Why do people insist that San Diego has a different culture from Orange County?

[MrJester]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Because people are holding on to an 'old way of thinking' about San Diego, its the old culture of yesteryear. This could be due at least in part to the reason they first moved there 40+ years ago or the way they remember it while growing up. There is also a bit of pride in holding on to that old notion of being a laid back, sleepy beach town. In the 1960 SD county had 1 million residents. In 1980 it had 1.8 million. Fast forward to 2020 and it is very close if not already reaching 3.4 million. That's a huge change with the majority of residents still concentrated along the coastal strip of the county and out into east county (which really isn't that far east unless hitting traffic).

For those old enough to remember what it was like in the 70s and 80s, it really is a very different place now with a different vibe that it had back then. This is mainly due to all the growth and development in the last 40+ years. It really was more laid back at one time, I remember it. I guess if one is a 20 something and living in SD, they may think its still more laid back than LA or OC. And if you look for pockets off tourist season, off rush hour and don't drive much, maybe that sliver still feels like a bit laid back. But then one could find a similar place like that in OC and LA in certain sliver areas amidst the masses.

LA, OC and SD all have very different parts with distinctly different feels (LA: downtown, Beverly Hills, South Bay Beaches, OC: Irvine, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, SD: downtown, La Jolla, La Mesa).

But by and large they really are not that different from each other when compared to the rest of the nation. There is a distinct SoCal feel or vibe there that makes them seem more similar than different. The massive number of people and concrete that connects them is big a factor (405, 5). Their climate is more similar than different while at the coast or inland. All three have top public UC universities. Mannerisms are very similar in the various socioeconomic circles. Life is a Beach if you live along the coast and are not working yourself to death keeping up with the Jones'. Real Estate in the nicer areas are equally high. All of the nice beaches get very crowded when the weather is good and sun is out. Tons of surfers and beach kids along with old surfer dudes going out at places like Old Mans.

Probably the biggest differences include mountains visible from LA anywhere in the city on a clear day. Skiing within a couple hours is very doable. Pockets of affordability have been driven out to the outer boundaries, less desirable inland locations in LA and SD. OC has nowhere else to go.Greater military presence in LA and SD, especially SD including the jobs that go with it. LA has the most diverse job market. While all have some degree of cultural diversity LA definitely is a greater melting pot. OC and SD used to be more white bread, conservative middle Americana. But that has been changing as well over the years. Multicultural cuisine, especially good Asian and Mexican food is plentiful. While they all have a strong music scene with concerts and music festivals, LA has world class venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theater, etc... LA simply has more extremes overall from the larger ghettos in places like south central to lifestyles of the rich and famous in many places. There's no other equivalent to Hollywood.

Differences, yes. But visit another part of the country and you will see, hear, feel and sense more similarities throughout SoCal than any other place.

Derek

In other words, the real difference in geography/climate/economy is between inland SoCal and Coastal SoCal, regardless of which county you are in.

[saibot]

Originally Posted by MrJester

In other words, the real difference in geography/climate/economy is between inland SoCal and Coastal SoCal, regardless of which county you are in.

I think that's basically correct.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by MrJester

In other words, the real difference in geography/climate/economy is between inland SoCal and Coastal SoCal, regardless of which county you are in.

Yep, that sums it up especially with regards to culture apart from the false pretense of thinking one is more laid back in any significant way. Its like a little brother pretending he is not related to his own family even while living under the same roof. Can't deny your own blood an lineage. Many in SD moved there from LA and OC. There's also movement back and forth due to work, schools, etc... lol

BTW, when I first responded to your poll I read it the other way for some reason. So my vote should actually be changed to 'Yes.'

Derek