1. These Tans Are All Natural
When it comes to states that are physically active,
California consistently remains near the top of the list. The people love doing things outside here nearly every second of their free time. Of course, with this weather you can’t blame them. Expect to see plenty of sport specific tan lines left behind from cycling gloves, fitness arm bands, and board shorts.
2. In-N-Out Lives Up To The Legends
Famous around America for having what’s considered the best fast food possible, In-N-Out has been keeping Californians happy since 1948. If it’s your first time through the doors, don’t leave without trying their “animal-style” fries.
3. The Stereotypes Aren’t All True
California is full of stuck-up hipsters, surf bums, and rich celebrities, right? Believe it or not, this is far from the case. While California does have its fair share of residents that fit these preconceptions, most people here are perfectly normal.
4. This Weather Can’t Be Beat
California is a huge state with tons a varied ecosystems, from mountains, to deserts, to lush coastal areas. However, despite this diversity, California still has some of the most favorable temperatures on average throughout the entire country.
Most of California experiences highs above 80 during the summer and winter months that rarely average below 50. The weather here never keeps Californians from getting out and about in their state’s beautiful sun.
5. Things Are On The Expensive Side In California
Things in California tend to be around 30 percent more expensive than the national average, but it’s still nowhere near states like Connecticut and Hawaii, 45 percent more expensive and 60 percent more expensive, respectively.
Sure, life in California is going to cost you a pretty penny, but living somewhere so cool makes it totally worth it.
6. The Job Market Isn’t Actually That Bad
If you’re an outsider considering the move to California, plenty of people will tell you that the state is full of unemployment. Contrary to popular belief, the job market here isn’t actually as bad as you’ve heard, falling in the middle of the pack amongst the rest of America when it comes to employment outlook studies.
To put a number on this statement, nearly 40 percent of the companies in California are hiring more workforce on an annual basis.
7. The Mexican Food Here Is Downright Delicious
With such a close proximity to Mexico and tons of Mexican heritage in Californian history, the Mexican food here is almost as authentic as it gets. It should be your goal to try one new local Mexican place every week—and I’m not talking about Taco Bell.
8. Diversity Is What Makes This State Tick
One of the coolest characteristics of California is how different everyone is. Not only are there tons of transplants from all over the world, there are also a lot of ethnic neighborhoods spread around most cities, each with their own vibrant culture. California is one state where everyone can find a place to fit in.
9. San Francisco Isn’t Just Hipsters
San Francisco gets a reputation of being full of uppity hipsters. This city definitely has a few of these, but this is only one small subsection of the local population. The Bay Area also has tons of perfectly normal families, successful businessmen and women, tech nerds, and blue collar workers that give this city its widespread appeal.
10. San Diego Isn’t Just Rich People
It’s easy to see how San Diego is depicted in the media and assume that everyone has an enormous beach house and a maid. Believe it or not, living in San Diego is actually cheaper than Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco on average.
11. Los Angeles Isn’t Just Traffic
Just kidding, yes, it is. But once you get past the traffic, there are tons of awesome things in Los Angeles to explore that aren’t just the touristy areas. With tons of unique ethnic neighborhoods and a massive suburban sprawl, it’s possible to explore this city for a lifetime without seeing it all.
12. It’s Not Just LA, San Diego, And San Francisco
While these three cities might get talked about the most, California is a huge state with tons of different areas so diverse that they could really be states by themselves, often referred to as the “6 Californias.”
13. “Avocados On Everything, Please!”
In case you haven’t caught on yet, “California Style” in the world of cuisine usually just means adding avocados. A delicious food that the folks around here love, you’ll never have better avocados than in the Golden State. Most people don’t know it, but the avocado is actually botanically classified as a large berry with a single seed.
14. The Nature Here Is Larger Than Life
Home to enormous redwoods, the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Mojave Desert, Yosemite National Park, and more, there’s more to do outside in California than anywhere else in the country. It’s not just one giant beach.
15. But There’s Always Time For A Beach Day
While exploring the diverse natural attractions in California can be one of the coolest things to do in this state, there’s nothing wrong with letting yourself become a beach bum, too. With some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, most people here can never get enough of that Californian sand.
16. California Is Filled With Pride
California has the largest LGBT population in the country, with close to 1.5 million of the state’s 38 million residents falling into this category. Compared to states like Pennsylvania, with only 250,000 of its 12.7 million residents identifying as LGBT, that’s a pretty stark difference.
Expect to hear about a ton of Pride celebrations in California and know that they’re usually the biggest parties around.
17. You Don’t Have To Surf To Fit In
The media makes it seem like everyone in California was practically born on a surfboard. This isn’t the case. Tons of Californians have never even touched a board in their life. It’s definitely something to try while you’re in the state, but don’t feel awkward admitting you haven’t had a chance to “hang ten” lately.
18. This State Is Obsessed With Going Green
Leading the charge towards more efficient energy, California provides all sorts of tax breaks for individuals trying to go green. If you’re looking to help the environment and save a little cash long term, green options can be worth looking into.
19. This State Is Also Into Another Type Of Green
While marijuana still isn’t completely legal in California, it’s got plenty of people supporting it’s legalization throughout the entire state. It’s totally normal to be walking down the street and smell scents reminiscent to what you might imagine a Grateful Dead concert smelled like decades ago.
20. There Are Tons Of In State Rivalries
No joke, there are over 20 different professional teams in California, most of which have rivals that play within the Golden State’s borders. Plus, that number doesn’t even touch on the local college sports. If you’re new to the area, it’s probably best to cheer for the home team every time.
21. Festival Season Is Epic
Aside from having the well-known Coachella Music Festival, California also has a huge variety of art, beer, wine, county, food, and ethnic festivals that occur throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Things can get super hectic if you’re trying to hit a lot of them.
22. The Crime Isn’t Thaaaaat Bad
While California does hang around the middle of the pack when it comes to the “safest – most dangerous continuum” amongst America states, there are plenty of safer areas.
On average, there are 423 violent crimes committed per 100,000 residents and 2,759 property crimes per 100,000 residents, but these number vary greatly depending on where you live with regards to both the city and the specific neighborhood.
23. If There’s One Thing That Sucks About Cali, It’s The Commute
It might be surprising, but California isn’t the state with the longest average commute time, that’s New York at around 32 minutes per commute. While it doesn’t top the list, California does come in eight, with residents driving an average of 27 minutes each day to get to work.
Keep in mind that this stat is statewide, meaning that getting around in more crowded areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles will take much longer.
24. You’ll Quickly Fall In Love With The Golden State
When it comes to picking the “best state in America” California is a definite front runner. With so much diversity when it comes to food, nature, and its people, California is one place that truly has something everyone will love.
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