Things people miss most after leaving California or disliked most in another state (Irvine: home, good schools)

[Justabystander]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

Hi LuvSouthOC,

We actually live in Lafayette and I agree, this whole area is beautiful. I just wish it were warmer in the winter and more affordable. I can't think of a time we haven't struggled financially in California, but still, for us, it is worth it. I always tell DH, we can be financially comfortable in a place we don't like or we can struggle financially in a place we do. Life is too short. Small houses don't bother us. I know that many people leave California so that they can afford a big house. That has never been a priority for us as we a minimalists and can live in smaller homes.

We have left California and come back three times mostly due to finances. Even though DH makes good money, it is hard to raise a family on a single income here and it is a priority for me to stay home with our kids.

My screen name is a street we used to live on once upon a time and actually has nothing to do with Tarzana, but I can see how one might draw that conclusion.

We have considered Ventura county, but the air quality in LA is a deal breaker. Not sure about Topanga Canyon, we have never driven through. But secluded isn't my thing (I am an extrovert and enjoy being near people). We prefer urban/suburban, but Santa Monica is out of our price range and isn't very family friendly.

Again, thanks for starting this thread. It is good to think about all of the wonderful things we love about this great state of ours.

I grew up in California, and now live in the Chicago suburbs, where I guess you left. I miss the hills, ocean and warmth in the winter; that's about it. I love the towns here, particularly our town with the train to downtown and the museums and lakefront, the beautiful trees and houses, the four seasons, down to earth real people, the Sox, Bears and the Bulls. I love the summers in Chicago; festivals every weekend and a million things to do in a real city. The schools for my kids are great, and given the number of corporations here, the opportunities are good. Would I ever go back; not unless as a snowbird in retirement for a few months during the winter. The great thing about the Chicago area is that it accomodates any income bracket as far as housing; you have affordable suburbs, mid level suburbs, and high end suburbs with values close to or equal to Newport Beach; no financial strain necessary because of the price points. I would compare Evanston to Santa Monica any day, family friendly, urban/suburban and a college town (Northwestern). To each his own; my world opened up the day I left the California parochial safety dome and discovered new places, things and ways of life.

[aythan]

I havent read all the posts. But, Im going to miss In-n-Out!!! nuff said

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by Justabystander

I grew up in California, and now live in the Chicago suburbs, where I guess you left. I miss the hills, ocean and warmth in the winter; that's about it. I love the towns here, particularly our town with the train to downtown and the museums and lakefront, the beautiful trees and houses, the four seasons, down to earth real people, the Sox, Bears and the Bulls. I love the summers in Chicago; festivals every weekend and a million things to do in a real city. The schools for my kids are great, and given the number of corporations here, the opportunities are good. Would I ever go back; not unless as a snowbird in retirement for a few months during the winter. The great thing about the Chicago area is that it accomodates any income bracket as far as housing; you have affordable suburbs, mid level suburbs, and high end suburbs with values close to or equal to Newport Beach; no financial strain necessary because of the price points. I would compare Evanston to Santa Monica any day, family friendly, urban/suburban and a college town (Northwestern). To each his own; my world opened up the day I left the California parochial safety dome and discovered new places, things and ways of life.

We lived in Evanston and the schools aren't even close to being as good as the schools my children attend now. That being said, there are certainly things I miss. There is nothing like Midwesterners. They are loyal and true friends and such friendly people. I miss living in a grid neighborhood and walking out my front door knowing there would always be people (not just landscapers) outside to make pleasantries with. For some people, that would be a negative, but for an extrovert like me, it was
perfect. I never felt as isolated in the burbs in Evanston. I also miss thunderstorms (something fierce!) and the excitement of the first signs of spring. But still, I don't deal well with cold and my eyes crave natural beauty so California is the clear choice. Evanston was a great place if you have to live in the Midwest.

[Teckeeee]

Originally Posted by aythan

I havent read all the posts. But, Im going to miss In-n-Out!!! nuff said

And I am glad to have it back. The one at The District in Irvine has the best service of any In and Out too!

[LuvSouthOC]

Originally Posted by Colorado xxxxx

And I am glad to have it back. The one at The District in Irvine has the best service of any In and Out too!

For those who left the West Coast and are now In and Out challenged, there are these:

• Five Guys
• Sonic (yes, I know)
• Fuddruckers
• Steak n' shake
• Carl's Jr/Hardees
• White Castle (why do people like these in places like PA, someone please explain?)

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

For those who left the west coast and are now Inn and Out challenged, there are these:

• Five Guys
• Sonic (yes, I know)
• Fuddruckers
• Steak n' shake
• Carl's Jr/Hardees
• White Castle (why do people like these in places like PA, someone please explain?)

We have all of those here in Southern California except for "Steak and Shake" and "White Castle". I have eaten at both White Castle ( once was enough ) and Steak and Shake ( pretty good ).

I have eaten at In-N-Out many times all over California for many years. We have 1 just 5 minutes from my home. Their service has always been pretty consistently good everywhere which is not true of the others. In-N-Out pays more than the others and gets a better class of employee.

[Teckeeee]

Yes In and Out pays their mgrs 50k, not to shabby.

[psichick]

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

For those who left the West Coast and are now In and Out challenged, there are these:

• Five Guys
• Sonic (yes, I know)
• Fuddruckers
• Steak n' shake
• Carl's Jr/Hardees
• White Castle (why do people like these in places like PA, someone please explain?)

None of those is even close to a replacement for In-n-Out.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Originally Posted by psichick

None of those is even close to a replacement for In-n-Out.

Stake and Shake could give In-n-Out a dark horse run for the money. One of the few good things about living in the midwest.

Five Guys is just an over-priced In-n-Out knock off.

The rest aren't even in the same league.

[arleigh]

I am a southern California boy born in 50.
Spent time traveling the whole continent , some on foot some on rail come in the air and in vehicles. Mostly small towns and villages but a few major cities as well.
1. vulgarity.
most of the rest of the world can't speak english with out vulgarity .
It is rarely hears around here until you go to northern California. LA and above. One of the major factors I am hesitant to move out of state in spite of the problems.
2. distrust.
One is more likely to get help on the side of the road in southern California that any other state I have visited .
And if you ask for information in any other state , chances are it is misleading .
3. I have been to seminars on various subjects from social to mechanical .
People are fascinated that I would share skills with other people in the same business , to them it's like sharing secrets .
4. Now I don't know if its where I live or what but most people here know how to park in a parking spot between the lines.
but people every where else seem to need glasses and park across the lines. completely thoughtless .
5. I have seen the video of "wall mart people", but I have never seen any thing like it here.