Most notably, Groening has admitted that Springfield was indeed based on Springfield, Ore., but the characters of Mayor Quimby, Reverend Lovejoy, 'Sideshow' Bob Terwilliger, Milhouse Van Houten, and yes, Ned Flanders, all share their names with streets in Portland.
You see, 'The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening grew up in Portland, resulting in a multitude of Oregon-related names being used throughout the years. Yes, that Ned Flanders, as in Homer Simpson's comically pious neighbor from the forever-running TV show. Say hi-diddly-ho neighborino to Ned Flanders Crossing! There are lots of bridges in Portland, Ore., and the latest one has easily the most memorable name of them all.
