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After living my entire life on the East Coast, I decided to move to the West Coast. Insider by Ariana DiValentino
After growing up on New York City's East Coast, I eventually moved to Los Angeles.
Some things were easier to adapt to, such as the climate or the differences in public transport.
Other things I was not happy about were LA's relaxed attitude towards marijuana and the slow pace.
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Growing up in New Britain, Connecticut, I realized my childhood dream to move to New York City for college. It was the best place I've ever been to. I stayed there for three more years after high school.
Last year, however, I felt the need for a change. My life was becoming a little stagnant. I decided to move to Los Angeles in search of work in the film industry.
Although I knew some things would be different, such as the weather and the food, there were also some differences I didn't expect.
Here are some things I was most surprised by about moving to California as a long-time East Coaster.
I was able to adapt faster than I anticipated to the changing climate
I find myself reaching out for a sweater whenever the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Shutterstock
It's been quite amusing for someone who grew up in the Northeast with its cold winters and hot summers to see Southern California's version of seasons.
It's funny to see people wrapped up in Arctic-strength jackets on a day of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, I quickly became more comfortable with the climate than I expected. After only a few weeks of enjoying sunny days at 70 degrees, I began to feel cold when it started dropping in the evenings.
When the temperature drops below 50 degrees, I pull out my jacket. If it reached the 50s in New York's spring, I would be taking off my jacket.
Los Angeles is an amazing place to live car-free
It would have been difficult to get here without a car, I thought. AP/Eric Risberg
I spent my whole adult life in New York City. It's not common for people to own cars there. This prepared me for the difficulties of adapting to LA.
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Many people said it was impossible. They also claimed that California's public transit system wasn't good enough. I would spend a lot of money on ride-share apps.
However, it turned out that getting around without a car was much easier than I thought.
Even though I am used to NYC's well-established, extensive public-transit systems, LA's bus- and train system is much more helpful than New York's. Even though they cover less ground, these trains are usually on time and clean.
Ride-share apps are also available for those who can't travel by train. They can take me further and cost less than in New York.
Californians are surprisingly willing to travel long distances.
Californians are crazy about road trips!
The places Angelenos have visited in movies and TV shows, such as Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs and Lake Tahoe, are far more distant than I imagined. East Coasters, at least the ones I know, can drive two or three hours to get there. This is why it is reserved for special occasions.
My experience is that people living in Los Angeles can drive up to three to five hours to go on a weekend trip. A one-hour drive to Malibu is enough to enjoy a day at the beach.
Los Angeles offers a wide variety of delicious food, which is also very different from the rest of the country.
In-N-Out Burger, a West Coast favorite chain, is very popular. Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
There seems to be an ongoing debate about which coast or major city has the best food. It's hard to know what California has, even though I live there.
New York's restaurant scene is world-class. There are some of the best chefs in the country. California is blessed with fresh, delicious ingredients. California has a lot of vegetables and fruits, which means that the quality of food at restaurants and grocery stores is exponentially better.
New York made me feel like I needed to be more observant when purchasing produce. But there are no sad, pinkish avocados or tomatoes that never ripen in Los Angeles.
However, I can't find certain things in California. I'm looking for cheap, large portions of Chinese food and a good bagel.
It was much easier to find an apartment in LA than one in NYC.
New York's real estate hunting and acquisition process is often a daunting task. You will need to have lots of financial documentation. Sometimes, a letter from a former landlord is required. Also, a cashier's cheque must be ready quickly. Otherwise, someone else may take your place.
If your annual salary is less than 40 times the rent you pay, you may need to have a guarantor.
Los Angeles is not the place to do this. I visited two apartments and chose the second one. The property manager said that there was no rush to get my deposit.
It was unbelievable to me.
The approval process was also much easier. The approval process was much simpler because of my years of experience in New York apartment hunting.
Los Angeles has a more laid back attitude towards smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.
Wine can be purchased at LA grocery stores. Shutterstock
Growing up in Connecticut, and later moving to New York as an adult, I was often confused by my West Coast friends' requests for wine bottles from grocery stores. Wine and liquor cannot be purchased in grocery stores or bodegas because of East Coast laws.
California allows you to pick up wine or liquor while shopping for groceries. Although it's not a huge difference, I found it a little strange to see full wine or liquor sections at grocery stores when first arriving.
Additionally, legalization of cannabis has been established all along the West Coast. It is legal in New York, and it is also legal in some New England states. However, marijuana use seems less common on the East Coast.
There are many dispensaries in the area that look very high-tech, and there are billboards advertising start-ups for delivery-services all around the city. It is not unusual for well-to-do professionals to use cannabis here as well, but this doesn't seem to have been the case in East.
Overall, California seems to have a chiller climate.
It's not a stereotype, according to me. People seem more relaxed and things move slower here in LA.
People eat longer lunches and enjoy being outside. There is also less traffic here than in NYC.
However, I miss New York's pace and the straight-forward attitude of East Coasters.
Although I am getting better at having friendly conversations with strangers, I sometimes miss being alone in the open. I miss the way New Yorkers were able to unite by complaining. My candidness isn't as welcomed in LA.
Deep down, I am still an East Coaster. But, so far, I love the sun, fresh avocados and relaxed vibe of the West Coast.
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