A Warm (Even if it’s cloudy) Welcome to Oregon: The New Mecca for Remote Work
Have you found yourself dreaming of replacing that drab cubicle view with the serene beauty of a cascading waterfall, or perhaps swapping the shrill sound of city traffic for the haunting call of a loon across a still lake? Well, my friend, it sounds like you’re yearning for a taste of the Oregon life. Rumor has it, the Beaver State is steadily becoming the chosen haven for remote workers, and rightly so.
Why Oregon? Ask McMenamins’ Secrets Bars
Picture this. Your work day ends, and rather than braving peak hour traffic to rush home or to some cramped happy hour pub, you saunter down to the historic McMenamins Edgefield’s “Little Red Shed” for a craft brew. This popular spot, nestled in the city of Troutdale where the Sandy River meets the mighty Columbia, captures the essence of Oregon’s alluring lifestyle. It’s not just the scenic beauty or the rustic charm, but the unrivaled sense of community and the laid-back style that has remote workers packing up for Oregon.
From Valley to Coast, Vibrant Landscapes Beckon
Contrary to the question, “Is it always rainy there?”, Oregon is more than its rainfall. It serves you up with an almost unfair bounty of natural splendor. From the luscious vineyards of the Willamette Valley to the picturesque beaches of the Oregon Coast, there’s much to explore within the arm’s reach, making for perfect mid-week breaks or weekend getaways from your home office. Remote workers seeking the bliss of higher altitudes can find solace in the snowy peaks of Mount Hood or Mount Bachelor.
Lively Intelligence Journey at Powell’s
Yet, Oregon isn’t just about the green and the blue. It’s also about the gray – the gray matter, that is. Intellectual pursuits are anything but ignored here. Powell’s City of Books in Portland, considered the largest independent bookstore in the world, is the literary haven where you can keep your creativity brimming. From authors walking its sprawling corridors to engaging events, it unveils a connective tissue to an intellectual journey. It’s a place where your remote work brainstorming might cross paths with Oregon’s unique ethos of inquisitive curiosity and hearty fellowship.
Food, Glorious Food: From Voodoo Doughnuts to Tillamook Creamery
Food is not just a necessity but a celebration in Oregon. Kick start your day with a quirky Voodoo Doughnut with a tangy sprinkle of “Portland Weird”. When the work-from-home hunger starts rumbling, Oregon’s robust farmers’ markets, like those in Lincoln City, Grants Pass, or Bend, boast a delicious array of homegrown bounty. Then, there’s the Tillamook Creamery – where you can indulge in a variety of locally made cheeses or scoop into a decadent ice cream sundae because… well, you deserve it!
The Digital Hub amidst Evergreens: Silicon Forest
Work opportunities? Oregon’s got them, in plenty! The state’s growing tech industry, affectionately named ‘Silicon Forest’, is home to big names like Intel and Nike, making it a dynamic hub for tech professionals. The widespread availability of high-speed internet, even in smaller towns like Hood River and Sisters, further strengthens Oregon’s claim as an attractive remote work destination.
An Artistic Endeavor: The Ashland Independent Film Festival
Inspiration isn’t hard to find here. There’s ample room for artistic and creative inspiration, from the annual Ashland Independent Film Festival to Eugene’s, Hult Center for the Performing Arts.
Embrace the Quirks and Become a Proud Oregonian
It won’t be honest Oregon hospitality if I didn’t warn you about the occasional Sasquatch sighting rumor in the misty woods, or the sheer joy Oregonians derive from their oddball sport of “Frog Jumping”. It’s these quirks, paired with Oregon’s rich tapestry of experiences, from outdoorsy adventures to intellectual pursuits, from tech opportunities to mouth-watering local produce, that make it resonate with the remote working lifestyle.
Oregon is no longer just a hidden gem but a sparkling beacon for remote workers. From the cascading waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge to the soaring dunes of the Oregon coast, the state offers a smorgasbord of life experiences that go beyond just a place to live and work.
So, why not trade in that cubicle, embrace the quirks, and become a proud Oregonian. After all, as the Oregonians often say, “We don’t tan, we rust”, but in reality, we shine in our very own, unique Oregon way. Happy remote working!