California vs. Mid-Atlantic (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington DC) (place, Los Angeles)

[Lifeshadower]

What makes people think the West Coast lacks a rich history? The Spanish don't count as history (you know, that minor thing having to do with 21 missions all over California?) The Russians in Northern California isn't history (Fort Ross http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Ross)? The Mexican presence isn't history? The Gold Rush isn't history? The Transcontinental Railroad isn't history? Or do you mean British colonial history only?

Here's a start on West Coast's rich native and colonial history: History of the west coast of North America - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The history of the Americas isn't simply limited from the Atlantic Coast westward. Remember, the whole reason why the British got involved in North America to begin with was to counter the Spanish galleon trade in the southern part of this continent. Everything that happened after was reactive to the Spanish or the French.

Just remember why the British founded their early settlements in the areas they did. Early British settlements at Jamestown and in Plymouth were supposed to be defensible from outside European powers, namely the Spanish. Remember this is contemporary to the Spanish Armada, which was still on the minds of everyone building these areas. This is the same reason why the Presidio of San Francisco was built by the Spanish to counteract the Russian movement in Northern California in the late 18th century.

As an aside, I wonder what the Pacific Northwest would have looked like if the Russians stayed as colonizers.

You simply can't restrict your view of history of the United States to the Atlantic, because these other developments deeply ingrained the national development of the US as a whole. California and the rest of the Southern United States wouldn't have developed a deep ranching culture if it wasn't for the Spanish/Mexicans, San Francisco (later the hub of the Easterner rush of the 49ers) wouldn't have been built the way it did if it wasn't for the Russian influence, and North America probably wouldn't have interested the English much unless it was for the Spanish becoming rich off of Mexico and South America's mineral resources.

Don't even get me started on the history of the natives of this region. I'll give a subtle clue on which area was settled first; look at the position of the Bearing Strait/Land Bridge, and see which area was closer to that region. However, the Mid-Atlantic did have the Iroquois Confederation (the largest such confederation in North America pre-colonial era), but the California tribal formations were relatively isolated from one another due to geographic hindrances, giving this era a really rich Native American tapestry.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by PITTSTON2SARASOTA

I'd have to go with the Mid Atlantic states...too many diverse and interesting cities along with a myriad of recreational options and topographic variations. Also more history and a different vibe than California...IMHO.

As far as recreation and topographical variations, I would still give the nod to California easily.

But I do understand your point.

[jknic]

To the first few posts, why such dislike for the East Coast. We don't have an inferiority complex, we do have an "I'm sick and tired of hearing how California/the West Coast is Shangrala, when it reality its about equal to the East Coast and depends 100% on what you're looking for"

Personally, I prefer the North East over the Mid-Atlantic (being that I'm in one of the states that's both) because I prefer the cold over the heat. The offer more history in the sense that this building has been here since pre-revolution and just thinking about what has gone in within these walls. Or how here in Newark Washington Camped right in the middle of what is now Washington Park.

[jman650]

Originally Posted by jknic

To the first few posts, why such dislike for the East Coast.

How do you possibly translate these posts (#1-#4) to equate to a "dislike for the East Coast?"

Originally Posted by Lifeshadower

Ok, since any topic involving an individual East Coast state and California always devolves into 'Well, California only has that much geographic diversity because its bigger (even though geographic diversity is determined by east/west topographical variation and distance to the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean), I've taken it into consideration that the best type of comparison would be a California vs. Mid-Atlantic comparison, since they are more equal in area and population If it was comparing the whole Northeast to California, the Northeast would have a definite size advantage (in addition to the higher population advantage).

These two areas of the country routinely make headlines in the news, and includes some of our nations most famous and populated cities. Depending on who you ask, these could arguably be the most hated or the most loved regions in the United States due to their tendencies to vote more liberal than other areas of the United States.

The Mid-Atlantic states range from the depths of the Allegheny Mountains, to the Great Lakes region, to New York City, to the nation's capital. Honestly, its truly an amazing part of the country!

These are both world-class regions, and the US should be lucky to have them. In fact, the US should be lucky to have all regions because they all contribute to the nation as a whole.

Which do you prefer? Where would you rather live? What quality of life would you prefer?

Originally Posted by PDX_LAX

Still had to go with California in the end. Better quality of life and it just fits my personality better. Though it was definitely close and Washington and New York are still two of my favorite cities.

Originally Posted by Golden-mind-State

Same,and I think the Mid-Atlantic might take this just because the cities but the region as a whole is still hard to compare to Cali. I love both areas though,but I've lived in multiple cities out east over there and still would rather live almost anywhere in Cali. Washington,NY and Philly are hard cities to compete with though! Not to mention Pittsburgh and some of the other ones.

Originally Posted by Rhymes with Best Coast

Which do you prefer? Where would you rather live? What quality of life would you prefer?

Answer to all three questions: California, based on weather and quality of life alone. I like nice weather and I don't like stress. By your #s, California is far more diverse as well. More dramatic natural settings in Cali too. All around it's for me.

But I understand the people who would choose the mid-atlantic. Hopefully they've been out to Cali to make a fair assessment first though.

Some of you take anything less than "the East Coast is the greatest region on Earth and no other could dare challenge it in any way shape or form!" to be an affront to the East. And then you have the gall to claim you don't have some sort of complex LOL. If you don't think being this touchy about the honor of your "deified" region screams complex to the rest of us, I don't know how to help you.

Originally Posted by jknic

We don't have an inferiority complex, we do have an "I'm sick and tired of hearing how California/the West Coast is Shangrala, when it reality its about equal to the East Coast and depends 100% on what you're looking for"

Right, b/c it never gets old the rest of the country how much we have to hear about how much greater your cities are than anywhere else and that you have everything there. Its okay for you guys to make the East out to be the Garden of Eden and beat us all over the head with that opinion, and shoot down any claim of CA or anywhere else edging past the East in ANY category. Its all good for you guys to take offense the second someone is less than blown away by the wonders that are the East Coast , but if someone chooses CA over it there's something wrong with that person. Yeah, that makes sense.

And repeating over and over and over and over again and again and again about how NYC is the capital of everything (food, fashion, media, earth, the universe, the four elements, profound thought, mankind, blah blah blah...) should somehow be acceptable to us then by your logic?? We should need to be reminded so often of just how important NYC and the East Coast are, but YOU'RE sick of CA being praised for all it offers? Gotta love the double-standards of pig-headed East Coasters.

[TANaples]

Personally, I could never understand how the state of NY with it's northern most point bordering CANADA can be considred the Mid-Atlantic anyway. Maybe NYC, but not all the of the state. I always thought of the STATE of NY as being the Northeast.

[Lifeshadower]

Originally Posted by jknic

To the first few posts, why such dislike for the East Coast. We don't have an inferiority complex, we do have an "I'm sick and tired of hearing how California/the West Coast is Shangrala, when it reality its about equal to the East Coast and depends 100% on what you're looking for"

None of the California posters have been extremely hostile yet. In fact, I even stated that I really like the East Coast and lived there for a year. It wasn't for me, but I would live there again.

We have every right to defend our home. Just like you have every right to defend yours.

Personally, I prefer the North East over the Mid-Atlantic (being that I'm in one of the states that's both) because I prefer the cold over the heat. The offer more history in the sense that this building has been here since pre-revolution and just thinking about what has gone in within these walls. Or how here in Newark Washington Camped right in the middle of what is now Washington Park.

Or like having Missions next to your High School like I did: Mission San Fernando Rey de España - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Or passing by the original site of Spanish settlement on the way to work, like thousands upon thousands of people do:
Olvera Street - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
EL PUEBLO DE LOS ANGELES HISTORICAL MONUMENT

Or passing by the site where the Mexicans surrendered to the United States, marking the end of the Mexican-American War on future American soil (Campo De Cahuenga) next to Universal Studios:
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

The Mid-Atlantic and California have different histories, and they obviously manifest itself in different ways. They are both equally historical. These three markings of the Spanish/Mexican presence are only 3 of hundreds of reminders of their presence throughout California.

In addition, California has one of the few Russian installations left in the contiguous United States from their attempt at colonizing North America.

Fort Ross, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Northeast doesn't have a monopoly on all things historic.

This is all an opinion site anyways. Let's agree to disagree.

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

As far as recreation and topographical variations, I would still give the nod to California easily.

But I do understand your point.

California is extremely topographically diverse. Earth scientists have divided California into 11 distinct geomorphic provinces, each with their own distinct features and climate.

http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/informa...ts/note_36.pdf
1. Coast Ranges
2. Klamath Mountains
3. Cascade Mountains
4. Modoc Plateau
5. Basin and Range
6. Sierra Nevada
7. Central Valley
8. Traverse Ranges
9. Mojave Desert
10. Colorado Desert
11. Peninsular Ranges

If you were to divide it up by area, California would be roughly 25% desert (Basin and Range + Mojave Desert + Colorado Desert), 45% mountain (Coast Ranges + Klamath Mountains + Cascade Mountains + Sierra Nevada + Traverse Range + Peninsular Range) , 25% Central Valey, 5% Modoc Plateau.

This results in the extreme variation in climate in such small distances.

At the same token, the Mid-Atlantic is nothing to shirk at and includes 3 different geomorphic provinces from 11 different phsiogeographic regions:

http://tapestry.usgs.gov/physiogr/physio.html

The Mid-Atlantic includes:

3a, 4b, 6c, 6b,7a, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 10, 12a (if I missed one, someone can correct me)

3a. Coastal Plain: Embayed Section
4b. Piedmont Lowlands
6c. Hudson Valley
6b. Valley and Ridge Province: Middle Section
7a. St. Lawrence Valley: Champlain Section
8a. Appalachian Plateau: Mohawk Section
8b. Catskill Section
8c. Southern New York Section
8d. Allegheny Mountain Section
8e. Kanahwa Section
10. Adirondack Province
12a. Central Lowland: Eastern Lake Section

Both really geographically diverse areas of the country. Climate is another story.

[Llewelyn]

Originally Posted by jknic

To the first few posts, why such dislike for the East Coast. We don't have an inferiority complex, we do have an "I'm sick and tired of hearing how California/the West Coast is Shangrala, when it reality its about equal to the East Coast and depends 100% on what you're looking for"

I admit that when I said "Mid-Atlantic sucks" it was more a manifestation of my frustration against the poster I quoted. I don't actually hate it, I'm just not a fan.

Having an inferiority complex isn't having pride in your hometown and pointing out its positives. Having an inferiority complex is attacking another person's hometown because you feel threatened by the positives that that person has brought up.

[DC's Finest]

I like LA and everytime I visit I could definitely live there. But there is something special about the east coast. The east coast represents the power and prestige of this country. The fast paced cities, diversity, urbanity and four seasons. As I get older, I am starting to hate the snow, but if it didn't snow I would be unhappy.

[ffknight918]

Originally Posted by Llewelyn

Isn't it great that nothing you said has anything to do with the positives I listed?

Mid-Atlantic sucks. And, apparently, the people there have an inferiority complex...

That was a mature response. What makes your post any better than this fool's post? Next time I don't like what someone says, I'll use that same exact response and put down everyone in that person's region. Get over yourself. There are plenty of people like that on the West Coast as well.

EDIT: Just read your second post after saying this.

[ifeeldope]

Originally Posted by DC's Finest

I like LA and everytime I visit I could definitely live there. But there is something special about the east coast. The east coast represents the power and prestige of this country. The fast paced cities, diversity, urbanity and four seasons. As I get older, I am starting to hate the snow, but if it didn't snow I would be unhappy.

I know exactly what you mean. This actually became a thread, wow. I dont understand why you didnt just do the whole northeast vs cali, it would have been a better comparison in size and though it would not be comparable in population it would be with natural scenery(something you west coasts people boast about). I say the mid-atlantic though...its just a better fit for me. I do like Cali and have spent a considerable amount of time there...lots of family in Daly city.