Living in California comes with its own set of unique habits and quirks that only locals truly understand. If you’ve spent enough time in the Golden State, you’ll recognize yourself in these classic experiences that mark a true Californian.
1. You Discuss Your Commute in Hours, Not Miles
In California, especially in the big cities, distance is measured by time spent in traffic, not by actual miles. A 10-mile drive can easily take an hour, and you’ve become an expert at predicting rush hour patterns.
2. Paying $7 for Avocado Toast Without Blinking
Avocado toast is practically a religion, and you don’t even flinch at the price. In fact, you might even have strong opinions about which café does it best.
3. Wearing a Hoodie and Flip-Flops at the Same Time
The weather can swing from chilly to sunny in a single day, so you’ve mastered the art of layering—often pairing a hoodie with flip-flops as your go-to outfit.
4. Getting Irrationally Excited About Rain
Rain is so rare that when it happens, you document it, talk about it, and maybe even cancel plans to stay home and watch the weather.
5. Earthquakes Barely Interrupt Your Day
A little shaking? No big deal. You’ve learned to distinguish between a minor tremor and something worth getting up for. Most of the time, you just carry on as usual.
6. You Have Strong Opinions on Tacos and Burritos
You’ve ended friendships over which taqueria serves the best street tacos or burritos. Authenticity is a serious matter, and you know all the best spots.
7. Being Suspiciously Chill About Wildfire Season
You’ve grown used to smoky skies and the annual threat of wildfires. Unless the sky turns orange, you’re probably not too worried.
8. Casually Spotting Celebrities in Line at Starbucks
Seeing a celebrity is so common that it barely registers. You might even have a favorite “celebrity sighting” story, but you don’t make a big deal out of it.
9. Thinking $5 Gasoline Is a Good Deal
You’re genuinely excited when gas prices dip below $5 a gallon, and you know which stations have the best deals.
10. Insisting “The” Belongs Before Every Freeway Number
You refer to highways as “the 405” or “the 101,” and you can instantly spot an out-of-towner who just says “101”.
If these experiences feel like second nature, congratulations—you’ve truly absorbed the California lifestyle!
Sources:
- https://www.society19.com/signs-you-grew-up-in-southern-california/
- https://matadornetwork.com/life/29-signs-born-raised-southern-california/
- https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/things-to-do/weird-things-about-living-in-la