A Midwesterner’s Misadventure in California Paradise

I left Chicago to be with my boyfriend, now husband, who was stationed in San Diego. While my friends envied my sunny “paradise” home, I found it lacking. The weather bored me and made getting around without a car difficult.

As someone who grew up enjoying the challenges of Chicago’s winters, I took pride in the city’s ability to persevere through harsh conditions. San Diego’s constant sunshine was a letdown, making seasonal change feel pointless. Even missing the difficulties Midwestern winters brought, like wearing sweaters for warmth, felt wrong.

Initially, I struggled with San Diego’s car-centric nature, as I was used to navigating without a car in Chicago. Cycling and walking proved challenging due to inadequate bike lanes and busy roads. However, public transportation surprised me, but even it faced its limitations.

The beaches, once a selling point, became a source of frustration. Overcrowded and littered with trash from partygoers, I felt disheartened by the lack of care for these beautiful spots. After almost a year, I couldn’t wait to leave San Diego behind and explore Washington D.C.’s walkable streets and rich cultural scene.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-to-california-hated-san-diego-left-after-year-2025-2