Here are 10 things you might never expect to miss after leaving Oregon, based on common sentiments from people who have moved away:
- Access to Mountains, Coast, and Forests
Many miss Oregon’s unique combination of natural landscapes-majestic mountains, the rugged coastline, and lush forests-that are easily accessible from many parts of the state. - No Sales Tax
Oregon’s lack of sales tax on items like clothes and shoes is often missed by those who move to states where sales tax is common. - High-Quality Drinking Water
The taste and quality of Oregon’s tap water is frequently noted as superior, leading people to miss it when they move elsewhere. - Exceptional Coffee and Craft Beer
Oregon’s coffee culture and craft beer scene, especially in Portland, are hard to find elsewhere. People find themselves missing the local microbrews and quality coffee shops. - The Outdoors and Hiking Trails
The abundance of hiking trails, waterfalls (Oregon has over 238), and outdoor activities like skiing and camping make it difficult for many to adjust to other places. - Friendly and Courteous People
Many former residents mention missing the generally friendly, laid-back, and welcoming mindset of Oregonians, including courteous drivers. - The Greenery and Clean Air
Oregon’s lush greenery and clean air quality stand out, making other places feel less vibrant and harder to breathe in comparison. - Unique Local Foods
Items like Juanita’s chips (now Juantonios), Tillamook cheese, and local wines are often missed by those who leave. - Legal and Affordable Cannabis
Oregon’s progressive cannabis laws and affordable prices are something some people find hard to give up. - The Sense of Solitude and Space
Oregon offers a rare combination of natural beauty and solitude, which is much harder to find in more urban or crowded areas.
Additional things people miss include the Oregon coastline’s unique character (not just sandy beaches), the presence of volcanoes like Mt. Hood, and the strong local sports culture around teams like the Oregon Ducks and Beavers.
These elements combine to create a lifestyle and environment that many find difficult to replicate elsewhere, leading to unexpected homesickness for Oregon’s natural beauty, culture, and quality of life.
Sources:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/oregon/comments/1hf3kbj/if_you_ever_left_oregon_what_would_you_miss_the/
- https://www.movoto.com/blog/leaving-oregon/
- https://www.buzzfeed.com/adamellis/things-you-miss-after-moving-away-from-portland
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g28958-i237-k1191862-Things_I_miss_about_Oregon-Oregon.html
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/oregon/things-people-miss-about-or
