Ever wondered what life is like on the other side of the country? For East Coasters, the West Coast can feel like a separate universe. Many West Coast peculiarities come as a big surprise to East Coasters used to hustle and bustle, customs and the changing seasons. Let’s have a look at 10 things East Coasters find crazy about life on the West Coast.
Casual Dress Code Everywhere
On the East Coast there’s usually an unwritten dress code, especially in New York or Boston. But West Coasters, even in Los Angeles or San Francisco, dress casually. When East Coasters, more used to dressing up, witness a group of West Coasters wearing yoga pants or flip-flops in a nice restaurant or at the office, they find it odd.
Incredibly Laid-Back Attitude
East Coasters are fast paced and “hustle culture” is a big part of it. On the West Coast, people tend to be a little more laid back — they care about work-life balance and take longer lunches or evening hours. This “chill” attitude can be disorienting, if not boring, for East Coasters accustomed to another tempo.
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Emphasis on Health and Wellness
West Coast cities are littered with juice bars, vegan restaurants and organic shops — there is a definite emphasis on fitness and alternative health. It might be surprising to East Coasters that so many people advocate hot yoga, meditation and plant-based nutrition. People stay healthy on the East Coast too, but it’s a different kind of atmosphere. It’s just something they do – it’s not part of every conversation or represent people’s whole personality.
The Driving Culture
Public transport in cities such as New York dominates the scene and very few people drive cars. Yet on the West Coast, you have to drive — you have large cities and fewer public transport options. For East Coasters, it’s a huge adjustment to the car culture, the commute, the traffic and the EVs.
Earthquake Preparedness
Earthquakes are virtually unknown on the East Coast, so the West Coast’s earthquake kits and regular drills can appear crazy to East Coasters. It’s hard to tell anyone how casual West Coasters are about “the big one” and how life gets on with it.
Weather Obsession
Easterners have four seasons (and talk about them! ) – West Coast weather is too good to be true. It is decently warm and pleasant all year – but we have people harping on about the “cold” in 60°F weather or about a couple rainy days. That might sound strange for East Coasters, who put up with brutal winters.
Early Nights and Mornings
The West Coast cities, even the megacities like Los Angeles, go down earlier than most East Coast cities – last calls and closing times are earlier. Whereas in the East, places such as New York have a 24-hour culture. This shift in nightlife can be a turn-off for East Coasters craving action after dark.
Love for the Outdoors
East Coasters go nuts for their parks, but West Coasters make the outdoors more exciting. Through hiking, surfing, mountain biking and annual beach days, nature is a part of life. This year-round outdoorsy stuff is a change for East Coasters accustomed to seasonal experiences.
The Coffee Culture
Okay, coffee is critical all over the United States, but on the West Coast it is another level. Small independent coffeehouses and specialty roasters are the thing there — people want something unique, not a quick cup. This “artisanal” style of coffee can seem a bit exaggerated to East Coasters used to quick coffee pit stops.
High Cost of Living (Outside NYC)
East Coasters may be surprised at how expensive living is on the West Coast, especially California. New York City is expensive enough, but other West Coast cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles are even more expensive. East Coasters expect more for their money and don’t quite believe those tiny apartments living in L.A. or San Francisco.
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