Now that I've lived on the West Coast for three years, I've truly come to realize some of the differences between West Coast living and East Coast living. There are simply certain things that California does better. But on the other hand, there are a few things that Florida can do that are unmatched. Some things here might be broad coastal generalizations, while others are more accurate to the two states I've lived in for almost 30 years.
In California everyone says hella. Everything is hella cool, hella hot, hella hella. I've even started saying it! And every now and then I catch myself referring to people as y'all. That's just what you say in Florida. Y'all would be hella crazy if you think I'd stop saying that! And another interesting thing with words? West coasters say freeways, but I don't think I'll ever stop calling them highways.
Atlantic vs. Pacific
Want to know the best part of a California beach? The mountain range that curves alongside it. Want to know the worst part? The cold ass Pacific Ocean that doesn't let you get in without a wet suit. Since Florida has the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, you can swim in the water practically year round...in an actual swimsuit. It's warm, sunny and the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico have the best sand. But alas, everything in Florida is flat, so no mountains in the distance. Just decide if you're into wet suit surfing or beach lounging.
Hipster vs. Beach Bum
Let me say that I'm comparing California with Florida, not California with New York. Since they're both well-known beach states, the fashion game is not too different. But the biggest separation would have to be that you'll find more hipster style in Cali and more beach bum in Flo-rida.
Wine vs. Mojito
If you want a delicious mojito, then order it on the East coast. That was my signature drink in Florida because the state has access to actual mint leaves. I tried ordering one in Arizona once and it tasted like soap. But if you think you have more of a sophisticated palette (you wino), then a robust red wine might be to your liking. I go for white wine here in California, which you know is always on point with Napa and Sonoma just steps away.Nature vs. Disney
Granted, California also is home to theme parks, but the most well-known theme park in the country is Walt Disney World, which is in Orlando, Florida. If you're bored in the peninsula state and want to do something fun over the weekend, chances are you're going to Disney. Or possibly to a sandbar in The Keys. In Cali, you have a few more options like mountain biking/climbing, surfing or skiing. You can surf in Big Sur at 7 a.m. and then find yourself snowboarding in Tahoe by 3 p.m. that same day. That simply can't be beat.
Farmer's Markets vs. Publix
Out in the west, you'd probably be shunned if you didn't like farmers' markets. Where I live, I think there's one just about every day of the week in some city in the Bay. Floridians, on the other hand, are just starting to embrace farmers' markets. You know where people from Florida get their veggies? From a delightfully yummy Publix sub. It's the stuff dreams are made of.
Do you notice any interesting differences between East Coast and West Coast living?
