Welcome to California, where the sun never seems to stop shining (except when it’s raining), everyone’s got a dream, and “nature” is just as likely to involve a hike or a trip to a vineyard as it is to involve camping out in the woods. Whether you’re in bustling Los Angeles, laid-back San Francisco, or enjoying the peace and quiet of the Central Coast, California has its own unique rhythm. Here are eight things no one tells you about living in California—but you’ll definitely find out soon enough.
The Traffic Will Drive You Mad (And You’ll Get Used To It)
You’ve heard the horror stories about California traffic, and now you’re living them. In cities like Los Angeles, sitting in traffic is a way of life, and you’ll quickly find yourself using apps like Waze more often than you probably should. Whether you’re commuting for work or just trying to get to brunch, you’ll spend more time in your car than you ever imagined. But hey, it’s all part of the California dream, right?
You’ll Become Obsessed with “Avocado Everything”
If you didn’t already love avocado toast, get ready for your life to be consumed by it (along with other avocado-based creations). From avocado smoothies to guacamole on everything (literally, everything), you’ll soon find yourself embracing the California obsession with this creamy green fruit. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself adding avocado to your burger, toast, and even your salad—even if you never thought it was your “thing” before.
You’ll Start Using “Like” and “Totally” as Sentence Fillers
Whether you’re from California or not, living here will have you adopting some of the local language quirks—whether you like it or not. Soon enough, you’ll catch yourself saying “like” way more than you’d care to admit, and “totally” will slip into your conversations faster than you can say “dude.” It’s a sign you’re settling in, and you’ll be using these words to express enthusiasm and thoughts in ways you didn’t think were possible. Totally.
The Weather Will Spoil You Rotten
California has some of the most ideal weather in the country, and before you know it, you’ll be a weather snob. Whether it’s San Francisco’s mild temperatures, Southern California’s endless sunshine, or the cool coastal breeze, you’ll quickly come to expect perfect weather year-round. The only problem? The second it dips below 60°F, you’ll start pulling out your winter coat and complaining about the cold. Prepare to be spoiled by the weather.
You’ll Start Referring to “The Beach” Like It’s the Only One That Matters
In California, the beach isn’t just any beach—it’s your beach. Whether it’s the iconic shores of Malibu or the laid-back vibe of Santa Cruz, you’ll find yourself proudly claiming your favorite spot as “the best beach” (even if you only live 30 minutes away). The best part? You’ll end up talking about the beach like it’s your second home, obsessing over where to park and what time to arrive to avoid the crowds. It’s a California rite of passage.
You’ll Develop a Strange Addiction to “Farm-to-Table” Food
In California, food isn’t just food—it’s a lifestyle. Local, organic, and farm-to-table are the words that rule the culinary scene, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself gravitating toward restaurants that boast about their local ingredients. You’ll also become a regular at farmer’s markets, comparing produce and finding the best local, heirloom tomatoes. Don’t be surprised when you start waxing poetic about your favorite kale salad or organic chicken dish—it’s just California getting to you.
You’ll Find Yourself Talking About “Vibes” (And You’ll Totally Get It)
In California, the word “vibe” is used to describe everything from the atmosphere of a café to the general energy of a person. Whether you’re chatting about the vibe of a hiking trail or discussing someone’s vibe at a party, it will soon become part of your everyday language. And guess what? You’ll start getting it—you’ll begin to understand what people mean when they say something has a good (or bad) vibe, and you’ll use it without a second thought.
You’ll Become a “Hiker” (Even if You’re Not Really Into Hiking)
Whether or not you actually enjoy hiking, living in California will make you a “hiker” by association. With some of the most beautiful mountain trails, coastal hikes, and desert walks, you’ll find yourself putting on hiking boots and hitting the trail more often than you imagined. Soon, you’ll be collecting Instagram-worthy shots of your hikes, even if you’re really just there for the views and the snacks you brought along (but hey, no judgment).
Living in California means embracing a lifestyle that revolves around outdoor adventures, perfect weather, and the occasional obsession with avocado. Whether you’re navigating traffic, talking about “vibes,” or comparing your favorite local produce, life here is a mix of adventure, indulgence, and “totally laid-back” energy. Just remember to bring your reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a healthy appreciation for your favorite local beach—it’s California, and it’s always good vibes ahead.
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