Adjusting to Life on the Opposite Coast: Moving from East to West or West to East

Moving from one extreme side of the country to the other can be a significant adjustment. From transportation to the climate, there are differences you need to be prepared to face. Here are some of the things you can expect to experience if you decide to make the big move.

Transportation: Cars vs. Public Transit

Los Angeles is known for its car culture, but owning a car in New York may not be worth it. People in New York City get around using the subway, walking, and taking the occasional taxi. In contrast, public transport may not be a staple in Los Angeles, and you might have to drive to get anywhere you need to be.

Climate: Perpetual Sunshine vs. Four Seasons

The perpetual sunshine of Los Angeles is a sharp contrast to the four distinctive seasons you’ll experience on the East Coast. Moving east or west, you’ll have to transform your wardrobe to adjust to the new climate.

The Questions about Your Previous City of Residence

Moving someplace new, especially across the country, means you’ll have to answer many questions about your previous city of residence. Be prepared to answer the same questions repeatedly about your move and how you’ve adjusted to your new city.

The Different Language

Although they might not speak a different language, nuances in speech, slang, and culture can make it feel like they do. After a few months in your new city, you’ll start to get used to the jargon and slang, and you’ll be talking like a pro.

The New Social Scene

In addition to language, there’s a whole new social scene to adjust to, partly influenced by location-specific features. For instance, it’s more common to spend time at the beach in Los Angeles than in New York.

Arguments About Food

Locals in each city are passionate about food, and you will find yourself involved in debates such as In n’ Out vs. Shake Shack or pizza vs. Mexican.

The Cost of Living

These large cities, especially Los Angeles and New York, are not cheap to reside in. From the cost of rent, transportation, to food, you won’t need to adjust your budget very much since high prices will break the bank on either coast.

Space: A Relative Concept

Compared with the history of New York, Los Angeles is a relatively new city and built for cars and roads, meaning there’s generally more space in LA. If you move to New York, what once constituted a large area might not be as big.

Meeting Diverse and Interesting People

While moving to one of these big cities may be difficult at first, you’ll meet many other non-locals, like yourself, who moved from far-off places. Meeting new and interesting people every day is one of the best things about living in a big city.

Missing Home, But Loving Your New City

Adjusting to a brand new city may be a scary prospect, but it doesn’t take long to fit into the rhythm of your new location. Embrace the differences, and you’ll find any homesickness fading away as you grow to love your new home as much as your old one.

In conclusion, moving from coast to coast is a big adjustment, but it’s manageable if you’re prepared. From transportation to weather and even food, these differences can be embraced, leading to a successful change of address.