By Sharon Bloudek, April 26, 2019
By Sharon Bloudek, April 26, 2019
Welcome to Oregon! Smart Move. Move Smart.
Part 2
It all started for me 28 years ago when I first stepped onto this land – I knew I had to be here. 22 years ago I made the move when I joined a local volunteer program and then attended graduate school at University of Oregon, and I could never contemplate moving back. I can honestly say Oregon is an amazing place to live, work, and play. I will try to give you some insights below, but there is too much to mention! Check out some links in Part One to find out more, or give me a call if you are thinking of relocating to Oregon or Portland, I am happy to share all I know!
Let me begin by sharing our house inventory is low, but our house prices are lower than most other urban areas on the west coast. It might be too simple to say we are popular because we are full of great things – Micro-breweries (Beervana!) and incredible vineyards, abundant farmer’s markets and world -renowned restaurants. People also come because we bike and hike here a lot. (FYI-We have high standards for a raincoat, but we have an aversion to umbrellas!). For foodies, we have all the seasons, so we have all the delicious ingredients! I love picking my own fruit, though I eat more in the field, than I bring home. They should really weigh me before and after.
We are sometimes called the silicon forest because of our global leading high-tech and sustainability industries. But I think it’s our wonderous landscapes of every variety and climate that will amaze you and allow you to fulfill every outdoor dream you didn’t know you had. You will also be able to find peace here.
You should know, our landscape is so beautifully green and fresh because it rains here, (but never as bad as Seattle!), even though our Summers are pretty dry. There is a reason why our well-known beverages taste SO good- our drinking water is awesome (straight from the faucet!). Without a doubt, you can easily get used to someone else pumping your gas. And most importantly, chocolatiers and coffeehouses roast their own beans here!
We make fun of our very polite road manners. But from my perspective Oregonians are genuinely polite and caring in every aspect of everyday life. For those of you with families; my kids get to be kids here.
Between us, we admit reluctantly that the T.V. show Portlandia is sometimes too close to the mark. But we are proud that we are quirky, artistic and eco-minded. We like to think we embrace new people and assimilate them into our ways- which is cherishing where we live, being kind and friendly to each other, not beeping our horns, and trying to not take ourselves too seriously.
Welcome to Oregon.