Moving to a new area is always a culture shock, but when you move to an entirely different side of the country it may take a little extra time to settle in. Learn some of the differences between life as you know it on the East coast and your new West coast home:
Grocery Shopping
While this of course varies according to where you’re from on the East coast, but for the most part, you’re probably used to being stuck with the regional grocery store or two in your area. Not a lot of variety. This is all different in LA, where there is a Trader Joe’s or a Whole Foods on every other corner! Of course L.A. has its regional grocery stores too. For example, the East coast Kroger is the L.A. Ralph’s. When looking for your favorite brand name products, head to Ralph’s or Von’s, otherwise give Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods a try.
Chain Restaurants
When moving to L.A., you’ll be surprised to find that many popular East coast chains have a very small presence, if they’re even here at all. For example you’ll probably have to head to the Valley or South of Culver City to find the following — Qdoba, Applebee’s, Boston Market, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Red Robin. Sorry to break it to you, but if Texas Roadhouse, Smokey Bones, or the Waffle House are any of your favorites, you’re going to have to find a new West coast version. Try Saddle Ranch for barbecue and IHOP for breakfast instead. The only East coast restaurant you won’t be able to find a replacement for is Dunkin Donuts, but never fear, they recently announced they’ll be moving to town in 2015!
Healthy Living
One of the biggest culture shocks of moving to L.A. is how crazy healthy this town is! Gyms, yoga studios, juice bars, and stores selling trendy workout clothes are everywhere you look. You’ll quickly find that wheatgrass shots are not only a real thing, they’re quite popular. The sidewalks are always lined with runners and on weekends the beach is filled with fitness enthusiasts who love to hop on their bicycles and spend the day outdoors. Embrace it and love it!
Driving
Whether you’re trying to drive from one area of L.A. to another, getting around L.A. can be tricky. While no one likes to be caught in rush hour traffic, L.A. people take it to extremes, and with good reasoning. You’ve never experienced traffic like that seen in L.A. everyday. If you don’t absolutely have to go out at rush hour, stay in. Make sure to find a place to live near your job, or you’ll be spending crazy amounts of time in your car each day. Parking is also a bit of an issue, as it seems that most businesses in the city do have parking lots. However, most do have a valet, which natives embrace. While it may seem bizarre at first to not just drive around the block a few times to find a street spot, you’ll get used to the valet parking everywhere you go.
L.A. is such a fun city, with so much to offer! Take some time to get adjusted, finding your favorite places to shop, eat, and hang out, and before long you’ll be living like a local.
What are some of the differences and similarities you’ve noticed? Leave your experience in the comment section below.
photo credit: onesevenone via photopin cc
