Portland Oregon vs Portland Maine
 

I know these cities aren't similar, but it sounds like there are some similiarities b/ween Oregon and Maine..rocky coast line, hiking, hippie element and cities named Portland. Am I way off base?

I live in Portland, OR and have been to Maine briefly (and will be visiting again this summer). Yes, both states have beautiful, rocky coastlines. And both states have some pretty progressive attitudes. But, I think the east coast/mid-atlantic states have an "older" attitude than those on the west coast. Maine has a much longer history (in terms of the European settlements I mean) than Oregon, and in some ways I think that is reflected in the people's attitudes. I get this more from knowing people who grew up in Maine than from my brief visit there.

Andrew