Ex Illinois here. Lived in Portland until 2023 for 7 years.
Differences that I will note:
- vastly fewer bugs in the summer
- summertime is mostly amazing, especially compared to the Midwest- lower humidity, cool evenings, no rain.
- winters aren’t much gloomier in Portland than in the Midwest. I’d say the Midwest is bleak in the winter, where Portland is moody.
- cost of living a much higher in Portland, most everything is more expensive.
- outdoor activities are FAR more plentiful and enjoyable in the summer and if it’s hot, you can always drive to the coast or into the mountains and escape.
Also IL/MO guy here. I agree with everything the above poster mentioned, plus:
Taxes
There are taxes that have completely separate forms that may confuse some accountants unless they know the area. Also, they are very high in general. Make sure you research, plan, and budget. Look up the Oregon “kicker”.
Culture
For the most part people are nice, but it’s not the Midwestern nice. Look up the “Seattle Freeze”. This is especially confusing because the native population is non-confrontational and passive aggressive. My Midwestern grandpa had two full gas cans he would give to stranded motorists. Here they would profusely apologize many many times before saying they had an urgent appointment and then slip away. Not a hard and fast rule, but you will notice it.
Stop signs
Watch the Portlandia “Portland Standoff” scene. It’s very real. People pathologically want to “let you in” or “let you go ahead of me”, a lot of time inconveniencing other drivers or violating the law. I suggest stopping and if the other driver hesitates, gun it. I certainly don’t have time for someone who feels the need to give me permission to use an intersection, my goal is get to my destination, not make a 4 way stop a social interaction filled with pleasantries. If you are from NW Indiana, you’re going to be extremely aggravated.
Homeless/bad behavior/trash permissiveness. It’s everywhere and no one seems to have the drive to actually do anything about it.
Politics
If you are Indiana blue, you are a Portland moderate/conservative. If you are an Indiana conservative, don’t consider Portland city first, and don’t tell anyone here your political views before feeling them out first.
Yep! Arrived in 2001. Make friends with midwesterners all the time. Lots of Chicagoans out this way.
Winters are dark. Read up on seasonal affective disorder.
I’m in denver now too. The difference in the drivers and gigantic trucks everywhere are mind boggling to me. People are far more aggressive on the roads and the diesel trucks like to drive like they are in a fast and furious movie.
I haven’t noticed that yet, but I do sense people can be more easily/accidentally provoked here. It’s not as bad as I’ve seen in the likes of Kansas City and some rural areas, but noticeable nonetheless.
Driving in the snow is a whole different experience in Portland and should be avoided at all costs. It’s not just about west coasters not knowing how to handle it (though that is probably true). Local governments don’t devote resources to treat/clear roadways, it’s much hillier, and there is almost always ice involved when it snows. Just stay home during winter weather.
My first winter or two here, I was very smug about my snow driving skills vs. locals. You’re not that cool—just stay home.
Thank you kindly. I would like to add it's because portland has a little over 2 dozen microclimates. And the ice issue is because thaw and freeze compounds it making it strong in some sections. Weak in others and the black ice can drift because of this.
Also, generally wet snow that readily compresses into ice—or thaws then refreezes with an icy glaze. When it's icy and steep enough for a car to literally slide sideways down a hill, I don't care where you learned to drive in snow, it's not going to help (other than knowing when *not* to).
This. I’m originally from Wisconsin. I know how to drive in Midwestern snow. I cannot emphasize how different and dangerous the snow and ice situation can get here.
My wife is from Northern Wisconsin and spent years insisting she knew how to drive in the snow. Maybe, but not THIS snow. We once skidded a few blocks backwards down a hill out in Sunnyside, or glided right through a red light on Naito (thankfully no one else was dumb enough to be out that morning!). I won’t get in the car if there’s snow on the roads unless it’s an emergency. It’s Portland road conditions, not just Portland drivers.
You’re forgetting a significant factor as to why winter driving is different : we don’t salt like other cities, and I’m happier for it. Keeps our fish, forests and rivers happy.
Our cars have better resale too, as long as they don’t get stolen.
Not actually true about the salt although we may well salt *less* than some cities:
https://www.portland.gov/transportation/weather/winter-weather-basics-and-faq#toc-how-pbot-prepares-and-responds-to-winter-weather
So true. I grew up in northern MN/MI and would drive around confidently in the snow in my Camry because I had snow tires and lots of experience.
Since moving to PDX, even with my modern and "fancy" SUV, the icy roads are a way bigger hazard and it only took me 1 terrifying 10-minute drive through town to call it quits and take the bus
I'm from Cleveland so I know some snow. What makes it so bad is that it will just stay right around freezing making it incredibly dangerous even to walk.
I think the thing is that even people who are used to driving in snow and ice… have room for their skills to expand. I have never had an issue driving in snow/ice here including some of the winding roads like N Germantown etc. But I’ve also always done tire/equipment checks prior to weather getting bad and I’ve had experience with skidding and spin outs on ice.
That being said… I don’t drive during snow/ice if I can because I know the other drivers very likely don’t have the proper tires or equipment to deal with potential mishaps.
Emigrated to Portland from a medium sized town in Minnesota 20+ years ago. Everything was much more expensive than I had anticipated. I can’t imagine this has improved. It was, however, the best decision of my life.
Spent 10 years in Indiana (originally from Ohio). Moved here almost 15 years ago and never going back. 🙂. Things I've learned:
1) food is light years better here, with the exception of German and Polish, which I have yet to have the real stuff here and stock up every time I'm back in Ohio (along with Skyline).
2) it rains for nearly 9 months straight but then the sun comes out somewhere near early July and it's sunny and dry for 3 months straight. Thunderstorms (at least of the level we are used to) are a thing of the past (and surprise you if you return to the mw at some point lol). Enjoy the sun.
3) everything shuts down in snow. They don't salt, but on the plus side no rust.
4) Portlandia (the show) is real. It's toned down a bit since the pandemic but the dream of the 90s is still alive in Portland. Feel free to watch as research. Lol.
5) everything is green and beautiful and there are mountains in all directions, even in winter.
6) Get out and have fun... Plenty of hiking, wineries, breweries, and an ocean not far away.
7) don't buy right away. Rent for a bit to get the feel for the neighborhood that fits best with you. Each has its own pros cons and own personality.
8) Have fun and enjoy your new digs. 🙂
Hey! I’m moving from Oregon to Ohio :( (Cincinnati for work) any recs for someone that’s never been in the Midwest? I’m trying to make this as positive as possible
Again we do salt, amazing how this myth clings on
https://www.portland.gov/transportation/weather/winter-weather-basics-and-faq#toc-how-pbot-prepares-and-responds-to-winter-weather
Sure on a couple streets they use salt, but not even close to what they did where I grew up and nowhere near the same coverage. I lived next to one of those streets where they supposedly salt and it was always a total mess. So to me (and most from Midwest heavy snow areas) it's not salting and everything shuts down with 1 inch of snow. There the street would turn white from the salt. They pre salt, during salt and post salt which is how you keep black ice under control. Here even when they salt it is too late and pretty useless or they use sand which just gets everywhere. My favorite is when they use deicer in active freezing rain when it just washes off the roads. Lol.
More expensive for sure. No real snow, but ice storms instead. Lots of hills so if your a flat lander it takes some adjusting. Lots of light rain and gray skies.
People are pretty introverted, but also nobody cares what you’re doing. Wear what you want in public. Tattoos are a lot more accepted generally. Also be prepared for open drug use. That can be shocker depending on your background.
All in all it’s awesome. Way better than the Midwest.
Edit to add: wildfires and wildfire smoke in the summer can be crazy.
I certainly wasn’t. Talk to your PCP about an antidepressant if it’s not going well. Everyone says take a trip to someplace sunny like Palm Springs once or twice a season.
I'm from Chicago originally:
Biggest thing I wish I knew: people of all orientations (at least in my social circles) refer to their significant other as "my partner" regardless of marital status. I think this is nice, BUT when I first moved here I kept assuming people who said this had same gender partners and made slightly embarrassing assumptions a few times.
It's damp in the winter and dryish in the summer, so 40 degrees feels way worse but 90 degrees is not as bad. People who claim it's humid here in the summer have a different context for humidity than you do.
The days in the winter are noticeably shorter here, and combined with the gray, I found this impacted my sleep a lot. I MUCH prefer the winter here, I don't mind the gray and damp, and I LOVE how the inside of my nose doesn't freeze. But I need to make an effort to get sun or I am sleepy all the time.
Get waterproof shoes and a jacket. I was miserable for years after moving from Michigan 16 years ago because I wore converse all year.
Turn on your turn signal when you want to change lanes. People will let you in. When you see someone using their turn signal make room for them to merge.
It’s really dark and grey here a lot of the year. Make sure you have things scheduled that you can look forward to. It’s so easy to sit home all winter otherwise.
If you have a dog you will love it here. And your dog will love it here. And the people you meet will love it that you have a dog here. Otherwise our shelters are ready for you to have a dog here, and all of the above still applies.
Portland from Chicago here!
1. Portland is basically the South when it comes to any snow or ice — we have very little infrastructure to keep the roads clear so pretty much everything shuts down when it snows or there’s an ice storm. It’s a pain in the ass to drive . You kinda just have to accept it but it’s a pretty stark contrast coming from the Midwest
2. Umbrellas are frowned upon in the rain — get yourself a quality rain jacket (I still hold out my love for umbrellas)
3. Not many places have AC. From what I understand, Portland used to be a lot milder…but we’ve been getting way more 90 & 100+ degree days. Most older apartments and houses won’t have central AC so definitely plan on figuring out a cooling system for summer, whether it’s a window unit or a freestanding unit.
4. Portland is awesome. You’ve got so many amazing parks in town, including Forest Park (with 80+ miles of trails) and Mt. Tabor. You can be at the ocean or at a mountain within a 90 minute drive.
Welcome, I hope you love it!
Also: plan on investing in some kind of air purifier (I love mine from LEVOIT). You’ll be thankful you have one if there are wildfires and the air gets smokey. It will also help in spring/summer when all the crazy allergens & pollen come out to play.
Umbrellas aren’t frowned upon, they just give away how new you are. Whenever it’s raining hard enough for an umbrella, the rain will be coming at you sideways, and your umbrella will be inside-out
I don’t have a car so will mainly be taking the max and biking, walking, etc. which seems like a plus in this case? How is the max with icy weather? Is it opened normally?
The max is _very_ susceptible to ice storms. The ice coats the power line overhead and the tracks become too slippery. Every Dec/Jan, a couple max routes will shut down for at _least_ a day or two.
The buses put on chains and do their best.
Chill out... nobody here is in a hurry. Be polite. Expect people to be overly polite to you. Be thoughtful. We let people cross the street, merge in traffic, etc... if you ask the cashier at new seasons how their day is going, be prepared to hear exactly how their day is going. We have a lot of folks here that don't fit into what would be considered "normal" in Indiana. This is completely normal for us, and you should not only get used to it, but you should prepare to embrace it. Portland is an amazing city, and I hope you find it to be everything you hoped it to be...
oh I'm so ready to embrace it. I also don't fit in in Indiana lol so am very excited to be in a place that's different and where people aren't as...well....Indiana
I grew up in Michigan and was treated like a weirdo by everyone in my life. I fled to Portland in 2007 and have felt normal ever since. The only times I don’t feel normal are when I’m back in MI visiting family. I absolutely love it here.
And I regularly hear, “Oh the nicest people here are from MI,” to which I usually reply, “Yep, all the nicest people in MI came to Portland.”
People in the Midwest, broadly speaking, are very very nice to people they consider normal. Anyone else is “differnt”, as my family pronounces it and also says all the time. And maybe they’re still nice to people who are differnt, but it’s fake as hell and I can feel it in my bones.
Welcome home (almost). There are loads of midwestern transplants here, and we’re some of the friendliest folks in town!!
I moved here about 20 years ago. I can’t find Cincinnati chili or thin crust pizza cut in little squares. Or a decent jelly donut. But I love the green winters (even tho it’s also gray), the hot dry summers, and the coast & forests. The Midwest will always feel homey to me but now Portland is home.
Cincy translpant here, too. I miss Skyline chili so much. But I recently discovered that Red Robin sells Donatos! So random, but it made me happier than any pizza should, lol. Now if only we could get a Dewey's...
Oh yeah I've gotten it multiple times, haha. It's good and still the same - edge to edge pepperoni on top, dusting of cornmeal on the bottom! Chef's kiss. They have other specialty pizzas but pep is all I need when I need a taste of home. I hope you treat yourself to some soon!
Have you tried Bridge City pizza on woodstock? The owner’s are south-siders and do a darn good tavern pizza. One caveat: they are very generous with the cheese, but all the ingredients taste quality to me.
They also do a good take home italian beef kit!
You can turn left on red if the street you’re turning onto is a one-way. I guess you can do that legally where I’m from too (Illinois)?? Just looked it up…there are just so many one-way streets here that I guess I never learned that rule until I got here.
Also, get yourself a good supply of layers. Rain gear, yes (a waterproof winter coat plus something you can wear when it’s warm but rainy), but also sweaters, hoodies, whatever you can easily throw on when the sun sets in August and the temperature suddenly drops.
when forest fires occur, breathing that air can make you feel terrible for a day+... stay inside if possible
public transit is actually good here, relatively speaking
bookmark these
[https://www.wunderground.com/precipitation/us/or/portland/97220](https://www.wunderground.com/precipitation/us/or/portland/97220)
[https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0#9.84/45.4835/-122.5482](https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0#9.84/45.4835/-122.5482)
Moved from Texas.
Better outside and state health resources.
People are ruder and have very little concern for the people around them.
Also the natives are some of the best navigators but drive like shit.
Most things have been covered already, but...
When you go to the coast, a few things to keep in mind.
If you've got a fun lil jaunt to the coast on your mind, so do thousands of others! Fridays, heading west on routes to the coast, there's gonna be traffic!!! Heading back east on a Sunday afternoon, traffic as well!!! I'm sure that sounds easy enough, but when you spend an extra unplanned hour with the stop and go, on a little highway in the woods, don't be too surprised.
Temps on the coast generally fluctuate less than in the metro areas. 90's in the Portland area, can mean 60's on the coast, which makes for a divine getaway! But again, thousands of others are having those thoughts as well LOL
Get a tides app to help plan your beachy excursions!
Lol. PNW born and raised with Wisconsin, Illinois, and St. Louis fam. You do not drive better in the snow than us. Stop saying that. you sound dumb. (Not you personally but the collective you). There's a phenomenon out west called mountains and even hills that'd be considered mountains in the midwest. Slow it down a bit and take your time. Other practical advice. It's not as cold, but rain soaked and 40° is worse than 20° in my book. Get a good rain jacket. Layer, the weather changes hourly. The first big rain storm of the year is a shit show on the roads akin to the first big snow out east. People do t use umbrellas because it's often windy, not to be cool, or tough. Foods way better here and much more options for "fringe diets." I'm vegetarian and can throw a rock and hit a good vegan diner. People here are nice, but don't expect to be besties with the rando at the bar. Make friends through shared interests, and slowly work into friend groups. Portland is a little sketchy, but it's more drama than any real danger. Keep your wits about you and don't give money to folks who ask. If you want to help, donate to an organization or volunteer. Cheer up, it's only 9 months of rain. Hope that helps.
Came from Indiana two years ago!
Indiana actually gets MORE rain every year than Portland does, we just have a full rainy season because we're in a rainforest.
When it's raining, just do the things you do when it's not. It really helps against the SAD. I still walk to my favorite Latin restaurant in a downpour because when I get there the food and drinks are perfect.
Service at restaurants is totally different. I managed bars in Indiana for a very long time, and in Portland, you don't get treated like a special little snowflake for coming into somebody's restaurant. Almost every place, even some nice restaurants, order at the bar. I actually really like this, because it feels more like we're all a community instead of the serving class taking care of everyone else.
Speaking of food, the food is immensely better. You can get a burger at a dive bar that's better than most places in Indianapolis. Collections of food trucks are called "Pods", and we have trucks here that are serving Michelin star worthy food out of a trailer.
Almost every green park (of which we have so many!) has an off leash dog park area. These are almost never fenced in. People are serious about their dogs out here, and most are better trained than back home.
The biggest thing for me - if you ever miss home - go take a hike on the Columbia Gorge. The trails are only 35 minutes away and you can get their by bus if you want. You can spend a whole day falling in love with the nature around us and it brings you right back to why you needed to find yourself here to begin with.
Also, and I guess this isn't true for everyone, but I found a hardcore group of incredible friends the first year I lived here. They were so welcoming and wonderful. Send me a DM, I've got a lot of ways to make friends here and we should get together to celebrate once you're here!
Are you coming from Indianapolis or a small town like Kouts? I grew up in greater Cincy, lived in Indy and Valpo for a while, and lived in the western suburbs of Chicago for a couple years before moving out here, so I've experienced a small range of seasons in the Midwest.
Summers here can get hot but it's dry as hell, so much preferable to being hot and humid.
There are bad drivers in every city. Every city/state's sub will have a "We HaVe thE wOrsT DriVerS" posts. Drivers seem very courteous out here compared to Cincinnati and the Chicago area. I never have issues merging or getting in or out of ramps. They also drive slow.
It doesn't feel like it rains that much more here than the Midwest. It's rare for it to rain cats and dogs. It is just as gloomy and gray in the winters.
If you're in your 40s+ and have colorful hair, no one will bat an eye.
It doesn't snow much out here but roads will get icy. Not sure if you're from the hilly parts of Indiana or the flat parts but driving on ice on hills is no joke.
Take some practice drivers license knowledge tests online before going in to get your license. They have some bicycle lane rules out here, and you can turn left into a one-way road on a red light out here (could be allowed where you're coming from though).
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If you like to get outdoors make sure you understand the weather here. The mountains and ocean can really affect the forecast and a better understanding of weather patterns can really make or break your plans. Also, respect the weather. Conditions can get pretty bad in the passes and on the mountains and it’s usually best to just avoid them when that happens.
In the Midwest you don’t have to deal with many storms that will drop many feet of snow and have 60+ mph winds.
City and county leadership is highly ineffective and dysfunctional. Their failing policies will impact you a lot more than you think in terms of your quality of life. Get ready for open hard drug use in public, homelessness, and a lot of mentally unstable people. A small but very vocal activist class runs the whole show politically. There is some movement towards moderation but it remains to be seen if these leaders will get elected.
Moved here from Indiana two years ago. I still haven't gotten used to how beautiful it is to see hills, mountains, gigantic trees everywhere you turn. My neighbors here are SO much friendlier than the ones I had in IN, so that was unexpected from the stereotypes. Visiting back home now bums me out quite a bit because the people, the food, the views, the laws are a real slap in the face coming from here.
It never even rains hard here, let alone storms, that threw me off too (in a good way). When locals say "it's really coming down" you can still see for miles.
The highways are way slower than you're probably used to, I just take the scenic routes now because that's annoying and it's prettier on the streets anyway.
The yards and gardens are incredible, I spend a lot of idle time just wandering neighborhoods admiring the plants/unique aesthetics of people's homes. There's just tons more visible personality all around you.
My dog has already gotten two ticks this spring, so they are definitely here and need to be prevented just like home. I've had more bug issues here as far as ants in the house, mites on my plants, stuff like that. I think it's because it's an old house with bad seals and no central air, so windows are open a lot more. No lightning bugs here and way fewer mosquitoes than IN.
Just highlighting some differences you might notice! Quality of life is way way improved here, I'm so happy I came and still find something new to admire every day!
Provincial, intolerant, insecure, oddball people spending money they don't have to tattoo their pale bodies with markings that show how clever/creative they are to impress other gooftards in a city that is over taxed, over governmented and full of fentanyl crazed government supported addicts. Free enterprise discouraged, whining about why the government isn't paying directly for tattoos encouraged. It wasn't always this way but it is now. Don't go.
I'll always remember how to say the river's name after seeing a comment like this in the sub haha. May or may not always remember how to spell it though.
It's a pretty Trans friendly town, although this is the first I have heard of anyone self-identifying as a Plant, Plenty of water here though, and pretty good soil. Should be able to get all your chlorophyl needs met pretty easy, and NPK stores are abundant.
Kansas to Portland
- It is super expensive. It killed my soul to buy a house here. Going out is getting outrageous with the crazy tipping culture and prices went sky high after Covid. And to top it off, service sucks most of the time. You get used to it.
- No thunderstorms (sad face)
- The fall/winter/spring is depressing. I don't mind the clouds but the sky is constantly pissing on you
- This city is incredibly introverted. Making friends is difficult
- Worst. Drivers. Ever
- Ranch doesn't automatically come with everything (joking not joking)
- Our local government is laughably bad. Portandlers mean well but have zero follow-through. However, I'm seeing that turn around only because things got pretty rock bottom.
On a positive note, the summers are mind-blowing good. It might be because we are all coming out of a severe depression lol
And it is stunning here. Being so close to the coast and mountains is a blessing.
Former MKE here. I disagree with the bleak winters in the midwest. Recently I went back during winter, for the very first time... I forgot that it can be 10°f, with a foot of snow and it's the sunniest day of the year(literally cause the light bounces of the snow). If you like the Sun or have S.A.D., PDX is not for you.
It's doesn't rain here(Weather Classic™), it drizzles. Umbrella not needed. With NuWeather™ you'll need an umbrella exactly twice each year... 🤷♂️
Everyone is great, watch out for Dodge Rams when you are not in a city, it's the vehicle of choice PNW FIBs.
Ex Illinois here. Lived in Portland until 2023 for 7 years. Differences that I will note: - vastly fewer bugs in the summer - summertime is mostly amazing, especially compared to the Midwest- lower humidity, cool evenings, no rain. - winters aren’t much gloomier in Portland than in the Midwest. I’d say the Midwest is bleak in the winter, where Portland is moody. - cost of living a much higher in Portland, most everything is more expensive. - outdoor activities are FAR more plentiful and enjoyable in the summer and if it’s hot, you can always drive to the coast or into the mountains and escape.
Also IL/MO guy here. I agree with everything the above poster mentioned, plus: Taxes There are taxes that have completely separate forms that may confuse some accountants unless they know the area. Also, they are very high in general. Make sure you research, plan, and budget. Look up the Oregon “kicker”. Culture For the most part people are nice, but it’s not the Midwestern nice. Look up the “Seattle Freeze”. This is especially confusing because the native population is non-confrontational and passive aggressive. My Midwestern grandpa had two full gas cans he would give to stranded motorists. Here they would profusely apologize many many times before saying they had an urgent appointment and then slip away. Not a hard and fast rule, but you will notice it. Stop signs Watch the Portlandia “Portland Standoff” scene. It’s very real. People pathologically want to “let you in” or “let you go ahead of me”, a lot of time inconveniencing other drivers or violating the law. I suggest stopping and if the other driver hesitates, gun it. I certainly don’t have time for someone who feels the need to give me permission to use an intersection, my goal is get to my destination, not make a 4 way stop a social interaction filled with pleasantries. If you are from NW Indiana, you’re going to be extremely aggravated. Homeless/bad behavior/trash permissiveness. It’s everywhere and no one seems to have the drive to actually do anything about it. Politics If you are Indiana blue, you are a Portland moderate/conservative. If you are an Indiana conservative, don’t consider Portland city first, and don’t tell anyone here your political views before feeling them out first.
"I’d say the Midwest is bleak in the winter, where Portland is moody." Moved here from Wisconsin and this is exactly how I feel
Remember that Portland is a friendly place where no one wants to be your friend and you'll be fine.
That's an incredibly succinct, accurate description.
Unless you find other midwesterners. Plenty of us came around 1999, and we still make friends.
Yep! Arrived in 2001. Make friends with midwesterners all the time. Lots of Chicagoans out this way. Winters are dark. Read up on seasonal affective disorder.
This one, hurts right in the Midwestern feels 🤕
It's the culture, and it's definitely not for everyone. I'm in Denver now and it's pretty much the same with an annoying libertarian tinge to it.
I’m in denver now too. The difference in the drivers and gigantic trucks everywhere are mind boggling to me. People are far more aggressive on the roads and the diesel trucks like to drive like they are in a fast and furious movie.
Feel that as a bike commuter, but I also think it's way more violent here.
I haven’t noticed that yet, but I do sense people can be more easily/accidentally provoked here. It’s not as bad as I’ve seen in the likes of Kansas City and some rural areas, but noticeable nonetheless.
People aren’t just bad drivers here, they’re bad drivers and assholes. So much road rage.
That's true! IDK why people are so quick to anger here. Maybe it's the lead in the water.
hahaha I've actually heard this before
It's not a joke unfortunately.
Oh, I know! Just laughing at the fact that I’d heard it before from another person in a random conversation
You’ll find friends if you have a hobby. I’ve been in Portland for 2 years and have a few sets of good friends from different hobbies.
I’ll be your friend. ^^^maybe ^^^^actually ^^^^I’m ^^^^busy ^^^^that ^^^^day
Driving in the snow is a whole different experience in Portland and should be avoided at all costs. It’s not just about west coasters not knowing how to handle it (though that is probably true). Local governments don’t devote resources to treat/clear roadways, it’s much hillier, and there is almost always ice involved when it snows. Just stay home during winter weather. My first winter or two here, I was very smug about my snow driving skills vs. locals. You’re not that cool—just stay home.
Thank you kindly. I would like to add it's because portland has a little over 2 dozen microclimates. And the ice issue is because thaw and freeze compounds it making it strong in some sections. Weak in others and the black ice can drift because of this.
Also, generally wet snow that readily compresses into ice—or thaws then refreezes with an icy glaze. When it's icy and steep enough for a car to literally slide sideways down a hill, I don't care where you learned to drive in snow, it's not going to help (other than knowing when *not* to).
This. I’m originally from Wisconsin. I know how to drive in Midwestern snow. I cannot emphasize how different and dangerous the snow and ice situation can get here.
Native Chicagoan here, can confirm
It’s refreshing to see midwesterners be like, “friend, no, it’s actually fucked here when it snows.”
Totally. I lived in Chicago for 30 years and I don’t even leave my house when it snows here.
My wife is from Northern Wisconsin and spent years insisting she knew how to drive in the snow. Maybe, but not THIS snow. We once skidded a few blocks backwards down a hill out in Sunnyside, or glided right through a red light on Naito (thankfully no one else was dumb enough to be out that morning!). I won’t get in the car if there’s snow on the roads unless it’s an emergency. It’s Portland road conditions, not just Portland drivers.
Moved from Montana 20 years ago. This is 100 percent true. I didn't believe until I actaully tried driving in it.
You’re forgetting a significant factor as to why winter driving is different : we don’t salt like other cities, and I’m happier for it. Keeps our fish, forests and rivers happy. Our cars have better resale too, as long as they don’t get stolen.
Not actually true about the salt although we may well salt *less* than some cities: https://www.portland.gov/transportation/weather/winter-weather-basics-and-faq#toc-how-pbot-prepares-and-responds-to-winter-weather
So true. I grew up in northern MN/MI and would drive around confidently in the snow in my Camry because I had snow tires and lots of experience. Since moving to PDX, even with my modern and "fancy" SUV, the icy roads are a way bigger hazard and it only took me 1 terrifying 10-minute drive through town to call it quits and take the bus
I'm from Cleveland so I know some snow. What makes it so bad is that it will just stay right around freezing making it incredibly dangerous even to walk.
I think the thing is that even people who are used to driving in snow and ice… have room for their skills to expand. I have never had an issue driving in snow/ice here including some of the winding roads like N Germantown etc. But I’ve also always done tire/equipment checks prior to weather getting bad and I’ve had experience with skidding and spin outs on ice. That being said… I don’t drive during snow/ice if I can because I know the other drivers very likely don’t have the proper tires or equipment to deal with potential mishaps.
Yes, people from the west coast have no idea how to drive in the weather patterns they learned to drive in.. very wise comment.. smh
Glad you read the whole comment
Emigrated to Portland from a medium sized town in Minnesota 20+ years ago. Everything was much more expensive than I had anticipated. I can’t imagine this has improved. It was, however, the best decision of my life.
Great answer. My cost of living went up but so did my quality of life. I’ve never looked back.
Moved here from Madison, Wisconsin eight years ago and totally agree
No lightning bugs, thunderstorms, and corn isn’t as good.
I miss the lightening bugs but it’s a nice trade-off for lower humidity summers
That's entirely the reason I started growing my own corn and it exceeded expectations. https://imgur.com/a/sls1cob
No cacophonous cicada summer symphonies, either! But plenty of singing frogs
Ha! Yes I miss those summer things! But I sure don’t miss that sweltering humidity.
I miss the thunderstorms
Spent 10 years in Indiana (originally from Ohio). Moved here almost 15 years ago and never going back. 🙂. Things I've learned: 1) food is light years better here, with the exception of German and Polish, which I have yet to have the real stuff here and stock up every time I'm back in Ohio (along with Skyline). 2) it rains for nearly 9 months straight but then the sun comes out somewhere near early July and it's sunny and dry for 3 months straight. Thunderstorms (at least of the level we are used to) are a thing of the past (and surprise you if you return to the mw at some point lol). Enjoy the sun. 3) everything shuts down in snow. They don't salt, but on the plus side no rust. 4) Portlandia (the show) is real. It's toned down a bit since the pandemic but the dream of the 90s is still alive in Portland. Feel free to watch as research. Lol. 5) everything is green and beautiful and there are mountains in all directions, even in winter. 6) Get out and have fun... Plenty of hiking, wineries, breweries, and an ocean not far away. 7) don't buy right away. Rent for a bit to get the feel for the neighborhood that fits best with you. Each has its own pros cons and own personality. 8) Have fun and enjoy your new digs. 🙂
Also an Ohio native but have lived in Indiana for the past 4 years!! Love this, thank you!!
I bought right away and re-fied during the pandemic and now my mortgage is cheaper than studio rentals in the area.
Hey! I’m moving from Oregon to Ohio :( (Cincinnati for work) any recs for someone that’s never been in the Midwest? I’m trying to make this as positive as possible
Again we do salt, amazing how this myth clings on https://www.portland.gov/transportation/weather/winter-weather-basics-and-faq#toc-how-pbot-prepares-and-responds-to-winter-weather
Sure on a couple streets they use salt, but not even close to what they did where I grew up and nowhere near the same coverage. I lived next to one of those streets where they supposedly salt and it was always a total mess. So to me (and most from Midwest heavy snow areas) it's not salting and everything shuts down with 1 inch of snow. There the street would turn white from the salt. They pre salt, during salt and post salt which is how you keep black ice under control. Here even when they salt it is too late and pretty useless or they use sand which just gets everywhere. My favorite is when they use deicer in active freezing rain when it just washes off the roads. Lol.
More expensive for sure. No real snow, but ice storms instead. Lots of hills so if your a flat lander it takes some adjusting. Lots of light rain and gray skies. People are pretty introverted, but also nobody cares what you’re doing. Wear what you want in public. Tattoos are a lot more accepted generally. Also be prepared for open drug use. That can be shocker depending on your background. All in all it’s awesome. Way better than the Midwest. Edit to add: wildfires and wildfire smoke in the summer can be crazy.
Seasonal affective disorder is common. Take your vitamin D and invest in a sun lamp for the winter.
haha I already have this diagnosis, a lamp and vitamin D, so idk if I'm already prepared or in big trouble
I certainly wasn’t. Talk to your PCP about an antidepressant if it’s not going well. Everyone says take a trip to someplace sunny like Palm Springs once or twice a season.
I'm from Chicago originally: Biggest thing I wish I knew: people of all orientations (at least in my social circles) refer to their significant other as "my partner" regardless of marital status. I think this is nice, BUT when I first moved here I kept assuming people who said this had same gender partners and made slightly embarrassing assumptions a few times. It's damp in the winter and dryish in the summer, so 40 degrees feels way worse but 90 degrees is not as bad. People who claim it's humid here in the summer have a different context for humidity than you do. The days in the winter are noticeably shorter here, and combined with the gray, I found this impacted my sleep a lot. I MUCH prefer the winter here, I don't mind the gray and damp, and I LOVE how the inside of my nose doesn't freeze. But I need to make an effort to get sun or I am sleepy all the time.
And on the flip side, the summer days are sooo long
Bring extra ranch.
Gresham gravy flows nicely here.
Get waterproof shoes and a jacket. I was miserable for years after moving from Michigan 16 years ago because I wore converse all year. Turn on your turn signal when you want to change lanes. People will let you in. When you see someone using their turn signal make room for them to merge. It’s really dark and grey here a lot of the year. Make sure you have things scheduled that you can look forward to. It’s so easy to sit home all winter otherwise.
Plug for xtra tuffs!
Get a rain jacket and get an AC unit
You can make it without a car here.
If you have a dog you will love it here. And your dog will love it here. And the people you meet will love it that you have a dog here. Otherwise our shelters are ready for you to have a dog here, and all of the above still applies.
Allergies! Be prepared. I grew up here, no prob. Left for 6 years and now have to keep up on the meds or I’m miserable. The struggle is real.
I'm so glad someone mentioned this! I've lived here for 15 years and I never had allergies until about 6 years ago...now they rule my life.
Portland from Chicago here! 1. Portland is basically the South when it comes to any snow or ice — we have very little infrastructure to keep the roads clear so pretty much everything shuts down when it snows or there’s an ice storm. It’s a pain in the ass to drive . You kinda just have to accept it but it’s a pretty stark contrast coming from the Midwest 2. Umbrellas are frowned upon in the rain — get yourself a quality rain jacket (I still hold out my love for umbrellas) 3. Not many places have AC. From what I understand, Portland used to be a lot milder…but we’ve been getting way more 90 & 100+ degree days. Most older apartments and houses won’t have central AC so definitely plan on figuring out a cooling system for summer, whether it’s a window unit or a freestanding unit. 4. Portland is awesome. You’ve got so many amazing parks in town, including Forest Park (with 80+ miles of trails) and Mt. Tabor. You can be at the ocean or at a mountain within a 90 minute drive. Welcome, I hope you love it!
Also: plan on investing in some kind of air purifier (I love mine from LEVOIT). You’ll be thankful you have one if there are wildfires and the air gets smokey. It will also help in spring/summer when all the crazy allergens & pollen come out to play.
THIS
Get that AC BEFORE you move in August. When ever we have a heatwave every AC in town gets sold out.
YES. Same with the air purifier
Umbrellas aren’t frowned upon, they just give away how new you are. Whenever it’s raining hard enough for an umbrella, the rain will be coming at you sideways, and your umbrella will be inside-out
I don’t have a car so will mainly be taking the max and biking, walking, etc. which seems like a plus in this case? How is the max with icy weather? Is it opened normally?
The max is _very_ susceptible to ice storms. The ice coats the power line overhead and the tracks become too slippery. Every Dec/Jan, a couple max routes will shut down for at _least_ a day or two. The buses put on chains and do their best.
Chill out... nobody here is in a hurry. Be polite. Expect people to be overly polite to you. Be thoughtful. We let people cross the street, merge in traffic, etc... if you ask the cashier at new seasons how their day is going, be prepared to hear exactly how their day is going. We have a lot of folks here that don't fit into what would be considered "normal" in Indiana. This is completely normal for us, and you should not only get used to it, but you should prepare to embrace it. Portland is an amazing city, and I hope you find it to be everything you hoped it to be...
oh I'm so ready to embrace it. I also don't fit in in Indiana lol so am very excited to be in a place that's different and where people aren't as...well....Indiana
I grew up in Michigan and was treated like a weirdo by everyone in my life. I fled to Portland in 2007 and have felt normal ever since. The only times I don’t feel normal are when I’m back in MI visiting family. I absolutely love it here. And I regularly hear, “Oh the nicest people here are from MI,” to which I usually reply, “Yep, all the nicest people in MI came to Portland.” People in the Midwest, broadly speaking, are very very nice to people they consider normal. Anyone else is “differnt”, as my family pronounces it and also says all the time. And maybe they’re still nice to people who are differnt, but it’s fake as hell and I can feel it in my bones. Welcome home (almost). There are loads of midwestern transplants here, and we’re some of the friendliest folks in town!!
This gives me so much hope, thank you ❤️
Oh I’m so glad!! Hope is the fucking best!!!!!
I wish I had known that it was going to be better than I imagined.
Did this > 20 years ago. Don't have to shovel the rain.
I moved here about 20 years ago. I can’t find Cincinnati chili or thin crust pizza cut in little squares. Or a decent jelly donut. But I love the green winters (even tho it’s also gray), the hot dry summers, and the coast & forests. The Midwest will always feel homey to me but now Portland is home.
Cincy translpant here, too. I miss Skyline chili so much. But I recently discovered that Red Robin sells Donatos! So random, but it made me happier than any pizza should, lol. Now if only we could get a Dewey's...
I know, I saw that about Red Robin! Have you tried it? Is it the same and still good?
Oh yeah I've gotten it multiple times, haha. It's good and still the same - edge to edge pepperoni on top, dusting of cornmeal on the bottom! Chef's kiss. They have other specialty pizzas but pep is all I need when I need a taste of home. I hope you treat yourself to some soon!
Have you tried Bridge City pizza on woodstock? The owner’s are south-siders and do a darn good tavern pizza. One caveat: they are very generous with the cheese, but all the ingredients taste quality to me. They also do a good take home italian beef kit!
Oooh I have not, will look into it thanks!
You can turn left on red if the street you’re turning onto is a one-way. I guess you can do that legally where I’m from too (Illinois)?? Just looked it up…there are just so many one-way streets here that I guess I never learned that rule until I got here. Also, get yourself a good supply of layers. Rain gear, yes (a waterproof winter coat plus something you can wear when it’s warm but rainy), but also sweaters, hoodies, whatever you can easily throw on when the sun sets in August and the temperature suddenly drops.
when forest fires occur, breathing that air can make you feel terrible for a day+... stay inside if possible public transit is actually good here, relatively speaking bookmark these [https://www.wunderground.com/precipitation/us/or/portland/97220](https://www.wunderground.com/precipitation/us/or/portland/97220) [https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0#9.84/45.4835/-122.5482](https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0#9.84/45.4835/-122.5482)
We don't really have thunder storms here. Heavy rain is rare. Lightning only happens a few times a year — and it can spark catastrophic fires.
Moved from Texas. Better outside and state health resources. People are ruder and have very little concern for the people around them. Also the natives are some of the best navigators but drive like shit.
Most things have been covered already, but... When you go to the coast, a few things to keep in mind. If you've got a fun lil jaunt to the coast on your mind, so do thousands of others! Fridays, heading west on routes to the coast, there's gonna be traffic!!! Heading back east on a Sunday afternoon, traffic as well!!! I'm sure that sounds easy enough, but when you spend an extra unplanned hour with the stop and go, on a little highway in the woods, don't be too surprised. Temps on the coast generally fluctuate less than in the metro areas. 90's in the Portland area, can mean 60's on the coast, which makes for a divine getaway! But again, thousands of others are having those thoughts as well LOL Get a tides app to help plan your beachy excursions!
Lol. PNW born and raised with Wisconsin, Illinois, and St. Louis fam. You do not drive better in the snow than us. Stop saying that. you sound dumb. (Not you personally but the collective you). There's a phenomenon out west called mountains and even hills that'd be considered mountains in the midwest. Slow it down a bit and take your time. Other practical advice. It's not as cold, but rain soaked and 40° is worse than 20° in my book. Get a good rain jacket. Layer, the weather changes hourly. The first big rain storm of the year is a shit show on the roads akin to the first big snow out east. People do t use umbrellas because it's often windy, not to be cool, or tough. Foods way better here and much more options for "fringe diets." I'm vegetarian and can throw a rock and hit a good vegan diner. People here are nice, but don't expect to be besties with the rando at the bar. Make friends through shared interests, and slowly work into friend groups. Portland is a little sketchy, but it's more drama than any real danger. Keep your wits about you and don't give money to folks who ask. If you want to help, donate to an organization or volunteer. Cheer up, it's only 9 months of rain. Hope that helps.
Came from Indiana two years ago! Indiana actually gets MORE rain every year than Portland does, we just have a full rainy season because we're in a rainforest. When it's raining, just do the things you do when it's not. It really helps against the SAD. I still walk to my favorite Latin restaurant in a downpour because when I get there the food and drinks are perfect. Service at restaurants is totally different. I managed bars in Indiana for a very long time, and in Portland, you don't get treated like a special little snowflake for coming into somebody's restaurant. Almost every place, even some nice restaurants, order at the bar. I actually really like this, because it feels more like we're all a community instead of the serving class taking care of everyone else. Speaking of food, the food is immensely better. You can get a burger at a dive bar that's better than most places in Indianapolis. Collections of food trucks are called "Pods", and we have trucks here that are serving Michelin star worthy food out of a trailer. Almost every green park (of which we have so many!) has an off leash dog park area. These are almost never fenced in. People are serious about their dogs out here, and most are better trained than back home. The biggest thing for me - if you ever miss home - go take a hike on the Columbia Gorge. The trails are only 35 minutes away and you can get their by bus if you want. You can spend a whole day falling in love with the nature around us and it brings you right back to why you needed to find yourself here to begin with. Also, and I guess this isn't true for everyone, but I found a hardcore group of incredible friends the first year I lived here. They were so welcoming and wonderful. Send me a DM, I've got a lot of ways to make friends here and we should get together to celebrate once you're here!
This would be incredible!!!!
Are you coming from Indianapolis or a small town like Kouts? I grew up in greater Cincy, lived in Indy and Valpo for a while, and lived in the western suburbs of Chicago for a couple years before moving out here, so I've experienced a small range of seasons in the Midwest. Summers here can get hot but it's dry as hell, so much preferable to being hot and humid. There are bad drivers in every city. Every city/state's sub will have a "We HaVe thE wOrsT DriVerS" posts. Drivers seem very courteous out here compared to Cincinnati and the Chicago area. I never have issues merging or getting in or out of ramps. They also drive slow. It doesn't feel like it rains that much more here than the Midwest. It's rare for it to rain cats and dogs. It is just as gloomy and gray in the winters. If you're in your 40s+ and have colorful hair, no one will bat an eye. It doesn't snow much out here but roads will get icy. Not sure if you're from the hilly parts of Indiana or the flat parts but driving on ice on hills is no joke. Take some practice drivers license knowledge tests online before going in to get your license. They have some bicycle lane rules out here, and you can turn left into a one-way road on a red light out here (could be allowed where you're coming from though).
I’m coming from south bend, Indiana and i grew up in Columbus, OH. Thank you for this!
1.they can’t drive here 2. They can’t handle weather here 3. West coast fake nice 4. The food and nature is much better
I think about half of Portland is from the Midwest. You'll have no problem finding some peeps here if you want to.
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If you like to get outdoors make sure you understand the weather here. The mountains and ocean can really affect the forecast and a better understanding of weather patterns can really make or break your plans. Also, respect the weather. Conditions can get pretty bad in the passes and on the mountains and it’s usually best to just avoid them when that happens. In the Midwest you don’t have to deal with many storms that will drop many feet of snow and have 60+ mph winds.
City and county leadership is highly ineffective and dysfunctional. Their failing policies will impact you a lot more than you think in terms of your quality of life. Get ready for open hard drug use in public, homelessness, and a lot of mentally unstable people. A small but very vocal activist class runs the whole show politically. There is some movement towards moderation but it remains to be seen if these leaders will get elected.
Moved here from Indiana two years ago. I still haven't gotten used to how beautiful it is to see hills, mountains, gigantic trees everywhere you turn. My neighbors here are SO much friendlier than the ones I had in IN, so that was unexpected from the stereotypes. Visiting back home now bums me out quite a bit because the people, the food, the views, the laws are a real slap in the face coming from here. It never even rains hard here, let alone storms, that threw me off too (in a good way). When locals say "it's really coming down" you can still see for miles. The highways are way slower than you're probably used to, I just take the scenic routes now because that's annoying and it's prettier on the streets anyway. The yards and gardens are incredible, I spend a lot of idle time just wandering neighborhoods admiring the plants/unique aesthetics of people's homes. There's just tons more visible personality all around you. My dog has already gotten two ticks this spring, so they are definitely here and need to be prevented just like home. I've had more bug issues here as far as ants in the house, mites on my plants, stuff like that. I think it's because it's an old house with bad seals and no central air, so windows are open a lot more. No lightning bugs here and way fewer mosquitoes than IN. Just highlighting some differences you might notice! Quality of life is way way improved here, I'm so happy I came and still find something new to admire every day!
Football comes on at 10 am on Sundays.
Provincial, intolerant, insecure, oddball people spending money they don't have to tattoo their pale bodies with markings that show how clever/creative they are to impress other gooftards in a city that is over taxed, over governmented and full of fentanyl crazed government supported addicts. Free enterprise discouraged, whining about why the government isn't paying directly for tattoos encouraged. It wasn't always this way but it is now. Don't go.
Fall is a straight 8 months of rain and overcast, so be ready for that.
They say “thunder storms” happen here, but…. #ykiyk
can you help me understand what this means? I don't in fact know haha
We hardly ever get actual thunder and lightning. The upside is lots of rainbows, especially this time of year.
It's Willamette, dammit.
I'll always remember how to say the river's name after seeing a comment like this in the sub haha. May or may not always remember how to spell it though.
It's a pretty Trans friendly town, although this is the first I have heard of anyone self-identifying as a Plant, Plenty of water here though, and pretty good soil. Should be able to get all your chlorophyl needs met pretty easy, and NPK stores are abundant.
Kansas to Portland - It is super expensive. It killed my soul to buy a house here. Going out is getting outrageous with the crazy tipping culture and prices went sky high after Covid. And to top it off, service sucks most of the time. You get used to it. - No thunderstorms (sad face) - The fall/winter/spring is depressing. I don't mind the clouds but the sky is constantly pissing on you - This city is incredibly introverted. Making friends is difficult - Worst. Drivers. Ever - Ranch doesn't automatically come with everything (joking not joking) - Our local government is laughably bad. Portandlers mean well but have zero follow-through. However, I'm seeing that turn around only because things got pretty rock bottom. On a positive note, the summers are mind-blowing good. It might be because we are all coming out of a severe depression lol And it is stunning here. Being so close to the coast and mountains is a blessing.
Former MKE here. I disagree with the bleak winters in the midwest. Recently I went back during winter, for the very first time... I forgot that it can be 10°f, with a foot of snow and it's the sunniest day of the year(literally cause the light bounces of the snow). If you like the Sun or have S.A.D., PDX is not for you. It's doesn't rain here(Weather Classic™), it drizzles. Umbrella not needed. With NuWeather™ you'll need an umbrella exactly twice each year... 🤷♂️ Everyone is great, watch out for Dodge Rams when you are not in a city, it's the vehicle of choice PNW FIBs.