving, visiting, or simply want to know what life is like in this Pacific Northwest state, we’re going to tackle some of the most common myths about Oregon that need a serious reality check.
Coffee in Oregon Is Expensive
Yes, Oregon has a coffee culture, and Portland is full of artisanal roasters. Not all coffee shops are serving up $8 pour-overs. You can just as easily find a classic drip coffee for a few bucks at local diners.
Everyone Is Outdoorsy
Yes, Oregon has beautiful mountains, rivers, and forests, and plenty of people like to get outside but not everyone here is spending the weekends hiking, skiing, and kayaking. Not all Oregonians want to climb a mountain, but rather binge-watch a series indoors or explore Portland’s food scene. An Oregonian lifestyle doesn’t exist as one size fits all.
All of Oregon Is Represented by Portland
While Portland is certainly the state’s largest city and cultural hub, it’s a world away from the rest of Oregon. Just a few hours’ drive away you’ll find cowboy culture in eastern Oregon and world-class wineries in the Willamette Valley. Despite Portland’s quirkiness, the state’s diversity goes beyond.
Oregon Is Homogeneous
Oregon is no longer perceived as lacking cultural diversity. A 2020 census says about 27 percent of Oregonians are people of color and the state has rich Native American traditions. For example, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation operates a major cultural and economic presence east of the Cascade range in Oregon.
Oregon Is Just About Nature
Oregon is also an art, innovation, and education hub. For example, Eugene is a destination for an arts community and the University of Oregon. Portland’s tech market has earned it the moniker “Silicon Forest.”
It Rains All Year Round in Oregon
Yes, it rains in Oregon. It’s not a constant downpour, year-round, no. The coastal and Willamette Valley regions account for the state’s reputation for wet weather. Yet eastern Oregon’s semi-arid climate and sunshine-filled days tell another story. In fact, Bend, Oregon, in central Oregon, has over 300 days of sunshine a year!
The Coast Is Warm and Perfect for Swimming
The waters of the Oregon Coast are notoriously cold, even in summer, but the Oregon Coast is breathtakingly beautiful. The temperatures are often between 50°F so swimming without a wetsuit is a shock for the system. This isn’t Southern California’s surf culture; it’s a place to go for dramatic views and cozy beach bonfires.
Everyone Drives a Subaru
No doubt, Subarus are popular in Oregon, but not everyone is driving one. Oregonians drive a wide variety of cars, from pickups to electric vehicles. The ‘ubiquitous Subaru’ is a bit of an overstatement.
You Can’t Pump Your Own Gas
This one is half true. While Oregon has long banned self-serve gas stations, recent legislation has loosened the rules in many areas. In rural counties, you can pump your own fuel, but in urban areas, you’re stuck with full service. That’s a quirk, not a universal rule.
Affordable Housing Is Everywhere
Parts of Oregon—including rural areas—remain relatively affordable compared to other trendy marketplaces in the country, but there are certain areas that caught on like wildfire and saw housing prices soar: Portland and Bend, for example. According to a 2023 report from Zillow, Portland was one of the nation’s fastest-growing housing markets.
The Only Place Worth Visiting Is Crater Lake
Oregon’s wonders don’t begin and end with Crater Lake. The state is a treasure trove of destinations from the Columbia River Gorge to Mount Hood to the Painted Hills. There’s a flavor of adventure and discovery for each region.
The Food Scene Is Just Weird Food Trucks
Sure, Portland’s eccentric food trucks get a lot of press, but Oregon’s culinary scene is much larger than that. The state caters to foodies of all stripes, from award-winning wineries to farm-to-table dining in Ashland. And, yes, it’s more than kombucha and kale.
Everyone Loves Craft Beer
Oregon’s craft beer industry is legendary, but that doesn’t mean everyone here is a beer connoisseur. Wine, cider, or a good old-fashioned soda is preferred by plenty of locals. It’s not a one-drink-fits-all kind of land.
Oregon Is a Laid Back Kind of Place
Although Oregon is known for its relaxed pace of life, that doesn’t mean that people are living stress-free. Plenty of residents hustle in the tech industry, housing market, and the environmental challenges. Although it’s not all leisurely hikes and coffee breaks, it’s all part of the charm.
Everywhere in Oregon Is Covered in Dense Forests
Oregon is known for its lush forests, especially in the west, but the state’s geography is very diverse. In the east, nearly two-thirds of Oregon is desert and arid landscape. Not towering trees at every turn, this part of the state has rolling hills, rugged canyons, and wide open spaces.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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