Southern Cali is such a rat race (Riverside, Hayward: houses, luxury)

[GatsbyGatz]

It seems like the culture in SoCal revolves around one thing: wealth. Everyone obsesses around being able to one day afford to live on the beach and I feel like the beach in particular has become a sort of symbol for success for Southern Californians that other Americans aren't subconsciously plagued by. Due to the car culture, not only are people obsessed with obtaining nice houses, but cars as well. The entire dating scene is based on status and wealth, and nearly everyone I know works multiple jobs to the bone because of the brutal cost of living. I'm working around 50+ hours a week which is common here.

Is this culture specific to Southern California, large metro areas, or is it like this everywhere?

[Fontucky]

Don't you live in Riverside?

[alexxiz]

Same in Bay Area...

[PDF]

I've only noticed this in certain areas. I think this perception of SoCal is overhyped. But some areas do feel like that, yes.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by alexxiz

Same in Bay Area...

true, it's worse in LA though but the Bay Area does it's part too. Telling someone you live in Richmond is like Bay Area Kryptonite.

[EclecticEars]

Originally Posted by PDF

I've only noticed this in certain areas. I think this perception of SoCal is overhyped. But some areas do feel like that, yes.

...and areas that "feel like that" are the obvious offenders: West L.A., Sherman Oaks/"Hollywoodized" parts of the SFV, South Orange County, and the wealthier communities in Ventura County.

North OC, SGV, and much of the I.E. seem just like normal folks.

Originally Posted by Gentoo

true, it's worse in LA though but the Bay Area does it's part too. Telling someone you live in Richmond is like Bay Area Kryptonite.

Yep. Orinda, San Carlos, Saratoga, Healdsburg, etc. and the like give you better perception than, say, Richmond (even including the decent Point Richmond), Hayward (incl. the hills) or San Lorenzo. Sad, but true.

[genjy]

Don't get suckered into the whole "beach, nice car, nice house" image of CA perpetuated by certain groups and demographics.

These people would love for you to agree with them.

The beauty of CA is that it has everything, so you choose the lifestyle that you like.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by EclecticEars

...and areas that "feel like that" are the obvious offenders: West L.A., Sherman Oaks/"Hollywoodized" parts of the SFV, South Orange County, and the wealthier communities in Ventura County.

North OC, SGV, and much of the I.E. seem just like normal folks.



Yep. Orinda, San Carlos, Saratoga, Healdsburg, etc. and the like give you better perception than, say, Richmond (even including the decent Point Richmond), Hayward (incl. the hills) or San Lorenzo. Sad, but true.

Even Hayward and San Lorenzo diss Richmond lol

[Fargobound]

Take comfort in knowing that while many wear their wealth on their feet, back and keychain they're probably insolvent.

[user_id]

People throughout the nation are obsessed with wealth, throughout the nation you have wealthy communities, luxury car dealerships, etc....this has nothing to do with California.

But a lot of people come to California to "make it" and so a lot of younger people end up working long hours to achieve their goals. You don't see the same things in more established residents.