So You Wanna Be a Portlandian? A Guide to Moving to the City of Roses (and Rain)
Ah, Portland. Where the coffee flows like a mighty river (almost as mighty as the Willamette!), the microbrews are plentiful, and the residents have a deep and abiding love for all things flannel. But before you pack your Birkenstocks and your undying devotion to keeping things weird, here's a helpful guide to navigating the move to Portland like a seasoned pro.
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| How To Move To Portland Oregon |
Step 1: Embrace the Great Indoors (Because Let's Be Honest, It Rains Sometimes)
Yes, Portland is known for its drizzle. But hey, that just means more time to cozy up in a coffee shop and contemplate the meaning of life, or perfect your latte art skills (because a true Portlander can foam a heart with their eyes closed... or maybe one eye open, depending on the sleep deprivation caused by aforementioned drizzle).
Pro Tip: Invest in a good raincoat. Like, a really good one. Because an umbrella? So yesterday's news.
Step 2: Pick Your Tribe and Find Your Neighborhood
Portland is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own quirky charm. Want a taste of history? Head to Irvington with its stately Victorians. Craving a hipster haven? Alberta Arts District is your jam. Do kombucha fountains and vegan everything speak to your soul? Welcome to the Kerns!
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
Don't worry, there's a place for everyone in Portland. (Except maybe people who dislike kombucha fountains. We can work on that.)
Step 3: Speak the Lingo
A few helpful phrases to get you by:
- "Welcome to Portland, it's not Seattle." (This is a mantra, repeat often)
- "I bike everywhere." (Even if you secretly yearn for the comfort of four wheels)
- "Those donuts? Life-changing." (Because they probably are)
Bonus points for working in a reference to a local band nobody outside of Portland has ever heard of.
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
Step 4: Gird Your Loins for the Housing Hunt
Portland's housing market is, well, let's just say it keeps things interesting. Be prepared to move fast, and maybe offer a kidney (only metaphorically... hopefully). But hey, once you snag that perfect spot, you'll be living in a city consistently ranked as one of the most livable in the US. So it's worth the metaphorical kidney, right?
FAQ
How to find a job in Portland?
Network like crazy! Portland is all about who you know. Also, check out job boards like Mac's List.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
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How to survive the rain?
Embrace it! Seriously, good rain gear and a positive attitude are your best weapons.
How to find the weird in Portland?
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Don't worry, it will find you. From the Saturday Market to the quirky museums, weirdness is practically woven into the city fabric.
How to perfect my Portland accent?
There isn't really one, but developing a healthy dose of sarcasm is a good start.
How to make friends in Portland?
Strike up conversations with people waiting in line for coffee or browsing the record store. Portland is a friendly city, so don't be shy!
So there you have it! With a little planning and a lot of enthusiasm, you'll be well on your way to becoming a full-fledged Portlandian. Just remember, keep it weird, embrace the rain, and those donuts? Life-changing.
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