You’ve Lived in Oregon for Far Too Long if You’ve Gone Through Any of These Ten Experiences

Posted by Zohn 3 Min Read July 8, 2025
You've Lived in Oregon for Far Too Long if You've Gone Through Any of These Ten Experiences

Oregon life has its own quirks, habits, and inside jokes. If you recognize yourself in these ten experiences, you might just be a true Oregonian—whether you meant to be or not.

1. You Judge All Clothing by Its Waterproof Rating

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Shopping for a new jacket? If your first question is “But how waterproof is it?” you’ve definitely adapted to Oregon’s legendary rain.

2. You’ve Argued Over the Best Local Craft Beer

You have strong opinions about which microbrewery does IPAs right, and you’d choose a local pint over an import every time.

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3. You Don’t Even Notice the Rain Anymore

You’ve stopped using umbrellas for anything less than a downpour, and phrases like “That’s not rain, that’s a light mist” come naturally.

4. You’ve Mastered the Art of Pumping Gas—Or Not

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You know the rules about self-serve versus full-serve gas stations, and you’ve had at least one out-of-state friend marvel at Oregon’s unique gas-pumping laws.

5. You Plan Your Weekends Around the Weather—But Go Out Anyway

You’re used to unpredictable weather and know the drill: “Don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes.” But rain rarely stops your plans for hiking, biking, or exploring waterfalls.

6. You’ve Used “Keep Portland Weird” Unironically

Whether you live in Portland or just visit, you embrace the city’s unofficial motto and its celebration of all things quirky and offbeat.

7. You’re a Coffee Snob (and Proud of It)

You can taste the difference between roasters, have a favorite local café, and know that Stumptown isn’t just a brand—it’s a way of life.

8. You’ve Braked for a Craft Fair or Farmers Market

You’ve made an unplanned stop for a roadside craft fair or local produce, and you know that “I brake for craft fairs” isn’t just a bumper sticker—it’s a lifestyle.

9. You’ve Used “The Mountain Is Out!” as an Excuse to Skip Work

When Mount Hood finally emerges from the clouds, you drop everything to enjoy the view—because you know it won’t last long.

10. You’ve Debated the Merits of Filberts vs. Hazelnuts

You know that “filberts” is just the Oregonian way of saying “hazelnuts,” and you’ll defend the local term with pride.

Sources:

  1. https://www.movoto.com/guide/or/you-live-in-southern-oregon/
  2. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/trip-ideas/oregon/explain-or
  3. https://www.movoto.com/blog/things-people-from-oregon-are-tired-of-explaining/
  4. https://wheninyourstate.com/oregon/12-quirky-sayings-that-only-people-from-oregon-understand/