So some of the things noticed in Kaliforney so far are worth mentioning. This includes things that are different from Dallas, TX or things that are just plain weird.
Redlands, Ontario and neighboring towns have been referred to as Inland Empire.
1 – Culture – The small town culture is just different. It’s quite bland. There’s nothing to do in these small towns. So you’re supposed to go to LA to have fun. Or to Santa Monica. Or to Riverside. To some other place.
The only people walking around are old people, or really young kids. Not a lot of fun in downtown Redlands. It’s still a beautiful place but less fun unless you already know people and have a big group to hang out with.
In terms of people, most people seem rude and abnoxious. Tailgating seems to be the normal way of driving in Kaliforney.
It seems nice and not nice at the same time. That might be true of any place, I suppose. Just that one doesn’t notice that about their own hometown – Go Addison!
2 – Roads and Highways – Road quality is absolutely abysmal. Driving on most roads is just torture sometimes. Driving a manual car on smaller roads is tough. First gear, second gear, stop sign. First gear, second gear, red light.
Highways seem to be designed so as to rattle cars and shake different parts loose.
3 – Greenery – More green. The roads and mountains are all full of trees and other shrubbery. The palm trees are definitely a nice mood setter. Driving on a road with nice tall trees on either side is very enjoyable.
4 – The Laid Back Feel – Kaliforney definitely has a more laid back feel. Which is nice and better for relaxing. The mountains, hills and winding roads are all very refreshing.
5 – Social Culture – The social culture is not too different from other places. But walking around one gets the feel that the social culture here seem to be about overexploited preteen corporate victims kids wearing their pants around their knees walking around with the same fashion zombie mindset in their $50 haircuts. Sure the parents are the same but there is just so much youth walking around seemingly aimlessly that it’s just kind of sad.
These are just the first impresssions after moving to California. Having been to California before, I know it’s a really nice place and there’s no shortage of nice and responsible people in Cali. It’s not a bad place at all. The above impressions are possibly more exaggerated considering it might have a hint of buyer’s remorse, especially moving to a small town from a much bigger town. This is just an opinion and will most probably change over time.
