Southern California resident questions..

[NickO'Time]

What entices you to live in this busy, on the go multicultural area?

No need to be personal, just why.

I just read an article about my city being the worst place to live. Modesto, California. http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=27552

This city allows the streets to fall apart, but wants the taxpayers to pay for the new Gallo Arts center that is near completion.(Not sure if this is a good thing for the taxpayers)
The slogan a few years back was- "Modesto, a great place to live"
I honestly have tried to look around this city for cultural events that are well done, or interesting. And really the groups have brought in washed up rock bands, actors and more.
George Lucas went to my high school and graduated in 1962. I used to sell skis to his brother in law who is a doctor. Mr.Lucas left and I don't blame him. (tangent)
The Hershey Plant in Oakdale, California is closing at the end of the year and moving its operations to Mexico. (MORE UNEMPLOYMENT)

The only reason we still live here is because of one family member that is elderly. I know that sounds off a bit, but really we are tired of this area.

y being in a larger population are jobs easier to come by or is it even harder?

I have heard about the rental prices and other financial numbers, traffic, to live in Southern Cal and just wonder. Do you most just make do and tough it out? Or is that just some sections of this part of California.
Can anyone give me a feel for what is out there?

[Mousey Girl]

Bakersfield isn't a bad place to live. You are close enough from LA to not have the traffic issues. Housing is still mostly affordable. The thing we had a problem with when we moved from Hilmar was the cost of living is higher here than up there, but still lower than LA.

We are only 2 hours away from the beach (Pismo or Morro Bay), 2 hours from DLR (unless I am the one driving), 4-5 hours from Vegas and Laughlin, 90 minutes from LA, ect...

There are good and bad things with every place, it just depends on how you want to view it.

[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.

I grew up here and have never lived anywhere else, so it's hard for me to look at it objectively. After 29 years, part of the reason I stay is inertia and the fact that the only family that I'm really close to also lives here. They're a big part of my life and it would be hard to leave them behind. But there's definitely enough reason beyond that for me to love living where I do.

[Gemini Cricket]

Although I'm still a Massachusetts resident (officially) I'd still like to respond.

Me likes the weather... Disneyland's in SoCal... A big chunk of the movie industry is here... It's a shorter trip to Hawai'i from here... LA is more liberal than say Kansas... No snow around here...

[Snowflake]

Well, I seriously considered LA when I was relocating from Virginia. I chose to come back to SF Bay Area for several reasons, this is home, I grew up here, I had a job waiting and I moved back into my old apartment (which is rent controlled and a fraction of what new tennants are paying).

Now, had I not had such an easy move, I'd probably be in LA now.

Who knows, if the time comes in my 5 year plan when I can't afford a condo here, LA and environs is going to look much more appealing (not to mention the appeal of the good crowd of people already there or those who soon will be)

[Isaac]

Originally Posted by TicTocDragon

What entices you to live in this busy, on the go multicultural area?

Just off the top of my head:

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh, I forgot one very important feature of SoCal...

It's not Modesto!

[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.

[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.

[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.