Why California or New York?

[principessa]

---

Members do not see this ad.

For those who really want to end up in California or New York, why?

 

[Jalby]

http://www.weather.com/weather/local/90042?lswe=90042&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared

 

[Adapt]

For those who really want to end up in California or New York, why?

I think the question should be, why not California or New York? 😀

 

[Eraserhead]

Wait, are there schools that aren't in CA or NY? 😕

 

[DrRads101]

This is a good question. There are few areas more different (as far as weather, culture, vibe, built environment, pace of life, geography, etc.) than California or New York. The only thing they have in common with each other is they both usually vote blue in the elections and they both have a lot of people. I can't think of two regions of the country more different from one another in everything else, however.

 

[principessa]

http://www.weather.com/weather/local/90042?lswe=90042&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared

But what about the fires, earthquakes, and mudslides?

 

[principessa]

This is a good question. There are few areas more different (as far as weather, culture, vibe, built environment, pace of life, geography, etc.) than California or New York. The only thing they have in common with each other is they both usually vote blue in the elections and they both have a lot of people. I can't think of two regions of the country more different from one another in everything else, however.

I'm not asking you to choose one or the other. For those who want to end up in California, I'm asking why California is so great. For those who want to end up in New York, I'm asking why New York is so great. The coast bias intrigues me.

 

[mikeyboy]

For me, it's mainly diversity. I've visited the midwest and it's just totally different from California. New York is close in terms of this diversity, and it's just a huge city that seems like it would be fun to experience. Other big cities (e.g. Chicago) also seem interesting, but New York tops them.

 

[JohnnieBlue]

http://www.weather.com/weather/local/90042?lswe=90042&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared

Thats just hilarious. 'nuf said.

 

[Spitting Camel]

But what about the fires, earthquakes, and mudslides?

Sure beats hurricanes, blizzards, and them thar tornadoes!

 

[flighterdoc]

Sure beats hurricanes, blizzards, and them thar tornadoes!

And the occasional earthquake in California is no big deal. The day of the Northridge earthquake I was walking around in shorts (high was low 70's, about 3 miles from the epicenter). Meanwhile, the twin cities were having -80F weather (plus wind chill).

More people died of the cold weather (which happens every winter) in Minneapolis than died of the earthquake (which happens randomly) in California.

More people died of the heat in Paris last summer, than died of all the earthquakes in California in the last 100 years.

 

[premyo2002]

But what about the fires, earthquakes, and mudslides?

Both fires and the resulting mudslides predominate in mountain region (or foothills so, don't live there. No offense, but I doubt you can afford Malibu while your in Med school- so don't worry about them.
As for earthquakes, most of them are small and you wont feel them. As a matter of fact, I have slept through the last two major california earthquakes... but thats bad too; I woke up to my dad screaming at me in his underwear..

 

[sandg]

Forget the earthquakes and fires, what about the traffic, smog, and outrageous prices?

 

[flighterdoc]

Forget the earthquakes and fires, what about the traffic, smog, and outrageous prices?

Well, NY has traffic and outrageous prices, too. As far as smog, well, NYC is the only place I've ever been where the snow was gray (not white, dirty gray), coming down.

But, to each their own. As wonderful as the weather and scenery is in California, I'm not planning on staying here. I'd rather go some place without traffic, high prices, and stupid politicians.

 

[premyo2002]

Forget the earthquakes and fires, what about the traffic, smog, and outrageous prices?

Yeah, those are pretty bad... the 3 hours I spend in traffic a day is almost enough to make me want to move....almost

 

[bearpaw]

For those who really want to end up in California or New York, why?

uh, i think it has to do with diversity and image. The city has lots of things to do and lots of people to do it with. If you're bored there, it means you aren't trying. California is more laid back, but has some great cities too.

as far image, i think places like LA, SF, NYC, etc. have many young people so that in turn attracts more young people. There are so many clubs, bars, lounges, fun restaurants, fun places to shop, etc. in certain cities that 20 somethings really want to be there. If you enjoy going out and having all kinds of "trendy" fun, why wouldn't you pick a coast? Most cities are limited in the kinds of nightlife and trends they participate in. In nyc, you basically can do anything with anyone anytime. I think that kind of freedom is really appealing.

which other places can compare? Boston is ok, chicago too, but what else? both those cities have lots of colleges so that really helps make some nightlife, but even so you don't have the amazing shopping and the same cosmopolitan appeal as LA or nyc.

 

[fullefect1]

NY sucks. Yankees suck. Everyone would rather be in Boston (Harvard) and Red Sox are taking care of the Yankees this year.

 

[iam]

i'd have to say for the diversity; in food, people, available experiences...i would move to NYC in a minute if the right situation came up, even though i greatly prefer the SF bay area. it is so different, but there's that common thread of expansive offerings that's attractive to both and can't be simulated.

why CA? the weather, the distance from the DC area where i grew up (distance in politics, miles, attitude). though surely there are plenty of people who would disagree, i find SF a place where it's easy for a broad range of people to feel like part of a community, to interact cooperatively, even to indugle occasionally in dreaming an american dream unmarred by irony, cynicism, and hypocrisy. woah, where did that come from?! it is a nice day, and i am looking out over the bay right now at all of the little sail boats and it looks so very nice. so you'll have to forgive me for not making myself all that clear.

i will say that those of an adamant coastal bias should be careful of taking too strong a stance, because you never know where you'll end up! thinking of land-locked areas like the midwest for years gave me a sort of panicky geographical claustropobia that i thought i would simply avoid by never, ever living in the midwest. so, where did my dear husband just land a job? illinois, of course! so i'll have to say goodbye to the ocean (either one) for now, and adapt. seeing that we're all (SDNers) involved in such a time-intensive indoor activity, we shouldn't worry TOO much where we are in school, as long as the circumstances compensate in other ways for lost (insert urban or coastal vice of preference here: sailing, clubbing, what have you...)

you know, i really shouldn't go on here until i figure out how to spell check.

any other CA dreamers here that can help list the niceties of the place?

iam

 

[flighterdoc]

NY sucks. Yankees suck. Everyone would rather be in Boston (Harvard) and Red Sox are taking care of the Yankees this year.

Yeah, well the Yankees are the best reason I can think of not to have a NYC.

 

[principessa]

Sure beats hurricanes, blizzards, and them thar tornadoes!

But you usually don't get all three in the same state.

 

[iam]

ps again: it's hard to imagine earthquakes or any other sort of natural disaster being a deterrant from living in a place you love. i think you get over the new set of fears pretty quickly. my sister lived in war-stricken and politically unrestful parts of africa for many many years, and now speaks wistfully (from a suburban paradise in connecticut) of wanting to return. you have to find a place that will make you happy, or at least eventually lead to a place that will!

🙂

 

[principessa]

Another question: Why, if a place is not on the east coast or the west coast, is it automatically the "midwest"? What about the Southeast, the Southwest, the Rockies, Texas (another animal entirely), let alone Alaska or Hawaii? These are very different places. To say that you've seen what lies between and beyond the coasts just because you've been to Wisconsin is, well, naive.

And why do people say "west coast" or "west" when they mean California, or "east coast" when they mean the northeast?

 

[flighterdoc]

Another question: Why, if a place is not on the east coast or the west coast, is it automatically the "midwest"? What about the Southeast, the Southwest, the Rockies, Texas (another animal entirely), let alone Alaska or Hawaii? These are very different places. To say that you've seen what lies between and beyond the coasts just because you've been to Wisconsin is, well, naive.

And why do people say "west coast" or "west" when they mean California, or "east coast" when they mean the northeast?

And when they say "California", they mean Los Angeles or San Fransisco. Lots of California is diametrically different than those two cities (and LA is very different than San Fran).

 

[bkmonkey]

I think that once in California, you never really want to leave California...

 

[Jalby]

You know, there is a reason the states are called flyover states.

 

[principessa]

Another question: For those who prefer to end up in California or New York, how many other states have you visited?

 

[flighterdoc]

Another question: For those who prefer to end up in California or New York, how many other states have you visited?

Almost all of them, I think. I can't think of one that I haven't been to, at least twice. Why?

 

[bkmonkey]

If I can avoid it, I won't leave California. I love to travel though. I've been to every US state except Alaska. There are lots of really cool places to stay for a while, but California will always be home.

 

[iam]

i've been to almost every US state, including a summer in AK. haven't been to hawaii though, as much as i might like to go...

are you deliberating a move? why all of the geographical questions?

 

[DrRads101]

You know, there is a reason the states are called flyover states.

😴 By whom? A few provincial people at the very edge of the coasts who know nothing but the coasts?

Like it or not, MOST of America lives somewhere in the middle. You alienate the middle, calling it flyover, you alienate most of America. And all of the fastest growing cities are there. Look at the Census--it's just a matter of time before the largest cities in this country are somewhere in the middle considering the growth rates.

I'm sorry, I don't want to come across the wrong way, but the arrogance of your statement, or those that have "visited" somewhere in the middle and didn't like it (especially considering how vast, expansive, and yes, DIVERSE the middle of the country is--how can you possibly "visit it" like another poster said?) makes the whole attitude look completely and totally hypocritical. Otherwise known as "coastal hillbillies." I can't think of an attitude more offensive, more provincial, more ignorant, and more close minded than "flyover country."

There is a reason why the middle areas continue to get thousands of migrants from California, you know. California and New York are the only two states in the entire union that has NEGATIVE domestic migration. They are the most expensive, taxed, regulated, congested, polluted, and yes, provincial places in the entire country IMO. And yes I used to live there. Once you get used the middle, you'll never go back because of the simple facts of life (cost of living, taxes, jobs, etc.), and the Census numbers regarding domestic trends in this country demonstrate this. What was once the wide open paradise that was California now has been replaced by crushing taxes, outrageous real estate prices, Wal-Mart style sprawl and big box retail. And most Americans know this--California has almost no hype now relative to what it had even a decade or two ago---"California dreamin'" is a byproduct of the 1960's and 70's. Nowadays, six of the ten most polluted cities in this country are in California alone. Southern California drivers spend twice their time sitting in traffic as the next worst on the list, Atlanta. The highest real estate costs per capita in the country. Etc. Not to knock it, but let's have some perspective regarding some of today's realities (I'm not directing this to you Jalby 😉 , just to a general arrogance and provincial attitude that I have seen coming from many, not all Californians, that is past due its prime).

And this country gets more congruent each decade that passes by anyway with communication advances and corporate homegenizing (i.e., if you flip on the radio in L.A., it's going to suck just as bad there as if you turned on the radio in Omaha). For instance, I couldn't believe a comment I heard from a friend who visited Tennessee from the Bay Area and he "couldn't believe" that people from Tennessee had just as many computers, broadband access, and were just as "on top" of technology as California. He honestly had the ignorant stereotype that somehow when you go to the middle of the country, they stop selling Ipods and there is no DSL or something! Now who looked like the ignorant, less educated one? 😛

For those from California turning down the midwest "just because it is the midwest," I would have to ask what you think the midwest actually is, and what you think it will be like to live there. Perception and reality are two different things, especially when I know that many Californians are clueless about the region, and are even surprised to learn that the upper Great Lakes region by itself has 20 million MORE people than the state of California, and still manages to have clean air and an unpretentious attitude about itself. BTW this post is not at all a knock on California--it is a great, but way less than perfect place, like everywhere else in the country--but if you are going to dub an entire region of the country not worthy of you because you are simply from a certain place, allow me to make sure things are put into perspective. I personally know of several people in California that have moved to "somwhere in the middle" and they would never go back, just like others may move from the middle to California and never go back, though the Census trends demonstrate that more of the former is happening than the latter. 😱

 

[flighterdoc]

If I can avoid it, I won't leave California. I love to travel though. I've been to every US state except Alaska. There are lots of really cool places to stay for a while, but California will always be home.

I thought that too, when I got off active duty 20+ years ago. I've about had it with California since then, though.

 

[DrRads101]

To say that you've seen what lies between and beyond the coasts just because you've been to Wisconsin is, well, naive.

Not to mention that if you've been to Milwaukee or something, and say you've "seen Wisconsin," that is also naive, since the upper portion of that state is one of the few untouched major national forests left in this country, the western portion is full of beautiful rolling hills and bluffs, the upper eastern portion is some of the most beautiful lakefront in the country, and the entire state is home to over 15,000 (!) lakes, all of which you must actually get out of Milwaukee and spend some time in the state to see. Obviously things such as this come as a surprise (though a very pleasant one) to many Californians who think Wisconsin is just a bunch of farmland because they have never actually spent time in the state.

 

[principessa]

i've been to almost every US state, including a summer in AK. haven't been to hawaii though, as much as i might like to go...

are you deliberating a move? why all of the geographical questions?

I grew up in Kentucky but I'm moving to Connecticut in August. I started this thread because, on the interview trail and on these forums, I have encountered a lot of people saying, "Manhattan is the only place to live" or "What do I need to do to end up in California for residency?" I've been to both California and New York City and I think they are neat, but I don't feel a strong desire to live in either place. And then, when I tell people (at elite east coast schools, usually), that I'm from Kentucky, they say something like, "Oh, that's nice. The Midwest isn't so bad." And Kentucky is not in the Midwest! I've been to several states, and despite its problems I think this is a beautiful country, with much to see on, off, and between the coasts, and I'm just wondering, what's so special about New York or California that someone would never want to live anywhere else? Is it because, perhaps, they haven't really been exposed to any other place, and they're afraid their lifestyle will absolutely collapse if they end up somewhere else? Sometimes it seems that people from New York or California, despite claiming to be enlightened and conscious of diversity, do not acknowledge the geographical diversity that exists within their own country. Apparently ctwickman feels quite strongly about this. I am just curious.

 

[Jalby]

(I'm not directing this to you Jalby 😉 , just to a general arrogance and provincial attitude that I have seen coming from many, not all Californians, that is past due its prime).

You write WAY to much. Hence, I didn't read it. I saw my name, so I thought I would respond to that sentence. The only reason I wrote what I wrote is because I thought the OP made this thread just so that she could disagree with the people who are from Cali or New York and say that everywhere else is the greatest. A lot of times here on SDN posters state "innocent" questions just so that they can argue with people about their favorite subject.

As for the midwest being better than California and New York, heck, I'm sure there are people who believe this. Granted, they are all wrong, but different strokes for different folks.

It's like the people from Northern California who likes the Kings and swear it's the best place on earth. They just have an inferiority complex towards us southern Californians.

 

[dr...dr...]

Not to mention that if you've been to Milwaukee or something, and say you've "seen Wisconsin," that is also naive, since the upper portion of that state is one of the few untouched major national forests left in this country, the western portion is full of beautiful rolling hills and bluffs, the upper eastern portion is some of the most beautiful lakefront in the country, and the entire state is home to over 15,000 (!) lakes, all of which you must actually get out of Milwaukee and spend some time in the state to see. Obviously things such as this come as a surprise (though a very pleasant one) to many Californians who think Wisconsin is just a bunch of farmland because they have never actually spent time in the state.

Wasn't Jeffrey Dahlmer and Ed Gein from Wisconsin?

 

[DrRads101]

As for the midwest being better than California and New York, heck, I'm sure there are people who believe this. Granted, they are all wrong, but different strokes for different folks.

You might as well read what I wrote. Maybe you'll learn something, or at the very least I would like to hear your thoughts. For instance, I am shocked that you think people that prefer the Midwest over California are "all wrong," but you are probably being sarcastic, though it's impossible to tell. If not, that is stereotypically provincial for you to say that, especially considering the Midwest has more people than California, and there are more Californians moving to the Midwest than the other way around. There is a lot more that will effect your quality of life than simply who has the "better weather," which is a subjective measure anyway, especially a guy like myself who loves the lush green of the Midwest while California is depressingly brown, extreme change of seasons to keep variety in your life and your wardrobe, etc. Many things about the Midwest are like a vacation compared to the dense parts of the coasts, namely what kind of lifestyle you can afford for your money, how much of your time is spent waiting for someone else (i.e., traffic, congestion, etc.), how clean the air is you are breathing, etc. But right now I live in Chicago so what do I know about these things...

 

[DrRads101]

Wasn't Jeffrey Dahlmer and Ed Gein from Wisconsin?

Yup! hehe...

Who's that latest serial killer form California? The guy with the dreads? Anyways, that's for another topic LOL...

 

[Jalby]

Wasn't Jeffrey Dahlmer and Ed Gein from Wisconsin?

Wisconsin must have links to extremests. In light of 9/11, I think we should invade.

 

[Jalby]

but you are probably being sarcastic, though it's impossible to tell.

That just means that my sarcasm has gotten very very good. When I first started on SDN, people could spot it miles away. Now, not even with a refence to kings fan is my sarcasm recognized.

 

[DrRads101]

That's the thing I hate about message boards. Sarcasm sucks online. If we all were in the same room we'd get so much more done regarding conversation than on these things, which is why I spend less and less of my time on them as I get older... But hey what can I say they are addictive and you do end up learning a lot from other people....

BTW I'm not hear to bash California, so don't get me wrong. It is easy to make anyplace seem like a crappy place to live if you just focus on the negatives--which is kinda my point....

I just wanted to bring some perspectives to light because a few people, I have the feeling, think that if they moved outside of California to anyplace other than New York, all of a sudden life as they know it would cease. What they can't see, and I don't blame 'em, is the unexpected positives that they will get in other areas, things you don't expect that surprise you in a great way because they hold stereotypes that are leftover from maybe the 80's or even earlier.... Heck I'm here in Chicago and if I had a nickel for every Californian I have met that has fallen in love with the place not to mention now loves other parts of the Midwest....... the only complaining I hear is about the weather when it comes time around January/February/March... but I never hear anyone complain about things like shopping, diversity, people, lifestyle or cost of living, or anything else..... in fact I remember having a conversation about this with the Dean at the medical school at Northwestern... most Californians that attend Northwestern choose to stay in the Midwest according to their stats.

 

[Jalby]

[sarcasm]I'm not sure I would say Chicago is in the midwest[/sarcasm] But it doesn't fit into California or New York, just like Miami.


Honestly, the biggest reasons I like Cali is the fact it is diverse.

 

[principessa]

The only reason I wrote what I wrote is because I thought the OP made this thread just so that she could disagree with the people who are from Cali or New York and say that everywhere else is the greatest. A lot of times here on SDN posters state "innocent" questions just so that they can argue with people about their favorite subject.

That wasn't really the point. As I said before, I think this country has some great places, including California and New York. I'm just trying to encourage people to be open-minded about where they live. You know, a lot of people from small towns in the Midwest believe that where they are is the only place they could be happy, so in a sense they are a lot like some Californians and New Yorkers. But how can you know you wouldn't be happy anywhere else unless you've tried it? It just seems awfully insecure to be tied to only one place.

 

[jlee9531]

That wasn't really the point. As I said before, I think this country has some great places, including California and New York. I'm just trying to encourage people to be open-minded about where they live. You know, a lot of people from small towns in the Midwest believe that where they are is the only place they could be happy, so in a sense they are a lot like some Californians and New Yorkers. But how can you know you wouldn't be happy anywhere else unless you've tried it? It just seems awfully insecure to be tied to only one place.

ive been around the united states.
and when i think back on all the places ive been and lived at...
i have to say california is the best place for me.
i love where i went to school, and i feel that california has many underserved communities that need more help from doctors.

i like the fact that theres lots of diversity here in the state and that my mom can be the most comfortable here outside of her native homeland. the weather is nice and if you want snow and boarding we have places for that as well. its a versatile state.

i lived in ny for close to 10 years and it was ok, but i love california much more.

 

[principessa]

ive been around the united states.
and when i think back on all the places ive been and lived at...
i have to say california is the best place for me.
i love where i went to school, and i feel that california has many underserved communities that need more help from doctors.

i like the fact that theres lots of diversity here in the state and that my mom can be the most comfortable here outside of her native homeland. the weather is nice and if you want snow and boarding we have places for that as well. its a versatile state.

i lived in ny for close to 10 years and it was ok, but i love california much more.

This seems reasonable. Maybe I will get the chance to live in California some day. See, you're already converting me.

 

[jlee9531]

This seems reasonable. Maybe I will get the chance to live in California some day. See, you're already converting me.

haha. Cool.

Yeah ive lived/visited a lot of places in the eastern, central and western united states.
and the place i saw myself living out the rest of my life was california.

sometimes there are no reasons...its just a feeling. kinda like Love. cheesy but true.

 

[principessa]

haha. Cool.

Yeah ive lived/visited a lot of places in the eastern, central and western united states.
and the place i saw myself living out the rest of my life was california.

sometimes there are no reasons...its just a feeling. kinda like Love. cheesy but true.

I've visited California (San Diego and LA) several times because my grandparents used to live there and now my aunt and uncle do. I can say the big cities are probably not for me, but I've always wondered about the smaller towns.

I haven't really found a place I know I want to live, but I like small cities, especially college towns. Luckily, I'm marrying a theoretical physicist, so I can look forward to living in college towns for the rest of my life.

 

[nikoo]

If you love the busy city life --> NYC

If you love to chill --> California

Although you can find both lifestyles in NYC and California, you have two really different but really fun places. NYC is the cultural center of the country and California is just so frickin huge with such amazing weather.

 

[CalBeE]

...but everything's always bigger in TEXAS though 😉...but then I digress

 

[seev99]

california has the best weather, and NYC is the most famous city in the country...so it makes sense as to why these two are the most popular, especially when med school is during your prime single life and when u want to meet people...so these places may seem better for that than others perhaps...

 

[SlopinMunkyDude]

Different strokes.

I actually love California (with the exception of the environment of Los Angeles and the people (well, the nuts, anyway) of San Francisco), but really dislike NYC.

California beach towns are awesome, and even places in the interior aren't bad. What I love about Cali is you can be at a jazz bar, decide you want to leave, and be heading up a trail on the side of a mountain in 15 minutes or so. Or going to the beach. Or going on a roadtrip to some interesting place. If I had it my way, I could easily see myself living in a town like Pacific Grove, Encinitas, or Dana Point.

I've lived in Cali for a while, and there really is a contrast between the people of the major cities and those who live in smaller towns. Just looking at the voting records would reveal this much; if it weren't for the Bay Area, Republicans would take Cali on a regular basis.

My favorite regions of this country are the west (Colorado, Wyoming, Montana) and the southeast, so I guess I prefer areas where the people are part of the land and where the land influences the style of life. Where culture is unique to the area and has had time to develop. Louisiana absolutely fascinates me, and I don't limit that to New Orleans by any stretch of the imagination. So does the Appalachia region (Tennessee, North Carolina, western Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia).