Is my head in the sand, or are the people of California actually friendly? (Pasadena: apartment, construction)

[EclecticEars]

I live near Cincinnati and work two jobs: (1) a specialist in a state social services office and (2) a cashier/clerk at a concession stand/store at the local airport. Apparently, we have A LOT of Californians that have moved here or travel through here...more than I expected. At either job, although I have to "keep the pace" and not allow other clients/customers to wait any longer than necessary, I find myself for some reason talking to a lot of people who are originally from or currently living in California. For example, laid off construction workers and office clerks, professionals, groups of high school students traveling, etc. This very tall, attractive girl I work with is from the Bay Area and is just as chill and friendly as she can be--just a true pleasure. I find it refreshing because, while many Cincinnatians and Kentuckians are indeed quite nice people, there is more of a sense and aura of rust belt depression and even anger that is reflected in many of the citizens' attitudes and outlooks.

Furthermore, my only personal experience in the state of California was back in November when I visited L.A., Orange and Ventura Counties for several days. While I didn't care for some of L.A. County, I enjoyed the laid back (I don't know if this is indicative of friendly, also) vibes in Pasadena and Venice Beach. I loved Balboa Island in Orange County, found the store clerks friendly and it was easy to just have small talk with the folks on the street. I also had the privilege of visiting the Reagan Library in Simi Valley and had 5-6 people (presumably locals, one lady was telling me about her annual membership there) just struck up conversations with me about the weather, their children, the Air Force One on display, etc.; oh, and the employees were very nice and helpful...every one of them.

I can sit in my apartment in Cincinnati and hear more horn blares in three hours than I did when I covered 500+ miles in 3.5 days in SoCal; traffic flowed smoothly but very quickly on Thanksgiving weekend and I found that the drivers would give me the thank you wave whenever I let them into still or slow traffic. It's seldom that one (myself included) receives a thank you wave in Cincinnati, Lexington, Dayton, etc., so I found this to be a nice change.

I visited California in November to get a feel for the land and plan another trip in the summer. I am interested in a move out there and found the friendly (in my experience) and laid-back people to be a plus. I value this more than natural beauty, diversity, arts, culture, etc., although I love all of those things.

So, is my head in the sand, or are the Californians actually a pretty good bunch'a folks? I read these forums a lot and people who have left California sometimes make it out to be a place of rude, aggressive people, idiotic drivers and...wait...fruits and nuts; this is the reason I phrased the title of this thread like I did.

[coyoteskye]

There tends to be an openness, a more relaxed attitude, a lack of cynicism and a kind of simplicity / lack of neuroticism.
These are superficial differences (in other words, they're not an indication of a better Heart nor an indication of a lesser mind) but ones that can definitely make life a bit more pleasant / easy / sunny.

[nmnita]

People in California are friendly overall and pretty laid back, but to the OP, I think people in KY are friendly as well. You will find all kinds regardless of where you live, some a little friendlier than others, but most states have a combinaltion. The least friendly we have found have been the people in New England. I don't think they mean to be unfriendly, they are just more reserved.

Nita

[smokingGun]

I think those Californians you've encountered are either glad to have fled the once "golden" state or are tourists/conventioners on vacation. I'm in LA and in general, ppl barely talk to their neighbors, unless you happen to work in the same line of business/industry, or have kids the same age. And also here because of the huge influx of immigrants from down South & across the Pacific, it's rare for ppl to try to carry on small-talk with those who appear "new" and who may speak dubious English. Don't get me wrong, Angelenos are very social & outgoing, but it's mainly directed inward toward our own circle of friends.

[timelesschild]

My observations have been the same as yours, Eclectic. I have heard people speculate that maybe the sunshine keeps people in a good mood. It certainly does make things go easier in life...

[sav858]

Originally Posted by EclecticEars

So, is my head in the sand, or are the Californians actually a pretty good bunch'a folks? I read these forums a lot and people who have left California sometimes make it out to be a place of rude, aggressive people, idiotic drivers and...wait...fruits and nuts; this is the reason I phrased the title of this thread like I did.

yeah, we're pretty much all these things imo. Once you live here you'll come across every type of person and personality it seems, both good and bad. The bad tend to stick out and it's what people are most likely to want to complain about online. Most people all over CA are normal and have a good attitude for the most part in my experience, just some other types mixed in as well.

[Count David]

OP, I think you may be generalizing and may be wearing rose-colored glasses.

However, I am a Californian myself as are some of my best friends in the world, so that must mean something.

[Twinkle Toes]

I'm a Californian and I'm friendly, unless you give me a reason not to be. I'll pretty much talk to anyone and everyone. There are good and bad all over the face of the Earth.

[Fontucky]

I'm a Californian, and I'm a ****ing ray of sunshine.

[bhcompy]

Live and let live here... not a real fan of talking to strangers, but I'm polite regardless. Seems pretty common in the beach communities