San Diego vs. Boston (San Francisco, Bostonia: shops, move, things to do)

[michellebolton]

Just wondering if anyone has moved to San Diego from Boston. I'm looking for a comparison of cultures between the two places. Are people friendly? Is it easy to make lasting friendships? What are typical things that San Diegans discuss?

[SalParadise]

The closest west coast counterpart to Boston is San Francisco in terms of culture and urban layout.

[djxpress]

I think San Diegans are more friendly than Bostonians - friendly in a "fake", surface-friendly sort of way. It takes a lot to try to get to know people around here. Small talk is what SD is all about.

At the coffee shops I hear natives talk about all sorts of things like - the Chargers, Padres, shopping, the latest Bar Method class or Yoga trend, the newest non-paleo style air diet, etc. Light talk, if you will. You won't hear San Diegans talking about Nietzsche or the current chatter from the Cato Institute, that's for sure.

[loveautumn]

There are plenty of people in SoCal from Boston/Massachusetts areas. Boston and San Diego are two different universes. If that's what you're looking for (something completely different), then you will like it here. If you are looking for SD to be alot like Boston, it isn't anything like Boston and you won't like it. If you do a search for Boston on this forum there are alot of posts on comparing the two cities and might answer alot of your questions.

I agree with previous poster, people are generally friendlier but true friendships are more difficult to find. But like any other place, if you get involved in like-minded activities, it makes it easier. But this is a good city if you are young/single, IMO. SD is all about small talk and is a much more laid back city, where Boston is pretty aggressive.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by djxpress

At the coffee shops I hear natives talk about all sorts of things like - the Chargers, Padres, shopping, the latest Bar Method class or Yoga trend, the newest non-paleo style air diet, etc. Light talk, if you will. You won't hear San Diegans talking about Nietzsche or the current chatter from the Cato Institute, that's for sure.

Oh please, most people in Boston talk about the Patriots, Red Sox and how it's wishes it were more like NYC.

[tonyinsd]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

Oh please, most people in Boston talk about the Patriots, Red Sox and how it's wishes it were more like NYC.

Don't forget the Bruins and the Celtics.

In some ways, Boston has the same complex with New York as San Diego does with LA.

[tallahasseehero1]

Originally Posted by tonyinsd

Don't forget the Bruins and the Celtics.

In some ways, Boston has the same complex with New York as San Diego does with LA.

Im biased because I am from Boston, but I dont think that is true. Boston knows its much different than New York and likes it that way (generally). I mean I know New York is massive and may be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of the U.S., but its not like Boston is lacking in name recognition, things to do, and likeability

[tallahasseehero1]

Ive had a few family members move from Boston to San Diego, and they love it. They love the climate.

They tell me San Diego is a little slower-paced and more conservative (at least economically so) than Boston, but a really cool place.

I believe San Diego is also hard to get around without a car than Boston is.

[tonyinsd]

Originally Posted by tallahasseehero1

Im biased because I am from Boston, but I dont think that is true. Boston knows its much different than New York and likes it that way (generally). I mean I know New York is massive and may be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of the U.S., but its not like Boston is lacking in name recognition, things to do, and likeability

I think we're talking about the same thing. Boston doesn't WANT to be like New York, even though New York thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. And thinking a little deeper, it's not just Boston that's like that. It's the whole eastern seaboard. DC, Baltimore, Philly...

In the same way, San Diego doesn't want to be like LA, and it's not just here. San Fran doesn't like them either.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by tallahasseehero1

Im biased because I am from Boston, but I dont think that is true. Boston knows its much different than New York and likes it that way (generally). I mean I know New York is massive and may be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of the U.S., but its not like Boston is lacking in name recognition, things to do, and likeability

I was making a tongue in cheek comment. Boston is definitely a great city. Although surprisingly, you get plenty of results when googling "Inferiority Complex Boston". It seems to be mostly related to sports and written by New Yorkers LOL.

inferiority complex boston - Google Search