<p>Whats life like at Southern California? Are there all these celebrities there and ppl going to auditions and all these designer shops and beaches...like in the movies?</p>
<p>depends on where you go. southern california is one of the most diverse places on earth. not everyone is rich, not everyone is beautiful. there are lots of designer shops, but there are also alot of thrift stores where you can get some really cool stuff. the beach culture adds alot to the atmosphere, even if you aren't right next to the beach. everything is just more laid back than on the east coast. as far celebrities go, there's a good chance you'll see a few if you go to usc or ucla; however, it's not that big of a deal. my sister was ryan seacrests intern for 4 months and she was put in charge of all the celebrity guests, so for her, seeing any celebrity is no big deal anymore. contrary to the stereotypical ideal of hollywood, not everyone is trying to make it big in acting, though everyone is trying to make it big in something. many people here have high hopes because there are so many opportunities here to do whatever you want. if you have more questions, pm me and i'll give you my screen name. i'll be more than happy to talk about southern california with you :) (i've lived in orange county all my life and i know the LA area pretty well)</p>
<p>speaking of celebrities, I heard they're filming the episode of House guest starring Dave Matthews tonight. That's what all the equipment around Bovard is for.</p>
<p>Asking what life is like in Southern California is like asking what's life like in America. I'm assuming you mean what's life like in LA.</p>
<p>um it really depends
some live in suburbs so life is not as exciting
however, im assuming you are interested in west hollywood and near rodeo drive-life of the rich and famous.</p>
<p>Southern California is what you make of it.</p>
<p>LA and SD are both big giant commuter sprawls. Freeways mean that everything is spread out. Want to go to the museum? Freeway. Want to go to the movies? Freeway. Want to go to the beach? Freeway.</p>
<p>I know the occasional rare specimen who manages to live life without a car in Southern California, but it's hard. </p>
<p>As for the movie stars thing...Yes, you will occasionally see some bigshot at the store, shopping like you shop. I had Alec Baldwin and Kim Bassinger as regular customers at a store I worked at, in fact. And John Lithgow loved walking his dog at UCLA for some reason (best lawns to poop on, maybe...)</p>
<p>If you're starstruck, you'll love it. If you're like everyone else on the planet, you'll get over it pretty quickly. </p>
<p>But I think "sprawl" is the best word to describe life in Southern California.</p>
<p>I second the sprawl comment. I go to USC and love it, but I've yet to grow fond of LA as a whole (I'm from San Francisco). In my admittedly limited experience, people are brusque and somewhat superficial, but that's just me.</p>
<p>sfgiants,</p>
<p>It's funny, because after living on the East Coast for a while I think California people in general are anything BUT brusque. But I can understand your viewpoint.</p>
<p>bluebeard,
could not have said it better. southern cal is so much more relaxed than the east. I lived in orange county, santa ana to be exact , and currently live in new york and i would much rather live in southern cal.</p>
<p>where are you from in orange county?</p>
<p>i was born in garden grove but moved to irvine. it's the best :) but i'm really excited to live in LA. i actually went to elementary and jr high school in santa ana.</p>
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sfgiants,</p>
<p>It's funny, because after living on the East Coast for a while I think California people in general are anything BUT brusque. But I can understand your viewpoint.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I guess I'm just spoiled by good 'ol San Francisco. :D</p>
<p>I would say CA has something for everyone. Its a huge state all different sorts of weather climate, Beaches, Snow, Desert, Urban, Suburb life, etc. etc.</p>
<p>It really is a unique place to live</p>
<p>i heard its very expensive there... is that true? and how are the guys?</p>
<p>I think that 2skys1imit3 stated things pretty accurately: CA has something for everyone. Southern Calif (LA) specifically offers a wide range of experiences. It comes down to what someone is interested in, or what someone wants to try (if they have not already). </p>
<p>Music: there are endless venues of differing focuses. If you enjoy rock, jazz, bluegrass, pop, country, classical, etc. etc., you will find it. If you prefer large venues (ex: Staples Center, Forum, etc.), there are many. If you prefer smaller venues, there is an endless list.</p>
<p>Sports: There are numerous professional teams (minus football). Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Soccer, etc. College sports (we won't go there). Even if your team is not local to this area, it is likely that you can see your team at a local stadium/arena. </p>
<p>Museums: This is one area probably overlooked the most (to many it just isn't cool, or enjoyable to go to a museum. It is unfortunate, and I encourage all to at least "try a couple". There are many exhibits that you will see no where else on the planet. Across the street from USC is a complex that houses several museums (Museum of Natural History, California Science Center <formerly the="" california="" museum="" of="" science="" and="" industry="">, which has several small venues). In addition, there are other spectacular museums: J. Paul Getty Museums (Getty Center, off the 405 freeway near Hollywood, Getty Villa, in Malibu). The Villa has many famous paintings. I stood about 8 ft away from Irises by Vincent van Gogh - Getty paid $53 million for this one painting alone. The Huntington Library in San Marino <near pasadena=""> has famous artwork, and a library unmatched, and incredible gardens that take hours to walk through. (quote from their website: For qualified scholars, the Huntington Library is one of the largest and most complete research libraries in the United States in its fields of specialization. Collections include rare books and manuscripts principally in the areas of British and American history and literature, 15th century European books, history of science, maritime history, and Renaissance exploration and cartography. Altogether there are about five million items available for research). Artwork/Paintings: i stood in awe as I looked at Gainsborough?s The Blue Boy and Lawrence?s Pinkie. Just incredible. They seem like they are both 20 ft tall, and just breathtaking. The Hammer Museum, located near UCLA, likewise has a wide selection of one of a kind artwork and works on paper. If you consider that Armand Hammer (of Occidental Petroleum), with all his world travels and purchases, is the founder of the museum, you get an idea of what is within). In addition, there is the Norton Simon Museum of Art in Pasadena. This listing above is just a small sampling of the many cultural opportunities available in the Southern California area.</near></formerly></p>
<p>Recreation: Beaches (swimming, surfing, body-surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsufring, water skiing, volleyball, jogging, and just hanging out). Cycling (many bike paths all over SoCal, one of the best starts near Redondo Beach in the south, and continues for miles along the beach heading north, almost to the airport). With the warm weather, you have to figure than any form of recreation is easily found, and enjoyed in the Southern California areas. There are even some mountains nearby if you enjoy hiking, backpacking, etc. </p>
<p>Comedy Clubs As is the case with most large cities, the Los Angeles area has an abudance of comedy clubs. Comedy District (in Culver City), FilmWise LA, The Comedy & Magic Club (Huntington Beach), ComedySportz, ImrpovOlympic, Laugh Factory, and many many more. </p>
<p>**Theme Parks<a href="large%20and%20small">/b</a>. Is there anyone who has not been to one of Disney's Parks (Disneyland or Disney World)? It all started at Disneyland in Anaheim (less than 30 minutes from USC). Six Flags Magic Mountain (20-30 minutes north of USC) with a dozen of the largest and fastest roller coasters in the country. Universal Studios (in the valley north of USC), Raging Waters, GoKartWorld (in Carson) with 6 tracks and speeds up to 30 mph, Medieval Times (in Anaheim) with sword fights and knights in armor jousting on horseback, and a meal meant for a king. There are many more</p>
<p>Weather. How about being able to walk around in shorts and short sleeve shirts almost 12 months of the year. To SFGiants - imagine going to 90% of the games at PacBell (now att) Park (in San Francisco) in shorts? At Dodger Stadium, you can go to a game in shorts. (sometimes, you have to put on a light jacket). At PacBell Park, you know what i mean when I say dress in layers? It is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country (but dang, it gets cold. Darn near as cold as Candlestick) I do not want this to turn into a Dodger -v- Giants discussion because it will never end. I am only stating that in SoCal, you can enjoy your Giants team (or whatever your local team may be) in shorts. American League team fan - you can go see your team at the Angel's Stadium in Anaheim. National League fan, you can go to Dodger Stadium. How about walking to classes all year in shorts? Go to the beach at night, and be warm? Go jogging at night, and not need sweatpants or a sweatshirt?</p>
<p>Skiing. Skiing in Southern California? It is closer than you think. Easily drivable. Do a google on Bear Mountain, June Mountain, Mammoth Mountain
Mt. Baldy, Snow Summit, Snow Valley.</p>
<p>I have lived in many parts of California. As far south as Orange County, and as far north as Humboldt County, and many places in between. (Santa Barbara County, San Francisco County, Los Angeles County, Sonoma County, San Mateo County, Humboldt County, Mendocino County, Orange County). Each area has much to offer. Without naming specific counties, I have found that people from certain counties tend to be more tolerant of, and receptive to: people from other areas. With people, you really can not generalize that broadly, but there is a 'thread' of truth in it. Some folks (knowingly or unknowingly) become "homers". They become very familiar with, and very fond of anything from "their' area, and they less tolerant of people and things from other areas. When i dropped my son off at USC, after Christmas break, i spoke with a Prof who lives in one of the dorms (Residential Colleges). He has lived back east, and he has lived in different areas of California. From his perspective, he stated that he has found that people from the SoCal area tend to be the most tolerant of, and very receptive to, people and ideas from other areas. He said it may be due to the fact that Southern California has always been a melting pot of people from all over the state, all over the country, and all over the world.</p>
<p>A couple of quick additions to my post above:</p>
<p>(1) I do not currently live in SoCal (so my positive posts, and many recommendations of what SoCal offers are not due to any bias of Los Angeles being my hometown). I did live in the Los Angeles, and Orange County areas for several years, and i do currently visit (for the sake of my son, and to visit friends and relatives who currently live in SoCal area).</p>
<p>(2) Quick funny story about SoCal beaches. When I was younger, I had some friends visit from Ohio (a guy and a gal). Both had never been to Calif, or to an ocean with waves. Both grew up swimming in lakes, rivers and pools. We went to Redondo Beach on summer day. The guy (who loved to swim) walked out from the sand, and slowly into the water. As he continued outward, he was initially pushed by the small afterbreak water. He continued out deeper. Finally, he reached the depth where waves were cresting and breaking. Unfortunately, being a lake/river swimmer he did not realize the huge force within a wave. He approached the incoming/breaking wave straight-on and was knocked backwards flat on his back. (Those who have spent time surfing or body-surfing quickly learn that you turn your body to the side so that the force of the wave hits you on your side, and not on your chest. It is easier to wade out through waves. As you grow in experience, you learn to dive under the cresting waves. ). My friend was fine, and laughed as he picked himself up. It can be a blast, hanging out in the water.</p>
<p>(3) Another quick story about celebrities. Hopefully, this thread is not that widely read, or close friends of mine will realize who I am. When I was living in Northern California, I had a sports car that was called a Fairlady roadster (probably none of you have heard of this car). I tried to get a personalized license plate (MyFrLdy). It was already taken, so I chose some close alternative. (I no longer have the car, by the way). Several months later, I was visiting in SoCal, and was driving near the L.A. Airport. I saw a Rolls Royce go by on the 405 freeway, and it had the license plate that I originally wanted (MyFrLdy). My wife saw the car, and the license plate, and she commented out loud: "you know who that probably is?". It only took us a few seconds to realize that is was possibly/probably either Audrey Hepburn or Rex Harrison (both of whom were in the original movie "My Fair Lady". One could argue that the license plate could have belonged to anyone, and that is true. However, not just anyone owns a Rolls Royce, and is driving on the freeway that leads out to Beverly Hills area. We still don't know for certain who was in the car (since the windows were tinted), but to this day we joke that our license plate (that we wanted) was owned by either Audrey Hepburn or Rex Harrison.</p>
<p>(4) One last story. In younger days, when I lived in Los Angeles County, on more than one occasion, we took visitors from out-of-state on a drive through Hollywood (stopped at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd, and saw the Walk of the Stars), and we continued into Beverly Hills. I confess to having purchased one of those "maps of the stars" and we drove off into Beverly Hills. A couple of the highlights back then, were to see Alfred Hitchcock's huge mansion, Lucille Ball's mansion, and one of the most visited locations - was the mansion that was used in the Beverly Hillbillies show. Iironically, if I remember correctly, the house was surpisingly on hilly street, but in the show they made it appear as thought it was a flat street. (I know, what a corny thing to do, i would probably never do it again, but at the time, and at that age, it was a kick.).</p>
<p>Lots to enjoy in SoCal.</p>
<p>the guys? yeah, we're sexy. ;) and yes, we are expensive.</p>
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Six Flags Magic Mountain (20-30 minutes north of USC) with a dozen of the largest and fastest roller coasters in the country.
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<p>Sadly, not for much longer.</p>
<p>Oh, and I'd put it at closer to 30-45 minutes or more on a good day. Unless you know a good 405-avoiding route? :p</p>
<p>Great posts lovetocamp.</p>
<p>How is driving, generally, in SoCal? I know a car is virtually an essential but how are other drivers, roads etc.?</p>
<p>SoCal's roads vary quite a bit by area. The Valley is known for its straight crisscrossing roads, while San Diego is a little less...easy to drive.</p>
<p>Plastic surgery is very big here.</p>
<p>People spend a lot of money on cars here. And houses.</p>
<p>Much more flashy than other parts of the country. </p>
<p>I've seen more movie stars in NYC than I've ever seen in SoCal.</p>