Shame on you Amber! You are living in California complaining about Californians since you are a native Oregonian I consider that a bit of hypocrisy! I grew up in California and have spent the past ten years in here Portland which is an awesome place to live! Who cares where other people are from...do you really know that the "Californians" you are complaining about are native Californians. I could care less where someone if from(since you sometimes cannot help where you are from). A simple rule to live by is to be nice to everyone and if they are rude...then totally ignore it. Even super nice folks that don't appear friendly may be pre-occupied with their own stuff and not in the mood to interact with a cheery stranger.
ilovesalad | Portland, OR | Report Abuse

I have to agree with you about San Diego, I moved there with my wife and just hated it. Just like you said the people where just really cold and unhappy and mean. But only one disagreement, my wife went to law school there and most people we knew were liberals, so I don't think being lib or conservative has anything to do with why the people in SD are not very nice on a whole.
Bill | Nevada City, CA | Report Abuse

I'm sorry your experience with Californians has been less than pleasant but please do take a few things before passing judgment on your experience with "Californians": 1) Not everyone that resides in California, is born/raised there. 2) California is a large state, much larger than Oregon in comparison and as someone that has made her way back and forth between both ends of the state and actually spent time in the differing regions, I cannot ignore the differences that exist between them in terms of attitudes. L.A. area: Ambitious, stressed, very concerned with appearance & status, rush rush rush!, Starbucks -EVERYWHERE! Central: Tends to be more agricultural, more laid back, not all that rushed, appreciative of the sweat required to grow much of the nation and state's food supplies Bay Area: Great appreciation for diversity, liberal, laid-back, doesn't care so much about appearances (think Pixar, Craigslist, and Google!), appreciation for "hippies" and organic/natural movements San Diego Area: Laid back, "enjoy the sun & surf!"
Catherine | Upland, CA | Report Abuse

That may be true but stop moving ue here. We don't need your money.
Jeff | Corvallis, OR | Report Abuse

In California overcrowding, stiff competition for good paying jobs, high cost of living, freeway snarls--all can bring out aggression, rudeness, and impatience. It doesn't, however, mean that these same people are inherently bad--just having a tough time or momentarily losing self-control. Given an aggravating set of conditions, who hasn't lost their cool or said something nasty to a stranger? Generally, the less crowded and stressful a person's environment, the more friendly and laid back they are apt to be. Maybe living in the most populous, competitive state in the nation just isn't for you. Otherwise, grow a thicker skin.
James | Washington, DC | Report Abuse

I live in San Diego and haven't had anyone treat me that way. The pace is very different, and people tend to move on to new things all the time. But I love San Diego - it is full of kick back people who just want to enjoy life and get along while still being somewhat conservative. It's a great balance and is why it is one of the best places to live. We are thinking of moving to Portland and after reading some of the views here, I'm not so sure the people are as nice as they are here! yikes.
Michelle | Escondido, CA | Report Abuse

It's ridiculous to label all Californian's like that. You have to take people on an individual basis.
Nick | Sacramento, CA | Report Abuse

I am sorry but I have to disagree with what you said about ALL Californians. It is unfortunate that you have obviously had some bad experiences with people in the state, but lumping everyone into one category is prejudiced. There are bad people everywhere, even in Oregon. And I believe that you get back from the world what you give to the world.
Ravengirl | San Rafael, CA | Report Abuse

This is directed to Ravengirl: Darlin', listen... never once did she use the word "all" to describe the undesirable traits of many Californians. It's called a generalization. Not only was I an Army brat and lived in a dozen or so cities through childhood, but I've lived in California for 10 years and Amber's observations are hardly unfounded. Have you ever driven from Southern California to Oregon? I have. Twice. I know it's the tip of the iceberg, but you notice as soon as you get north of the SF Bay area (especially once you cross the Cal-Oregon border) more laid-back and courteous motorists. You can tell a whole lot by how people are in an area by the way they drive. Try living in Santa Clarita, CA where I live. You would not believe the impatience on the roads. MOST Californians are not this obnoxious. But too many are. Oregon lacks this sort of behavior to a great degree.
Scott | Valencia, CA | Report Abuse