Southern California resident questions..

[blueerica]

Hmmm, interesting question, indeed.

I know why I have stayed here, though I'm not particularly tied to any one place. I'm here right now, simply because my family lives here. This is where I was born, though I was raised and went to school in Michigan. When I needed to do something different the choice was easy and convenient, California.

That doesn't sound very romantic, but there are things that sweep me away from time to time; things I know I'll miss when I move away. Moving away has almost always felt inevitable, I don't think I've ever enjoyed the idea of living in one place my entire life. (I'm not particularly tied to my family) I'll miss moments such as driving up PCH with the ocean to my left, gentle breezes, sunny skies and the crisp scent of the ocean. (OK, sometimes the ocean can stink. Put yourself in the good sand and surf concept ) I'll miss clear days in the winter, standing on the beach gazing upon white-capped mountains. Oh, and the weather. Yeah, that's pretty nice, too.

[NickO'Time]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

It's hard to put my finger on why I live here. There are many many things I hate about it, the above mentioned traffic and real estate numbers being high on that list. There are certainly cities I much prefer in this world.

But then I find myself sitting in a cemetery, surrounded by the final resting places of the likes of Mel Blanc, watching the sun set behind a row of 100 foot tall palm trees, witnessing an impromptu reunion of the cast of Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

Or it's the middle of December, I've had a long day at work, and I'm relaxing with a drink outside in a hot tub.

I'm at the Derby nightclub in Hollywood, in a VIP room which was once a dressing room built specifically as Jerry Lewis's personal dressing room.

On a Sunday drive up the 405, I see dozens of beautifully restored classic cars as enthusiasts from all over are either on their way to one of many regular shows or just out for a spin.

Thanks for all the responses, it helps a bunch.
I find it is intriguing as to how so many interesting pop culture icons are found when visiting like the one you mentioned up here.
For me, (and this may not be a good reason to move) This is what captivates me about the area. The only time it is really cool here is the Graffiti weekend where classic cars from all over, come to visit the weekend(tradition) after High school graduation. The same town that started "cruising," banned it.
Southern Cal has always fascinated me with the rich and much more interesting history. Much more free mind in the area too. Hopefully soon.

[JWBear]

My reason is pretty much the same as GD's... Inertia. I grew up here, and most of my friends and family are here.

[Not Afraid]

I also grew up here. And, while there are other cities I'd be willing to move to, LA just has so much to offer that it is hard to beat. I love the ocean and, specifically the ocean air. While there are hot days, they are few in number and, most of the time, they are manageable. The traffic can be a bitch, but, if you time it right, wonders can be had within a short drive. Los Angeles is vast and filled with LOTS of thing to fill my cultural needs - food, music, art, events.

I'm just not sure I'd be as happy anywhere else.

[BarTopDancer]

I was born and raised in Huntington Beach. The furthest away that I have lived was about 30 minutes south in Rancho Santa Margarita (aka Stepford). I still work there. I live in Irvine now and spend weekends and most of my free time in Huntington. I can't wait to move back.

There are days when I would love nothing more than to pack up and head somewhere else - somewhere where I can afford to buy property. Somewhere with more seasons and less smog.

But then as I am driving through the foothills home from work I can look out and see the ocean. Or as we're driving down PCH with the windows and sunroof open you can see the waves crashing to the right and the mountains on the left.

Disneyland is about 20-30 minutes away. San Diego is about an hour south and LA is about 40 minutes north. Vegas is 3 hours. The weather is great. My friends are here, my family is here and my life is here.

[Betty]

I've lived in So. Cal. my whole life. Orange County actually until a years ago when we moved out to Corona (Inland Empire) for lower housing costs. (Which are still high - just lower then in O.C.)

Frankly, if my husband and I were certain to find similar jobs in another area, I'd consider moving. Yes - we'd be away from our families and that would definatley be a huge factor, but the smog, the traffic, the commute to work for both of us (Corona is about the half way point between Garden Grove and Perris where we work.)

But it might just be a case of the grass is always greener... The thought of actual seasons changing more dramatically sounds appealing but maybe not so much in real life situations. I just don't know about having to digg out of the snow before going to work as one example.

If I could just choose anywhere, I'd like to try Northern Cali. I spent my summers there growing up and really enjoyed the scenery and the towns that weren't all built up like down here.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'm a transplant. I chose to live here.

Why? Weather, a reasonably liberal environment, culture. There are museums here, and concerts, and history.

Yes, it's expensive, and yes, traffic can be annoying, but I've found ways to deal with those. Hubby talks about moving maybe, so he can go to grad school, which might change the picture somewhat, but for now, I like it here.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I wash born here, an I wash raished here, and dad gum it, I am gonna die here, an no sidewindin bushwackin, hornswaglin, cracker croaker is gonna rouin me bishen cutter.

[Prudence]

But how do those of us not privileged enough to be born in Southern California convince employers in the area to hire us? That's my #1 burning question. (we needn't discuss my #2 burning question. )

[Alex]

Meanwhile I'm trying to convince employers to let me move away from California. A decade here and it still hasn't grown on me.

Though if the choice is LA or Modesto then it seems obvious. Since pretty much the entire central valley is worse than even LA.