Oregon is a very special place; it’s unlike anywhere else on earth. For that reason, there are some things about our day-to-day life that people from out of town don’t quite understand. From (sometimes) pumping our own gas to our unyielding love of craft beer and specialty coffee, here are a few stereotypes about Oregon that often require some explanation to non-Oregonians. Whether you’ve lived here just a few years or your entire life, chances are you’ll identify with at least a few of the following Oregon traits:

1. We're serious about our craft beer.
flickr/ Karen Neoh
There are tons of amazing microbreweries all over Oregon, making incredible, unique beer. So, it's really no surprise that 9 times out of 10 we'd choose a local craft beer over an import. When it comes to living in Oregon, an appreciation of craft beer belongs at the top of the list.
2. And coffee, too.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters / Facebook
Just as Oregonians love their craft beer, the same goes with craft coffee. We have countless wonderful cafes and coffee roasters all over Oregon, including the famous Stumptown Coffee, based in Portland. While our neighbors to the north are often considered to be the coffee aficionados of the U.S., we in Oregon know the real truth.
3. We don't always have to pump our own gas.
Joe Goldberg / flickr
It may seem strange to people who aren't from here (or New Jersey), but it's actually normal to have an attendant pump your gas in Oregon. In fact, until relatively recently, pumping your own gas was illegal. Depending on the county you're in, you might be greeted by an attendant that will help you out.
4. We really, truly appreciate the beauty of nature.
flickr/ Howard Ignatius
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone from Oregon who doesn't absolutely love the beauty of the state. From the mountains to the coast, Oregon is blessed with a treasure trove of natural wonders.
5. We recycle.
flickr/ Meriwether Lewis Elementary School
Oregonians tend to be a pretty eco-friendly bunch. Most of us do our best to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost, and we expect that you will too. In fact, Oregon was the second state to pass legislation pass legislation restricting single-use plastic straws throughout the state.
6. We wear sweaters at the beach.
Siri Stafford / Getty Images
The Oregon coast is incredibly beautiful, but it certainly isn't a tropical paradise. We tend to wear sweaters at the beach, as opposed to swim suits. However, if you can brave the chilly water, power to you!

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7. Not everyone in Oregon lives in Portland.
flickr/ Thomas Hawk
This one seems obvious, but sometimes it just needs to be said outright. Portland is definitely the most well-known place in Oregon, but that doesn't mean it's all we have to offer. Portland is a wonderful city, but you'd be missing out to ignore some of the smaller towns and rural communities in our great state.
8. Even as adults, we love to play outside.
flickr/ Baker County Tourism
Skiing, hiking, fishing, windsurfing, rock climbing, kayaking; you name it, we love it! One major Oregon trait is a cultivated work-life balance. That means working hard to support ourselves and our loved ones but also taking time to enjoy all that our state has to offer.
9. We don't do sales tax.
flickr/ Kenny Louie
That's right! There's no sales tax in Oregon, so what you see in the store will actually cost the number on the price tag. On the other hand, Oregonians also lament the fact that the state has some of the highest personal tax rates in the country.
10. We have amazing food carts.
flickr/ Stacy Clinton
Often, people overlook food carts when visiting a city. However, many cities in Oregon have tons of delicious food carts that are just as good as a restaurant.
11. Oregon has it all, geologically speaking.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
From the mountains to deserts, beaches, forests, and plains, you can travel through all kinds of varied landscapes without ever leaving the state. It's really no wonder that lots of stereotypes about Oregon involve the outdoors.
12. If you spend too much time here, you may never want to leave.
flickr/ Scott McCracken
Be warned: Oregon is almost too good to be true. As one of the most beautiful states in the country, Oregon attracts folks from all across the world who eventually love it so much, they decide to make the move. And who could blame them?

What are your thoughts on these stereotypes about Oregon? Are there any that you identify with, or perhaps some that you might add to the list? Feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

For related content, be sure to check out these 10 words and phrases only Oregonians understand.

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More to Explore

Stereotypes About Oregon

Beth C. | April 14, 2020

What are some interesting things about Oregon?

With so many diverse landscapes and a fascinating history, there are endless interesting things to learn about Oregon. To start with, the state is home to the deepest river gorge in the U.S., known as Hells Canyon. This beautiful landmark is located in eastern Oregon and remains relatively underrated when compared to some of Oregon's other geological wonders. For more information about Hells Canyon, also referred to as the Little Grand Canyon of Oregon, click here. Another fascinating Oregon trait is that the state has the most abandoned ghost towns in the country.

What are Oregonians known for?

Among many things, Oregonians are perhaps best known for their love of the great outdoors. This comes as no surprise, given how many incredible hiking trails, bike routes, and natural wonders there are to enjoy in the Beaver State. One of the top Oregon outdoor attractions is Crater Lake National Park, located in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon. Three Sisters is another popular destination and is made up of three closely-spaced volcanoes.

What is the most popular Oregon stereotype?

One of the most popular stereotypes about Oregon is how much residents love their craft beer. There's a joke that expresses a near-truth: if an Oregonian doesn't have a craft beer in hand, he or she is most likely holding a coffee. Of course, not everyone in Oregon partakes in coffee and/or beer, but the Beaver State is renowned for producing some of the finest hops and beans in the world. Another popular stereotype about Oregon is their love of being original. Oregon has been known to love tradition and also embrace its trend-setters.

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