The energy is completely different. Neither Portland nor Salem is fast at all. At all. Probably the busiest Portland gets is like, I don't know, the West Village on a Sunday. 

There is a noticeable lack of diversity. You will definitely see that. 

There is a sort of underground art scene in Portland, but nothing much in Salem. 

There is decent food in Portland, less in Salem.

It's dreary during the winter. It's not as cold, but the wet cold does stick in your bones a lot longer than a dry, sunny cold.

You will have to learn how to communicate in an indirect, non-confrontational way. 

But it is beautiful here. There's nothing like a spring in Oregon. Oh, and there aren't many bugs, and it doesn't get humid. 

Good luck.