Any places in California with a Midwest Culture/Vibe? (Sacramento: fit in, how much)

[ImmerLernen]

We'd like to relocate away from SoCal. I'm wondering if there are any area(s) within California that have more of a Midwest culture or vibe: fewer people (than LA or Orange County), less traffic, slower pace, people displaying common sense and common courtesy, traditional American values and work ethic?

[Pro1000]

Originally Posted by ImmerLernen

We'd like to relocate away from SoCal. I'm wondering if there are any area(s) within California that have more of a Midwest culture or vibe: fewer people (than LA or Orange County), less traffic, slower pace, people displaying common sense and common courtesy, traditional American values and work ethic?

I would say the Central Valley but you're asking for a lot in this sentence. You might need to define "traditional American values". Also you're more looking for a distinct neighborhood to live in. An entire city is not going to be story book and how you want it to be

[dontbelievehim]

Small town central valley and some foothill spots

Try lemoore, Chico, Oakdale, Exeter, Gilroy, Oakhurst, atascadero. Cheers.

[BeauCharles]

I lived in the Des Moines area at one time. The people in the Central Valley (especially the northern Sacramento Valley) are friendlier than those in the Midwest.

[Electrician4you]

Truthfully small towns can be as petty, conceited, standoffish, racist, closed minded, unfriendly and showoff as big towns. Just on a smaller scale. People can be friendly but never be your friend and in some cases you will always be a outsider regardless of how much you conform and try to fit in.
If you’re looking for Smalltown USA look at cities outside of the big metro areas. You can go to Big Bear, Crestline and have the small town feel. If you just gotta be in Nor Cal plenty of little towns to relocate.

Hopefully you have money, moving to a town with manufacturing or a state job because you won’t be making a ton of money. Small towns usually have small economies. And things aren’t cheaper in a small town

[Mr5150]

When I moved to the foot hills of eastern CA, was struck by how unCalifornia the culture was in a positive way. And I’ve not experienced the negatives mentioned by the above poster. Costs are less than in LA. Sure, your not gonna save money on food or gas, but housing, entertainment, your plumber and car mechanic and other repair guys charge a third of what big city guys charge. I haven’t needed or owned a suit for a decade. No need to own a 7 series BMW. The overall COL is a third of LA or the Bay Area.

[mlb]

Having grown up in the midwest and left 40 years ago I go back often to visit family.

The "culture" has dramatically changed there.

Insular and indignant. NIMBYism. The rural/urban divide is just a nasty fight in the Legislatures.

That said - what everyone said about prices not being stratospheric in rural California. More space between people. If you have your housing covered it's manageable.

[ccm123]

Try Atascadero and Templeton in San Luis Obispo County.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by mlb

Having grown up in the midwest and left 40 years ago I go back often to visit family.

The "culture" has dramatically changed there.

Insular and indignant. NIMBYism. The rural/urban divide is just a nasty fight in the Legislatures.

That said - what everyone said about prices not being stratospheric in rural California. More space between people. If you have your housing covered it's manageable.

The culture is changing everywhere. The younger generations have different standards, different interests, even different work and education. Today it is more a me first vibe, in effect all about the person and no one has any right to tell him what to do.

[Tulemutt]

Try Omaha ...