I didn’t know Oregonians hated Californians. I didn’t know I would get a cold snarl from the worker at the poorly lit DMV on South Liberty when I handed in my California I.D. I didn’t know the pastor of a prominent local church would poke fun at potential supporters moving north into his community in lieu of cheaper housing. And most of all, I didn’t know Salem was such a great city.
My name is Chip Conrad. I have lived everywhere. Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Texas, and even Nevada. But this last move, in which I came to Salem, was from California. After getting married this past August to a native Salemite I figured I should bring her home. I was ready for a change and I knew my wife would love to get back to her roots. After all, a happy wife a happy life, right?
We didn’t just blindly move though. I did my research first. Affordable housing, no rush hour, and no sales tax were all I needed to hear. We packed up the Neo-Uhaul, aka Budget truck, and migrated north.
Upon arrival I was stricken speechless. The weather was great. Our “cheap” rental was way nicer than the pictures on Craigslist and we happened to narrowly miss the snowstorm of the century. Needless to say my wife and could have easily been described as bright eyed and bushy tailed.
It wasn’t until I started the humbling experience of getting to know the people of Salem that I discovered a softly spoken rule: Oregonians hate Californians.
Proud of my move, I would freely tell everyone where I was from until the fact that I was not indigenous started hurting my ability to join the community. Bank tellers ignoring me, the D.M.V. skipping over my number, cops pulling me over for no reason, I quickly changed to Oregon plates and kept my mouth shut about my recent move.
Now, I have learned to blend in. Though, I am sure people can still pick me out from my straight-leg jeans or the fact that I’m pushing 40 and still ride my skateboard to the store. But it’s not like me to be quiet. I’m suggesting a Friends of Californians Alliance. Lets all just get along. Look at what we Californians have to offer. The fact that we can stay up later than 10 p.m. improves the revenue of the restaurants downtown and I think a Surf Shop on Commercial would be a hit. I’m a Californian and I’m okay with that. Can we call a truce? After all, you can’t keep Salem a secret forever. This is a great city.
From what I here people actually do hold a bit of a prejudice towards people from California. Unlike others, I’m not some rich Californian that sold his/her house and wrecked havoc on Oregon’s economy. I just grew up and California, grew out of it, and realize that it’s a better place to just visit. Lived in San Francisco, North Bay, whole life. San Francisco is a good example, it’s like a big carnival that you live in day to day. Oregon is much more calm, less noisy, better weather. I personally don’t have anything against people from either state, if you look hard enough you’ll find mean people or nice people, just depends on what your focus is.
Chip, yes its that Tiger, miss you back home in FL. FYI, I’m not fond of Californians either. At least not their governments, apparent lifestyles, thoughts and views. I also agree with you we needs some sort of Oregonian Peace Treaty or something. I can get past my prejudice.
Good article.
Oregon has better weather than SF/Bay area, Justin? You must be albino or something.
We will be moving to oregon from Az..scared! Will Phoenicians be rejected?
Now I have been wanting to move to Oregon for a few years now. I just love everything about climate and vibe. It’s beautiful and green; plus I LOVE RAIN. However, this whole prejudice towards Californians is really off putting. Not all of us are rich, stuck up snobs looking to over develop. Some of us are trying to get away from that, we want the serenity and slower pace. So why judge an entire state of people based on a few greedy bastards. You cant tell me that their are NO developers or rich snobs in Oregon. If I move there will I find it impossible to find work with a Cali resume? Will I be friendless? Will my kids be ostracized for having no control on where hey were born? It just seems crazy to me lol.