The ‘American Dream’ isn’t only for non-US citizens. Whether you live in the North, East, or South, the idea of moving out west seems very appealing. There is incredible nature mixed with year-round sunshine. Plus, Vegas nightlife is perfect for anyone who needs to let off steam!
Of course, the west coast is good, but it isn’t flawless. Before moving out here, it’s essential to understand the things that no one mentions to improve your lifestyle. Once you do that, the west will be the paradise you’ve heard about from others.
Here’s what nobody tells you about moving to the west:
It Won’t Solve All Your Problems
There’s a big difference between moving to make a fresh start and running away from your problems. Moving home is one of life’s most stressful events and adapting to any new place brings challenges as well as rewards. Being realistic about this can go a long way towards easing the transition period.
So that you have a reasonable idea of what to expect, do plenty of research before you get here. One of the big advantages of the west coast is that there’s plenty of information about it available online. Just be sure to look at local area sites pitched at potential residents rather than at tourists.
Be aware that sober living can be a challenge on the west coast. That challenge can get even harder if you’re new and trying to make friends. There’s never any shortage of wild parties here! Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to socialize. There’s also plenty of help if you need it. You can find everything from informal counseling to sober living facilities.
You’ll Need A Car
This is particularly pertinent if you’re an east coaster. In New York, the subway takes you from place to place without a glitch. And if the trains fail, there are regular buses. The same isn’t true of the west coast, where public transport is sporadic and unreliable, and the cities are massive. Therefore, a car is essential if you want to get around quickly and easily. Sometimes, even walking to the store for milk and bread isn’t possible without a ride. If you don’t have one already, you will need to speak to a dealer. At least it will save you money on a moving truck!
Speaking Spanish Helps
Immigration from Mexico and the rest of Latin America is pretty big in the west. Whether you live in Cali or Arizona, there’s a good chance you’ll come across Spanish-speakers. Some of them might not speak English, either, which can leave you in a tricky spot. It’s not necessary to be fluent, although it doesn’t hurt. But getting a grasp of basic phrases will come in handy for communication purposes, helping you to feel less awkward and make new friends. The west coast is as multilingual as it gets in the US.
Your Friends Will Want To Visit
Once they hear you’ve relocated, the first thing they’ll say is, “we’ll come and visit you sometime!” Based on that, you might want to consider the size of property on the market. A small house will suffice for now, but it won’t be comfortable if your friends visit regularly. It’s not as if a spare bedroom will be a waste, as long as you can afford the extra costs.
Now that you know some of the truths about the west coast, are you ready to move? Just an FYI, despite all this, I moved from the east to west coast and have no regrets! Both LA and Las Vegas have been great homes for me.
Thank you for reading!
This post was a collab.
