West Coast Living – Yes It Really Is That Much Better!
Despite an honest attempt to seek out more great things about the East Coast, several readers actually proceeded to bash the West Coast instead! What’s up with that? Some curiously mentioned that the East Coast is fantastic because the horrendous weather for half the year makes the other six months so wonderful. Ummm, that’s like saying you appreciate your right hand more because you chopped off your left hand! Wouldn’t you rather have both hands?
The only positive takeaway from the comments I agree with is the cluster of historically significant cities within a several hours drive. Other than that, nobody came up with any stand out reasons other than the six I provided as to why East Coast living is great. Given that the West Coast was attacked, I feel it’s important to stand up and defend our honor!
WEST COAST > EAST COAST
* Beautiful Weather. With blue skies and sunshine, we have wonderful beaches, healthier, and happier people. There’s a reason why movie stars and other celebrities work and live on the West Coast. Why do you think there are so many songs about “California Dreaming”?
* Entrepreneurial Opportunities. Google, YouTube, Yahoo, eBay, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Amazon and many more innovative, life changing companies are all based on the West Coast. How many self-made 35-year old or younger mega-millionaires or billionaires can you name from the East Coast? Not many.
* Access To Asia. Asia is where the growth is and not Europe. Travel to Asia is quicker, and doing business with Asia is therefore easier. When it’s 8am in China, it’s still only 5pm here on the West Coast. Communicating at 8pm EST is no fun, and therefore doesn’t happen as often.
* Vacation Paradise. Hawaii is just a quick and direct 4.5 hour flight away! Hawaii is seriously one of the top 5 greatest places on Earth to live, and anybody who tells you otherwise has never experienced the island. Besides Hawaii, there is Tahiti, Bora Bora, Samoa, and of course many wonderful vacation spots in Asia.
* World Class Winter Sports. Lake Tahoe and Whistler have 11,000 feet high mountain resorts whereas the East Coast has icy Killington in Vermont and the Catskills in New York. I’ve been to all four places, and I can tell you there really is NO comparison between West Coast and East Coast skiing/snowboarding.
* More Peaceful People. A large reason why many people are on the East Coast is because of a job opportunity or family. As a result, resentment builds for the region because they wouldn’t be there otherwise. This is a recipe for some very grumpy people. Meanwhile, a large reason why many people live out West is for a better lifestyle as well as job opportunities and family. Because people are living a better lifestyle, you have a much more pleasant social environment.
* Less Crooks. Do you think it’s a coincidence that some of the biggest crooks in America such as Bernie Madoff, Elliott Spitzer, Dennis Kozlowski (Tyco), and countless dirty politicians are all based on the East Coast? Of course not. I’ll leave it up to you to figure out why.
* Environmental Movement. People love the Earth out here. California was the first to ban smoking in public places, and the state is a pioneer in recycling and emissions standards. We are the home of organic cuisine (Chez Panesse Alice Waters), Tesla Motors (electric car company), as well as thousands of tree huggers! If you love the environment and want to help save the world, you’ll love the West Coast.
* Great Athletics. The LA Lakers won their second straight NBA championship, meanwhile Pebble Beach just hosted the US Open golf tournament. The amount of events out here are incredible. During the winter, I can play golf on Saturday in 70 degree weather, and drive 2.5-3 hours on Sunday to go snowboarding in 2 feet of powder!
* Lower Power Bills. There’s never a need to use air conditioning to cool or heat yourself in many places on the West Coast given the moderate temperatures. Opening a window is all you need during the summer to get that draft going. Adjusting thermostats is a foreign concept!
* No Silly Blogger Tax. Philadelphia is supposedly voting on taxing their area’s bloggers $300 a year starting in 2011. First a blog tax, then a tax per post, then a total strip down of your liberties! Fuggetaboutit!
* Pride. If you live on the West Coast you won’t have to make sensationalist statements such as “Florida will be torn apart in the next Tornado”, “It’s so humid in Washington DC you can go swimming in your own sweat“, “You’ll die early because you’ll never want to go outside,” “Be careful about the next enemy siege” and other ridiculous statements to make yourself feel better about yourself. You don’t have to disparage like some on the East Coast will do about West Coasters because you’re already living the dream!
CONCLUSION
I know I don’t have to give any reasons why the West Coast is a much better place to live because it’s pretty obvious. It’s like wondering whether Bill Gates is rich… duh. I give reasons anyway to highlight to those who bash the West Coast what they’re missing. It’s easy to look down upon those out West if you’ve never experienced living out here. But as someone who has lived on both coasts, the choice is obvious. Perhaps this post will make things even more obvious!
I’m here to tell you that if you are miserable out East, do more than just make fun of the West Coast. Do something to change your life by moving! The settlers did so hundreds of years ago, and so can you at much quicker a time. Have no fear in seeking a better life. You deserve it!
Readers, what are some other great things about the West Coast not mentioned in this post?
Why do people stubbornly deny reality? Do you think it’s the same reasoning as why people spend more than they earn?
Regards,
Sam @ Financial Samurai – “Slicing Through Money’s Mysteries”
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OK, I was someone who mentioned how the winter makes me appreciate spring that much more. I am going to stand by my opinion – have four seasons is wonderful. Sure, winter lasts too long, but the fall is just wonderful. You take the good with the bad. I would have a hard time not experiencing fall every year.
You also need to add to your list that California seems to be bug-less. By that, I mean it seems like you can leave your doorwall open and mosquitoes don’t come rushing in like they do here. Whenever my nephews visit from Anaheim, I have to follow them around closing doors and windows or my house will be under attack by insects.
Everyday Tips´s last blog ..Purchasing A Car For A Teen – Help!
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:56 am
I admire you for standing up for your opinion! That’s what it’s all about frankly, standing up for what you believe in, which is why I wrote this post to defend against those who’ve been attacked and looked down upon.
I remember the beautiful fall colors, and ironically, because for 6 months things are so great, it makes the other 6 months that much worse for me.
There are definitely still bugs out here don’t you worry!
admin´s last blog ..Is Becoming A Millionaire The Rule Rather Than The Exception?
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Money and Risk Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Everyday,
No No. LOL. California do have mosquitoes. They’re very large. Rare but they exist. They tend to cluster and attack certain people with certain body chemistry. I know because when I leave my french doors open, I wake up the next morning with bites that have to be treated.
The other visitors that we get are tree rats. I don’t mean squirrels. I mean giant roof rats that my cat used to protect us from.
Money and Risk´s last blog ..The Single Most Important Factor in Financial Success
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I would add clean cities to the list. I remember being shocked as a pre-teen on vacation at how dirty the cities were in the East.
Another is lots of parks and open space. I was in DC last month and the dog park near my hotel was the size of one home lot. My local dog park has three very large areas (so we can separate by size).
Bucksome Boomer´s last blog ..Lessons from My Dad
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Things definitely seem a lot cleaner here because it’s less congested except for LA. Less density, less trash and pollution for sure. The North West is a beeautiful.
admin´s last blog ..Is Becoming A Millionaire The Rule Rather Than The Exception?
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Haha, true West Coast guy! I wanted to wait until after I had my trip to see if it was all hype. We really enjoyed the trip, but I’m going to have to come again to really check it out. The traffic was horrendous, but we have a friend who lives there and she helped us find some awesome hole in the wall spots.
Elle´s last blog ..The Flight Back Home
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:09 pm
E3 was in Vegas though right? If so, that’s not considered West Coast! Gotta go one more state West until you’re there. Vegas is an artificial dream land.
admin´s last blog ..The NBA Finals Proves Location Matters For Success
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Money Funk Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
E3 was at the Los Angeles Convention center!
Money Funk´s last blog ..How to Control Emotional Spending
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admin Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Ah hah! Thnx for the heads up! Shows what I know about electronics and stuff!
admin´s last blog ..Is Becoming A Millionaire The Rule Rather Than The Exception?
I love that I have the mountains, beach, and desert all with an hours reach from me. Makes for some great recreational activities! and we have Disneyland. :D
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:51 am
But they’ve got Disney World!
admin´s last blog ..Is Becoming A Millionaire The Rule Rather Than The Exception?
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Money Funk Reply:
June 23rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
True, true. Hmmm…. we have the Pac 10! :D
Money Funk´s last blog ..How to Control Emotional Spending
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I’m an East Coaster, but I’ll admit first that I’ve always been fascinated by the West Coast way of life. (As I’ve heard it: “East Coasters live to work. West Coasters work to live.”)
All that being said, I don’t understand why this article or your other on the East Coast needs to turn into a “one side is unequivocally better than the other.” You’re stating your opinion as fact, when this is definitely something that can be debated. I don’t much care for the winter, but I love the trees changing colors in the fall. It’s a beautiful sight, driving through the Great Smoky Mountains and seeing all those shades of yellow, red and orange on the trees. There are good and bad to both sides. I’d take the cost of living here over California any day.
Red´s last blog ..Birthday guilt
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:54 am
Hi Red, you hit it spot on “East Coasters live to work while West Coasters work to live.” That seriously could be the line that sums up the difference best. When I worked on the East Coast, people were very type A and aggressive. Very unbalanced. Out here, colleagues and clients are much more mellow.
People see the cost of living as a deterrent. I see it as a reason. The reason why things are expensive out here is because you can make more money and live a better life.
Yes, everything is one man’s opinion and I welcome other’s to share their own, even if they have to attack!
admin´s last blog ..Is Becoming A Millionaire The Rule Rather Than The Exception?
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Red Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Good point! If I could make double the money for double the cost of living, it wouldn’t really make much difference to me. But I’ve been reading Stacking Pennies blog lately, her archives. She moved from the Midwest to the West Coast, and her income definitely didn’t increase enough to make up for the increase in living expenses.
I would like to visit someday though. Just to see what all this fuss is about. ;-)
Red´s last blog ..Birthday guilt
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:10 pm
I guess I’ll have to check out that blog! There’s not so much fuss, just the reality that life out here really is quite nice.
admin´s last blog ..The NBA Finals Proves Location Matters For Success
I’m kind of the same opinion as Red. You’re presenting your opinion as a fact of life. Maybe it’s that obvious to you but to those who might prefer other areas (and have just as compelling of reasons in their mind as to why they feel that way), it comes across somewhat belittling.
Money Beagle´s last blog ..Price Increases Bum Me Out
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:50 am
I can see that, however you misinterpret my intention. The original post about the East Coast was a true attempt to find out more reasons as to why the East Coast is a good place to live. I didn’t put down the East Coast at all. Yet, some of the responses didn’t even offer any other good points and instead attacked the West Coast.
Hence, I thought it only appropriate to defend West Coast readers and share some points of our own! Just on Twitter, someone responded “California is the laughing stock of the nation.” Sweet! This is the type of thing which is important to counteract and defend.
admin´s last blog ..West Coast Living – Yes It Really Is That Much Better!
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I guess part of the reason why you were attacked for your East Coast Living – Is It Really That Bad? post because you made the assumption that it “really is that bad” lol.
Although I do see your honest attempt at trying to find what’s good about the East Coast though. The “time zone dominance” was particularly original and insightful.
I’ve found people attack when they have no other defense. Like kids saying “you’re ugly” or “but you’re stupid” kind of thing.
Forget both coasts! Hawaii is where it’s at!
Powell
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Living in the West means that within an hour or two drive you can be at the beach, in the mountains, in a forest, on the prairie, or in the desert. We have all five regions within driving distance. That’s what makes, not only California great, but other west coast states as well. WARNING: The wonderful weather and the urge to be outdoors may cause people to spend more on vacations, shopping, and their car.
P.S. Your comment section looks strange. I think I’m on the mobile theme. What’s up with that?
Little House´s last blog ..Tuesday Tips, Week 15
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Hmmm, donno how my comments section looks on your mobile as mine looks normal.
Good warning to have on WC living though!
admin´s last blog ..The NBA Finals Proves Location Matters For Success
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EARTHQUAKES, TRAFFIC AND SOME OF THE HIGHEST TAXES WORLDWIDE! Monday Night football should be at night, not 530 like it is in Cali! Plus we have Biggie Smalls.
Evan´s last blog ..Does Income Change Who You Are as a Spender? or your Tastes?
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Bucksome Boomer Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 10:46 am
I wouldn’t say highest taxes worldwide; but they are higher than a lot of places.
I love having MNF earlier in the evening but we go to bed early to start work at 7 am for…East Coast clients.
P.S. What is Biggie Smalls?
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Chris @ FeFi Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 11:28 am
Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious BIG né Christopher Wallace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Notorious_B.I.G.
Evan is attempting to open a HUGE can of worms, methinks. ;)
Chris @ FeFi´s last blog ..Your mission, should you choose to accept it
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Evan Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
Awww dated yourself! It was Biggie vs Tupac in the east coast vs west coast rap fued in the mid 90s lol
It was a joke….kinda!
Evan´s last blog ..Does Income Change Who You Are as a Spender? or your Tastes?
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Chris @ FeFi Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Haha, I’m a child of the golden age! Ahh the mid 90s… rap has been on life support ever since.
…of course, that’s debatable. (see: Waka Flocka Flame, OJ da Juiceman, Gucci Mane))
Don’t get me started!
Chris @ FeFi´s last blog ..Your mission, should you choose to accept it
youngandthrifty Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Ahh I loved mid-90′s rap! All the stuff on the radio now is junk. Oh Tupac, forgot to mention that Tupac came from the West, therefore West is best! =)
Callliiifooorrnniiiaaa Love!
I have a feud with my boyfriend about Tupac and Biggie. I’m a Tupac fan he’s a Biggie fan.
youngandthrifty´s last blog ..I heart Warren Buffett
admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Oh man… ya see! Your comment is EXACTLY my last point in my post. We in the WC don’t have to say sensationalist comments to make ourselves feel better, b/c things are so nice out here!
Shame on you Evan!
admin´s last blog ..The NBA Finals Proves Location Matters For Success
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Well, after all of this east coast-west coast (it’s very mid nineties, if you ask me) I think I’ll join in on the conversation. I’ll use my blog as a platform to say why the mountain west is superior to all these places. I’d also like to invite red and money beagle to state why they believe their regions (south, midwest) are better than the others. Anyone from the sunbelt?
@bucksome – bigge smalls/notorious BIG was a rap star from the early/mid nineties.
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Feel free to write a post and highlight why you think the Mountain West can even hold a candle against the two coasts. Will be a fun read and a very hard post to write!
Go Timberwolves!
admin´s last blog ..The NBA Finals Proves Location Matters For Success
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while i agree that the west coast has its perks, i dont agree with your comment about all crooks coming from the east coast. there are plenty of politicians, businessmen, and regular joe shmoes that live out west that are just as crooked as those famous east coast ones you mentioned
Preferred Financial Services
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I think what’s getting lost in this interesting discussion is that the west coast and east coast are clearly inferior to the midwest! We’ve got a great standard of living, reasonable costs, great family oriented cities, beautiful outdoors (10,000 lakes here in MN), wonderful change of seasons and so much more! Silly east and west coasters. :)
Money Smarts´s last blog ..10 Ways To Save Money When You’re On A Tight Budget
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Ninja Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Don’t forget below 0 winters, mosquitoes the size of airplanes, and humid summers. Yeah, MN sounds great
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Money Smarts Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Actually the mosquitoes haven’t been bad in years, the humidity isn’t that bad, and we like having winter – how else are you going to ski?
Money Smarts´s last blog ..What Are The Different Ways Of Investing Your Money?
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Another Timberwolves fan, nice! Unfortunately, the Twins and Timberwolves will never win anything major. Isn’t that good reason enough not to live in the MidWest?
admin´s last blog ..The NBA Finals Proves Location Matters For Success
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The Left Coast is the best coast.
That is all.
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Why isn’t anybody defending the Deep South?
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Ninja Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 12:55 pm
It was 115 degrees and humid when I was in the deep south last year…. that’s why
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Larry Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:50 pm
That’s nothing. Now you could have all that and a big oil spill.
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Chris @ FeFi Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
My state has Mark Sanford as Governor. Need I say more?
Chris @ FeFi´s last blog ..Your mission, should you choose to accept it
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Larry Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Yeah, well I’ve got David Paterson and Sam has Ahhnuld. So there.
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I enjoy the South, I really do. I just think there could be more diversity, entrepreneurial clusters, and more moderate weather.
admin´s last blog ..The NBA Finals Proves Location Matters For Success
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given the financial resources, I would definitely live on the West Coast. I have relatives up there and they just love the beautiful weather.
Craig´s last blog ..Industrial Room Dividers
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haha Yeah I’ve lived on both coasts and although there are perks about both, it’s nice having less extreme weather in the West. That’s also easier on home repairs. We still can get floods in some areas in a bad storm every few years, but it’s definitely less common to have to deal with storm water damage, molds, and humidity wreaking havoc on homes in the west.
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admin Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Yeah, the massive temperature changes wreak havoc on homes, increasing maintenance costs such as roof repair, paint, and bursting pipes. Good point there seriously.
Also, many dealers will advertise “California cars” b/c they have also been exposed to less harsh elements.
admin´s last blog ..The NBA Finals Proves Location Matters For Success
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I have decided the winner of your “which region is best” contest.
The winner is Canada.
What’s my prize?
Financial Uproar´s last blog ..Wedding Gifts: Why Do You Expect People To Finance Your Life?
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admin Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:22 am
Sorry, Canada not on the radar unfortunately. Too cold. Besides RIMM/Blackberry, I’m trying to think what other awesome contributions come from Canada. Hockey I suppose. Feel free to write a post!
Young and Thrifty too!
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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I’ve lived in the Northeast, the Midwest, Florida and California. I have to say that wherever I lived, I was pretty happy with the exception of Florida. Other than Key West and the Intercoastal/Beaches, Florida has very little to offer. Sorry if I offend, but just not my cup of tea.
Now of all the places I have lived, California blows away all the others in many, many ways. It’s expensive, congested, and there are lots of negatives, but the positives heavily outweigh the costs:
1) In over a decade of being here, my wife and I have never, ever once said, we didn’t have anything to do. We said that a lot in the Midwest and Florida. There are 100 things within 50 miles of my house that would make most state’s top 10 list.
2) Entrepreneurs: This is an important factor for me and here there is just no comparison. Look at the companies that have rocketed in the last decade, nearly all of them were in California (with some in Washington State). And for every headliner there are another 200 lesser known companies that are successful out here. The West Coast breeds startups, that’s why I came out here.
3) Weather: Its so lopsided. If you live in San Diego, there is literally no other place in the Country that has better weather. Want snow and 25 degree temps, head to the mountains. 100 degrees too hot for you, head down to Malibu in July where it is about 70 degrees. Low humidity, cool nights.
4) Mentality: The East Coast was all about “what does your father do and what town do you live in?” Nobody on the West Coast gives a rats *** about your family lineage. This is probably the most striking difference for me growing up in the Northeast. Really, very few people care about your family on the West Coast.
I could go on but these are some of the big points. I am glad I didn’t get to California earlier in life…. I wouldn’t have seen much of the rest of the country! Sure you have to make some cost side adjustments to deal with expensive real estate, but outside of that, things are not much different from a cost perspective.
Live Cheap´s last blog ..5 Things the Car Dealer Doesn’t Want You to Know
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admin Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Fantastic comment Live Cheap! You’ve hit all the key points for sure. Once you’ve experienced the West Coast, it really is SUPER HARD to leave!
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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Live Cheap Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Funny thing, we were sitting out back of a friend’s house last night and the topic of California living came up. 65 degrees at night and little gas heater on, perfect weather. And the notion of ever moving away came up. The answer from them, “No way I would give this up, ever.:
Once you get used to a lifestyle, it’s hard to change.
Live Cheap´s last blog ..5 Reasons California is Cheaper Than It Appears
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@Larry
I was stationed in the south and we called the mosquito the Mississippi State Bird!
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admin Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
HAhahah, nice Norman! Gotta love ginormo mosquitoes!
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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I was born and raised in California. After marriage and kids we escaped to the Rocky Mountains. Congestion, crime, high cost of living drove us away. All my family is in CA so we visit a lot. Great place to visit, California but a nightmare to live in. Both Northern and Southern, whenever I visit I am appalled at the traffic and how LONG it takes to get anywhere. Yeah, you have the beach and skiing both close by but it is not much fun getting there! We have mountains almost out our back door. Great skiing in Winter and hiking in summer (but watch out for the bears!). We have a lake about 8 miles away that takes…about 10 minutes to drive to. We have rivers for fishing, rafting, canoeing. Yellowstone National Park a few hours drive away (never visit in Summer…in early fall it is fabulous). The biggest crimes in the police blotter are paint-balled cars and barking dogs. No sales tax in Montana. No state income tax in Wyoming. The bad economy has not hit this area nearly as hard as other areas. There is so much about California that I love (particularly visiting in the Winter) but the Rocky Mountain states provide a wonderful lifestyle that -for me- beats California.
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Another like feature of today’s technology would be that if you had a currently had a prime job, you could still move to Cali, and telecommute into work. Yeah, you’d have to travel more often, back and forth a bit, but it’s not impossible!
I think a lot of people, just can’t afford it too though. It’s expensive out west, and a lot of hassle to move, strip the kids from friends, not to mention relatives.
If I were 21 again, I would have tried harder to move out west while I was young!
Say, how is the pollen count on the West Coast? Since you don’t have the seasons, I’m guessing the pollen activity is a little less dramatic than the East or does everybody have allergy problems?
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All these claims of “subjectivity” and “personal opinions.” Assuming that what makes a region the “best” also makes its residents happy, why not just look at who has the happiest residents? And for that, I bring to you, a statistical smackdown from Gallup: http://www.gallup.com/poll/116497/rankings-reveal-state-strengths-weaknesses.aspx
Short answer: West and Mountain West wins. West Virginia (?) loses.
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Hey Sam!
I love how intense this little rivalry has become. I def enjoyed your hand chopping analogy and you have some great points about the West Coast. I mean I’m still a fan of the time zone and the culture (being in Mass) but I can’t argue with anything you listed up there. I think it has a lot to do with pride and a sense of ownership. Where ever you end up or settle in is obviously the right place to be..right?! So even when you try to take it from an objective approach – your pool of participants might not lol. I mean even me included. Be it ever so humble (and cold, and muggy, and expensive heating billed) there’s no place like home :)
As far as spending more than you earn goes. That’s a whole other conversation for another blog post.
Nunzio Bruno´s last blog ..Epic Foreshadowing And Things To Come
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admin Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 6:20 am
No rivalry brotha, because there’s not really competition! “Booo, hissss” I can hear from the crowd :) I admire you for enjoying being “cold, and muggy with an expensive heating bill”. Gotta stay true to your roots!
So if youre happy, stay by all means. If you’re not, feel free to explore!
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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We have Vegas and Cancun on the west!
Darren´s last blog ..Why You Don’t Need An Emergency Fund
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Wow, that photo of the beach is like.. eye porn. Did you take it? It’s beautiful.
YES… west is best!!
The list you created hits it to a tee =)
We have the Oregon Coast (so beautiful), fantastic food (more immigrants to the West, so more variety and delicious food), sushi (good sushi trumps all),
Haha thanks for mentioning me as a contribution from Canada! It’s not too cold! Today we have 24 degree weather (in Vancouver). RIM is good though their share prices went down 7% today- no competition for iPhone 4, really. We have Hollywood North, lol (Twilight is filmed here), Celine Dion (lol).
youngandthrifty´s last blog ..I heart Warren Buffett
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admin Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:17 am
“West is best” lol. Nice.
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to as well. It’s a great launching point for Alaskan cruises!
Alas, no, I did not take the picture. Wish I did! Don’t go too crazy with Rob Pattison fevor now you here??
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say- “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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You guys are so lucky having the West coast within your borders (plus so many other opportunities).
I live in London in the UK, which would very much be an East Coast city in US terms. (In fact, it’s influence and the influence of other European capitals has partly seeded the culture of the East Coast of the US).
Move to the West Coast and you end up in rainy rural Wales or Cornwall. Beautiful in its own right, but hardly Santa Monica.
Then again, we have 20 different languages and nations on our doorstep here. But I hate languages! ;)
Hurrah for counting your blessings!
Monevator´s last blog ..Weekend reading: Je ne regrette rien
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admin Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 4:36 am
Do only the English hate languages cause I’m so impressed and amazed that Europeans can speak so many languages! Blows Americans out of the water! The joy of Eurorailing is so awesome. Consider yourself lucky you get to see so many places in such a short distance!
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UPDATE: I am an avid follower of many lifestyle design type bloggers and I’ve come to the realization that the large majority i.e. 75%+ of them hail from the East Coast! This is another datapoint for why West Coast living is better than East Coast living.
Very few people from the West Coast go ahead and drop everything to try and make it on their own or travel the world, because it’s already so lovely out here!
Anybody like to debate?
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say- “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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Hiya Sam.
Having lived in the NJ/NY area for the first 40 years of my life, and now in the Seattle area for the last 7, it’s no contest. Seattle living is infinitely better than NY/NYC living.
1. The seasons. The PNW has 4 identifiable, long seasons. NY/NJ has about 1 month of spring, 1 month of fall, and the rest is broiling, soggy summer or bitter, snow-drenched, winter. And thunderstorms often. In the PNW, a typical summer day would be a ‘top 10 day’ in NY/NJ; we have them by the dozen.
2. Fall. No contest. Fall color out here is better than the Berkshires or New Hampshire. And it’s just outside the door. No lining up in cars for hours to see tree in color.
3. Cost. Any way you slice it vs. NY or NJ, it’s *much less expensive here.* Lower taxes (no income tax in WA!). Lower insurance. Lower rents, housing, …. A short ride from the metro area and you can do so well in terms of your housing dollar. Not so in NY/NJ. It’s much easier to live frugally here – there’s the fabulous outdoors available 9 months a year for exploring, cheap entertainment provided by Nature. NY/NJ? Drive a few hours and you and a few thousand of your new closest friends will be there. Summers at the shore? If you can find a square inch for your blanket after paying the beach fees. Beach fees! *laugh* Needles and medical waste!
4. Crime and corruption. So endemic in NY/NJ, so rare here that things that wouldn’t make the back page of a NY paper are big news in Seattle and followed for months. NJ is like ‘comic opera’ criminality, heck, entire town councils and mayoralties regularly get thrown in jail. Corruption’s a way of life and firmly entrenched.
5. Traffic. This one’s tricky – the PNW does a pretty good job of traffic engineering, so there’s highways that haul you through major metro areas. But, nothing can save you from increasing population, the curse that will do in prosperity. I think overall though, average traffic delays are less, density is less, off-hours driving is pretty empty and even though there’s not really good mass transit, you can still get places fairly readily in cars.
6. Culture. Oh, o.k. NY is a cultural mecca. Seattle isn’t. +1 for the Northeast. But you can’t afford to live in NYC and its filthy and crowded and crime ridden.
I tell my East Coast friends that the PNW is the best place in the world to live, and I’ve seen a lot of it. I can’t speak for California like your other posters have, but I think the climate alone would be sufficient to put it on ‘better than the east coast’ in my book
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admin Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:20 am
The Pacific North West is definitely a place I was thinking about retiring since like you said, it’s cheaper with NO STATE TAX in Washington! I mean, if you can save 10% a year in taxes on a $100,000 fixed income, that’s pretty good!
Since you’ve lived in the NY/NJ area for 40 years before moving out West, we’re going to have to take your word for it that West Coast living really is better. What took you so long?
admin´s last blog ..East Coast Living – Is It Really That Bad
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Igotadose Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Opportunity and brainwashing. There’s an embedded culture that ‘everything in the Northeast is better’ and you’re strongly discouraged from leaving.
People trace their families back for centuries there. Folks are born, grow up and
die in their hometowns. My family was mad at me for years for having the temerity
to move to NJ from NYC! Why couldn’t I stay at home?!
Plus, it’s a big move when all you’ve known well, is where you grow up. I got a job
offer from a great company, and married someone from NoCal who loathed NJ and
was very good at showing me the delights of the West. So, file me under ‘slow learner.
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I would move back to the west coast tomorrow if I could afford it. I live in the middle of the country now. I miss the Pacific ocean. I lived on the East coast years and years ago, and the weather was not as comfortable, too humid. West coast weather, especially the Central California coast and north into Oregon, is much more comfortable.
Watching the sunset on the west coast, standing on a cliff, the water seems so huge, and you can actually see the curvature of the Earth, magnificent. I missed that when I was living on the east coast. And I miss it now.
Another thing for an old west coaster like myself, born and raised on the beaches of the west coast, when you go to the beach on the East Coast, the water is on the wrong side…….
As for it being a lifestyle. When we lost our jobs out there (aerospace) in the mid ’90′s, we moved to the midwest to get by, just because the cost of living was SO incredibly much cheaper. Unfortunately, we found we cannot go back now.
And that is a downer about either coast, no doubt, the cost of living is so high. I want to go back, but can only visit now and again. If I could find a way to do it, we’d be back to the west coast.
Where we live now is beautiful though. We have rolling hills, trees, prairies, and a relaxed, good way of life here. So, I’m content to stay here too. But I DO miss the ocean and the feel in the air, and the only place I’ve ever been that the air feels like that is the West Coast.
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admin Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 3:25 am
Merry, what a beautiful comment. I feel what you are saying so vividly. I know what you mean regarding the water being on “the wrong side” on the East Coast. Doesn’t help the water is so dark and murky too.
Have you ever walked the Atlantic City boardwalk before? Oh how depressing it can be. There is a certain peace out there though.
“Watching the sunset on the west coast, standing on a cliff, the water seems so huge, and you can actually see the curvature of the Earth, magnificent. I missed that when I was living on the east coast. And I miss it now.” Love this comment. It’s barely 4:30am here on Sunday and I think I know what I’ll be doing right before sunrise!
It’s good to know that people on both coasts can move inland to lower their cost of living. Do come back and visit often.
Thnx, Sam
admin´s last blog ..East Coast Living – Is It Really That Bad
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Sam,
I thought you were originally from Australia…?
I always thought the Melbourne is like London and Sydney is like New York with California weather!
-Mike
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Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg writes a song for the West Coast after reading this post called “California Girls”! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwE-SLnLkqY
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say- “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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Ha ha, I never read the first part and to be honest I have not been to the West Coast unless Washington DC does count?
You know I can’t say I have ever been anywhere in the world I disliked. I think living anywhere has it’s peaks and troughs. Believe it or not I actually liked the Winter in Montreal and Vermont when I was living in that part of the world.
I have heard some terrible things about Iceland… It’s cold, it’s depressing, they live underground… blah blah blah but then I also have friends who think it’s the best place on the planet with the friendliest people.
I know you are just trying to rouse people to speak (and it works) but I think people will find different reasons to be no more or no less happy wherever they are if they can just live a comfortable life.
Forest´s last blog ..Going to Sweden on Vacation and Worried About Spending-
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Both this and the east coast bit read as “protest too much”. Maybe Sensei, you are tempted to move back east but trying to convince yourself not to?
Anyway I’m in Seattle, and it’s nice to count it as west coast but the weather sucks for 9-10 months of the year. The skiing is great if you drive to the mountains though!
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3 of the top 5 from the East… None on the West
http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-109886-5703-4-best-cities-for-young-professionals?ywaad=ad0035
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admin Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Saw it. You couldn’t pay me to live in Texas. And also, guess where the writer is from? Bingo.
I, on the otherhand, have lived for many many years on both coasts. I have no agenda, and no monetary benefit. I just encourage those out East who have never been out West to give it a try. You’ll wonder to yourself why you didn’t do so earlier.
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Houston and DC were in the top 5… This survey’s a joke, right? It obviously didn’t include crime frequency and cost of livinig, or quality of life. It was sort of based on job opportunity, something called ‘elite graduates’ and data from Moody’s (the same Moody’s that rated many liar loans bundled as CDO’s as AAA+ so we know *they’re* reliable).
Anyway, please, stay away from the PNW. We have enough people. All you Young’uns should follow BostonToDC’s advice and live your lives in the northeast corridor. Stay in the Northeast and be content in your superiority. In fact, stay east of the Mississippi so you don’t bother the Minneapolans, since it was in the top 5, and they have that weather thing going on in the winter.
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admin Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
I think the survey excludes the West b/c of our higher cost of living. Also, perhaps wealthy people out West paid the publication money to keep the West out of the limelight. Don’t want overpopulation out here!
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BostonToDC Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 6:17 am
Yes, do what I say… do exactly as “igotadose” has said and follow every bit of my advice. (Did I even give any ???)
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Not to beat a dead horse (well, maybe just a little), here’s another reason why living in New York City beats living on the west coast. We LIVE LONGER according to this NYT piece.
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/new-york-citys-superior-health/
savvysavingbytes´s last blog ..Liberty Quotes- Parades and Potato Salad
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i grew up on the East coast and about 6 years ago moved to LA….trust me the WEST COAST IS THE BEST COAST :)
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Ugh. I was born and raised in California, and lived there for 33 years. I HATED it.
California has the highest crime of any state I’ve ever lived in, and the worst traffic.
While I lived in California I:
– had my truck hit by an illegal immigrant in a van, who then ran.
– been assaulted on the street by a gang of hispanics
– been sexually assaulted by a gang of hispanics (separate from the above incident)
– had a drunk hispanic put his fist through a neighbor’s apartment window (we had to call the cops on him, and get him an ambulance since his hand was shredded from the glass).
– was stuck in more stand-still traffic than I’d ever care to remember.
– paying $1200 a month for a tiny 2-bedroom apartment in a crime-ridden barrio, because that’s all my husband and I could afford.
– eventually had to move out of California because my husband and I divorced and I could not afford to live in CA on my own.
I was miserable in California. Then again, I was also poor in California. The people who like California tend to be rich, and they can isolate themselves in tiny well-to-do pockets of California and never see the crime, assault, and barrios like the poor people do.
However, the rest of the West Coast seems nice. I loved visiting Seattle, and my friends in Oregon claim they love it there, so I guess WA. and OR. are decent. Just California is mostly a dive.
My most fave state living in so far was Florida. GORGEOUS weather, low-cost living, and a bunch of nice people. Plus, I loved all the wildlife there. (I like snakes, bugs and humidity a lot!)
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admin Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Yikes, that sounds like a very bad experience. I have to imagine that if you had more money to spend, and didn’t go through a divorce, you’d like the West Coast a lot better?
Florida is nice, but I’ve been there in July, August, September and it is just way too humid. I love their no state income tax though for sure! Can’t beat that!
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BD Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 12:57 am
I suppose if I had a ton of money, CA would be ok. Like I stated, there are rich pockets that are really nice. But most of CA is a dive. There are very few REAL middle class areas! It’s all either super-rich, or very poor. Because of inflated housing prices, what would be considered middle-class anywhere else is ‘rich’ in SoCal. (ie, a house that goes for $150,000 in a normal state goes for $600,000 in SoCal)
I love humidity, so summers in Florida are wonderful for me.
My skin actually feels smooth and soft for once! :)
And oh yes, I loved the “No state income tax” in Florida. It was actually affordable to live there. Too bad I couldn’t find any employment there though. *sad*
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I recently relocated to Cali from the South and I’m pleased with my decision. However the uncertainty that comes along with earthquakes really bothers me!
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Beautiful Weather
-Weather is overrated, i loved life more in London(miserable weather) than i did on the west coast. Plus here is alot to be said for discernable seasonal changes that signify lifes progression.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
-complete hogwash, makes sense if your talking specifically tech companies but entrepreneurs are located all over this great country, they are not regional specific.
Access To Asia
-excellent benefit if you love to do biz or travel to Asia. cheap airfares.
Vacation Paradise
- Yet the West coast elite love to party in the Hamptons in the summer or Miami during any other part of the year? West coast is great if your vacation involves mostly outdoor activities.
World Class Winter Sports
- Skiing is still considered an elitist sport in this country, particularly in an economic downturn.
More Peaceful People.
- Nonsense, have u ever heard of violent west coast gangs? Do u also know that these gangs have branched out from california into the other 50 states?
Less Crooks.
-I am beginning to wonder if u live in a gated community. the west coast has more prisons than any other region of the country; more gangs, and more bank robberies. The state of california spends upwards of 10% of it’s budget maintaining the prison system.
Environmental Movement
- yeah but how do explain the dwindling water supply so people can water their perfect lawns and the lack of a cohesive public transportation system so everyone can drive their own car? the so called environmental movement is a pure publicity.
Great Athletics
- I can’t argue, there is a hotbed of athletic talent due to all year round training facilities
Pride
-didn’t u tell me that ‘intangibles” don’t count? hear any good earthquake, brush fire or mudslide jokes lately?
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A few good things about the West coast
- outside transportation and a home you can actually save money because u have fewer places to spend your disposable income on vs a walking city like NYC.
-generic supermarkets are the best in terms of product offering but you don’t have as many niche gourmet food places
-cheaper to date due to the smaller supply of overly expensive restaurants(mexican anyone?) and places like theaters, concert halls, etc but movie theaters are everywhere.
-good domestic wine is cheap
-less running around time to schedule activities due to driving distances and traffic
- a bevy of beauties that sort of look the same due to cheap cosmetic surgery
-less money on clothing because t-shrt and jeans or shorts can be worn everywhere. no need for expensive suits, sports jackets. Also no need to have a seasonal wardrobe.
-cars last longer
-day labor is cheap to acquire
-people are collectively passive aggressive until they get into their cars to vent their rage
-an hour late for a date or event is acceptable because bad traffic is always the at ready excuse.
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This post is definitely making me reconsider my position on not moving out west from the East Coast. However, with Cali’s new rules on minimum wage, I wonder how it’s trying to help its citizens afford the high cost of living.
Chanelle´s last blog ..LinkedIn- Generation Y Just Isn’t That Into You
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I will definitely say there is something incredible about the West Coast. My trip to San Francisco is definitely one to remember and I would move there in a heartbeat. i lived on the East Coast and loved the energy as well. The Mid-West is great as well.
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