What does geopsychology say about a city’s personality?
We Portlanders tend to stay in our lane when it comes to extroversion. | Photo via the city of Portland
Does where we live have any bearing on our personalities? A growing field of psychological research called geopsychology says “yes.”
According to geopsychology, those from Madison, WI, are likely more extroverted than their friends across the nation in, say, Portland, OR. And while you may have heard about that good ol’ southern charm, now there may be a form of scientific proof to back it up.
What is it?
ResearchGate defines geopsychology as “the relationship between the complex matrix of static and time-varying geophysical and geochemical variables within a locality and human behavior.”
In other words, there’s a correlation between one’s geophysical space and one’s mind. In particular, research on the “Big Five” traits — conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extroversion — has led researchers to create a set of personality maps for the US.
Conscientiousness
Here in Portland, we’re more flexible — and perhaps a bit more careless — according to the map. Who knows, that flexibility might just be why we have so many fantastic yoga studios in town.
Agreeableness
Portlanders tend to be less agreeable, meaning we’re often more rational or critical. Use those critical talents for good by getting involved to make our city better.
Neuroticism
As a city of more emotionally stable residents, Portlanders tend to experience fewer negative emotions. Maybe it’s that our weather tends to be fairly mild — well, most of the time — or maybe it’s just that we live in the best city around.
Openness
Portland is an open book. We’re more likely to try new things and often have a decent awareness of our own feelings. If you’re looking for an interesting new activity, try a staycation at one of these unique accommodations.
Extroversion
As a more introverted city, those of us here in Portland sometimes prefer quieter, solo activities. We’ve got your back: Check out our guides to hiking trails, local authors, and parks.
Asked
How Portland are you?
Is your personality all Portland, or do you differ from your average local? Take our personality test to find out.
“Sambizanga” | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St., Portland | $10 | See the film that explores the beginning of Angola’s independence movement centered around a rescue mission to save young resistance leader Domingos Xavier.
Wednesday, Feb. 21
Marc Anthony Historia Tour 2024 | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 8 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | $41+ | This multi Grammy Award winning and top-selling salsa musician of all time is in town for a huge show.
Thursday, Feb. 22
Amy Miller | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 8 p.m. | The Siren Theater, 3913 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland | $22 | Get ready to laugh with this comic from Oakland who’s opened for the likes of Tom Segura and Wanda Sykes and garnered more than 3 million views of her set on “Comedy Central Presents.”
Friday, Feb. 23
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | $18+ | Let’s see if Rip City can add a bit of shine to the season coming off the All-Star Break.
Nike has announced it will lay off 2% of its global workforce; these cuts will primarily focus on employees at the company’s Beaverton headquarters, with more planned for May. 6453 Alumni, a group comprised of former Nike employees, aims to help those let go land on their feet. (KGW + The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
History
“Bob Marley: One Love” is now in theaters, telling the story of the icon’s musical rise, the political turmoil surrounding him, and his death from acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer. Though the biopic doesn’t show it, Marley did in fact play two shows in Portland. (Medium)
Today Is
Presidents Day, and all federal and county offices, courthouses, libraries, and most banks will be closed in observance. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Coming Soon
Satay skewers, anyone? Rangoon Bistro is expanding with a second location on North Mississippi Avenue, next to Broder Nord and Blue Star Donuts. Fans of the Burmese fare can expect new, rotating menu specials like flatbread keema palata and Kayah sausage when doors open March 10. (Portland Monthly)
Eat
If you want to fill your belly at Soho House’s restaurant, you better have deep pockets. Chef Matt Sigler will head up food offerings at the exclusive, members-only club, which is set to open in March (the original date was the end of 2023). Expect Italian American fare like pasta and oysters. (Eater Portland)
Ranked
U.S. News & World Report has named its best hotel in Oregon for 2024, but you’ll have to make a trip to wine country to stay there (oh darn). The Allison Inn and Spa in Newberg takes the title thanks to its “acres of lush gardens and vineyards” and dining options at JORY Restaurant. (U.S. News & World Report)
Sports
As the Trail Blazers head into the All-Star Break, the team faces big questions. Get the biggest stories every day from Locked On Blazers’ daily podcasts.
Outdoors
Something new along the slough
Work to rehabilitate section of Columbia Slough Trail finished
The paved trail will also give first-responders better access in case of emergencies. | Photos via Portland Parks & Recreation
Before, the path that follows the slow-moving offshoot of the Columbia River was rutted with roots, muddy, and under siege by encroaching vegetation, especially in the Big Four Corners Natural Area.
Following the completion of a recent improvement project funded by $1 million in parks system development charges, the nearly mile-long segment is now paved, reducing maintenance needs moving forward.
“The project brings this popular trail into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards,” said Commissioner Dan Ryan. “It also makes the trail more appealing for people walking, pushing strollers, and using mobility devices.”
Environmental restoration work is ongoing, with the goal of enhancing habitat and water quality in the Morrow Pond area for the benefit of western painted turtles and other wildlife. This significant natural resource is also part of the original 40-Mile Loop trail system.
The Buy
The Buy 2.19.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A stylish new collar or leash from Six & Main’s collection for your dog to sport during their favorite time of day (walk time).
My wife and I went to see “Bob Marley: One Love” when it came out on Valentine’s Day and we both really enjoyed it. Though I was fairly familiar with his music, I knew very little about the reggae superstar’s life; the film helped to fill in some of those blanks. I would recommend seeing it.
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