What's the temperament of the people in different areas of California? (Los Angeles: fit in, real estate)

[arfbarf]

Hello! I know this is a bit of an odd question, but bear with me... I already know I'd fit in pretty well in CA. I love nature (mountains, forest, beaches, gotta have them all), am politically liberal, smoke weed, am kind of a hippie, etc. etc. But I'm wondering about what the people are like.

I currently live in Philly and I don't really like it. The people here (generally) seem a little neurotic and aggressive and not as cosmopolitan as I would like (being from DC). The working class vibe is also just not what I'm used to so I don't really feel happy here because it's the dominant vibe. I like the people I've met at work but I just don't feel at home and I don't feel like I can be the best version of myself here. It's really hard to describe, but I've accepted that this place just doesn't gel with me.

I'm wondering if CA might have the kind of people I'm looking for. I understand it's a large and diverse place, hence my title. The kind of people I'd like to meet value kindness and community and are laid-back and friendly. Not making superficial small talk all the time friendly, but interested in making new connections and friends. They also value education, diversity, and culture. Is this sort of thing possible to find in CA? If so, where? Please advise. Thank you.

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by arfbarf

Hello! I know this is a bit of an odd question, but bear with me... I already know I'd fit in pretty well in CA. I love nature (mountains, forest, beaches, gotta have them all), am politically liberal, smoke weed, am kind of a hippie, etc. etc. But I'm wondering about what the people are like.

We already have more than enough liberals here, try Portland, OR instead. Thanks

[cephalopede]

Liberals are always welcome. :-) So are conservatives, for that matter.

What you're looking for can be found in California, absolutely. The most "worldly" cities are probably San Francisco, followed by Los Angeles, and you'll find world class amenities in both. Having said that, living in either of them is very pricey (especially in San Francisco), and I can't really speak to how community-minded specific neighborhoods are.

I'd recommend keeping your search closer to the coast. Inland California, oddly enough, tends to be a lot more conservative. The Central Valley, where I'm from originally, is commonly called California's Bible Belt. Lots of good people there, mind you, but I never liked the climate much, political or otherwise.

College towns are another good bet. Even if they're not close to one of the major cities, they tend to draw in more diversity and activity than would be present otherwise. Even if you're not a student yourself, you can still benefit from the atmosphere.

Specifically, I'd check out some of the communities near San Diego and in Orange County, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Cruz. And I honestly think you'd be a great fit up here in Arcata, too.

[dexter14]

Originally Posted by cephalopede

Specifically, I'd check out some of the communities near San Diego and in Orange County, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Cruz. And I honestly think you'd be a great fit up here in Arcata, too.

Orange County is largely conservative and Republican. SLO is as well. Again, we have enough liberals here. Look elsewhere please.

[cephalopede]

I haven't spent a lot of time there, but politics aside, some of the smaller areas seemed a little more community minded, but I could be wrong.

Mbell, maybe you'd be happier in another thread.

[arfbarf]

You know, I actually first became interested because I learned about Arcata on some list, somewhere of nice places to live. Because I already thought California was a good place (I think my parents would like it too, which is a consideration), it seemed particularly enticing. Thank you for your suggestions, cephalopede!

[cephalopede]

Arcata's a bit of an old hippie down, strong college population, demographics skewed pretty young. It's pretty white compared to what I'm used to, but more diverse than a lot of places in Northern California. There is a sense of community, friendly people, an awesome little downtown area, and lots of local, family owned businesses. Prices here aren't too outrageous as California goes. Real estate is cheaper than in a lot of coastal areas, but things like gas and produce cost more. There's a lot of natural beauty, though!

[Kitty4]

You'd like Santa Cruz!

[nightlysparrow]

I think Berkeley or Santa Monica. Urban enough, and with a progressive attitude.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by cephalopede

Mbell, maybe you'd be happier in another thread.

Very nice thought. But mbell wouldn't be happier anywhere, obviously.
Some people thrive on miserable