Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - East or West Coast?

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East or West Coast?

I am a student with the opportunity to spend a year in the USA. I would like to know what, if any, the main cultural differences are between the east coast(Penn) and west coast (CA). I've never been to the states before, and so have no personal knowledge of either of these regions. Any comments would be greatfully received. Thanks.

Those are both big states and things can change dramatically within each themselves. Both coasts are great for their own reasons. Generally speaking, the east coast is older and has more "history". The people tend to be more traditional in their thinking and actions. The west coast is much more laid back and relaxed. The major cities on the east coast are relatively close together so it is fairly easy to visit other cities like Phily, NY, Boston and DC. You'll be lost on the west coast without a car. If you could be more specific about which cities (rather than states) it might be easier to help you out. Also, are you a high school or college student?

The previous comments are correct. The major Northeastern cities (Wash.DC, Philadelphia, NYC & Boston) have good public transportation (particularly the latter three) and all are easily accessible to one another by relatively short and inexpensive train rides. If you seek a concentration of history, tradition and culture and can tolerate the weather (a bit colder than the UK in winter and equally gloomy although it is better towards Philly and DC), I'd suggest the east coast. the west coast has areas (such as San Francisco, parts of LA, San Diego and certain mission sites) that are wonderful and steeped in history but very much spread out from one another. Even within the cities themselves, only SF and SD have well developed public transport systems. You might consider looking into an airline pass to use for a month or two during your stay. These are available only to non-US residents (possibly only to students) and must be purchased outside the US prior to your arrival. The pass allows (with a few limitations) unlimited air travel within the US for a specified time period. I've met students who spent their year on the east coast and then flew out for extended weekends (or a week at a time if possible) to other US cities for visits. This allows the best of both experiences and allows visiting places such as Chicago or Seattle, which are not convenient to the east or west coast but are well worth visiting.

Those comments about what to see and how easy it is to get to them is correct. Now about the cultural differences. First thing to know is that there are examples (sometimes very strong) of "the other coast's" culture on each side. Statements about differences will be, at best, general tendencies rather than absolutes. Your actual experience may vary. The East Coast, having been part of the "American" experience (whatever that is) for a longer time, is more steeped in history and thus more impressed with it. Being a descendant of someone who rode on the Mayflower, for example, is more important in the East. Both coasts are VERY impressed with money, but on the East it helps if your family acquired it a long time ago. The West Coast is more concerned with outdoor activity and health. One person who's lived on both coasts said it best: "In the East you impress people with your clothes; in the West, with your body." Because maintaining places where outdoor activities can take place is important, there is more concern on the West Coast about preserving places in their original, natural state. In general, the West Coast is more laid back in both its work ethic and morals (hard to believe if you've been to Times Square, NYC, before the last few years!) Going to the beach in Southern Calif is almost a religion, for instance. For a good sense of how New Yorkers view themselves and the West Coast, check out Woody Allen's "Stardust Memories" or "Annie Hall." For a good idea of how Los Angelenos view themselves, check out the movie "Grand Canyon." Now, before all of you East and West coasters flame me, note my initial paragraphs!

Actually, I've been tremendously impressed (stunned is more like it) by the restraint demonstrated Forum members with regard to this query. I expected fireworks both above and below the belt . . . . Even generalizations on this topic are difficult and misleading . . . . So, T.J., perhaps the decision criteria would feature prominently the quality of the university/college/school rather than its locale. Once in the States, you'll likely have opportunities to experience different parts of the country (and even continent -- try not to miss Canada and Mexico).

I am a native California who has lived on both coasts and several places in between as well as 4 other countries. We are now living back in California since 1985 and have no intention of ever living anywhere else again. I am not about to get into any squabble about which coast is the best. That is an individual choice based on many factors. I will simply say that IMHO there is no place on the face of the earth that compares to California period. I am not going to get into stereotypes about either coast as it is strictly opinions that are usually incorrect. California is a very diverse state with something for everybody. Mountains, beaches, desert, great cities, great climate, cultural diversity, etc. are all to be found in abundance. You can surf and ski on the same day. I live in both San Diego and the San Francisco Bay area. I love both areas and consider myself to be extremely lucky to be able to live in paradise.