12 Myths About California That Outsiders Always Believe
When you think of California, you might picture sun kissed beaches, glamorous movie stars and endless avocado toast. It’s an ‘outsider’s’ ultimate land of dreams, where life is a perpetual summer vacations. Turn over the glossy postcard veneer and the Golden State isn’t exactly the one-size-fits-all paradise most folks make it out to be.
The truth is, the state is way more diverse, nuanced and complex than it looks on the surface. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about California and set the record straight.
Everyone Surfs
Surfing may seem like part and parcel of California culture, but not every resident has a surfboard strapped to their car. Sure, Malibu and Huntington Beach are famous surfing spots, but surfing is a skill that takes time and a love of surfing in the ocean at sunrise.
It’s Always Warm And Sunny
California has enviable weather, yes, but it’s not a year round sun festival. San Francisco is one of the rainiest and chilliest cities in Northern California. You can even get cold nights and foggy mornings in Southern California, with its sunny beaches. July may be blazing in Death Valley, but ski resorts such as Mammoth Mountain are in their prime in winter.
Everyone Is Health-Obsessed
California’s often painted as the epicenter of health trends — from green juice to yoga pants. It’s true that wellness culture is big here, but not everyone is on a cleanse or training for a marathon. Even in the land of kale salads, people’s habits are more diverse than you’d expect.
It’s All Urban Glitz and Glamour
Though most people think of California as big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, the majority of the state is actually quite rural. If you drive through the Central Valley, you’ll see miles and miles of farmland. California actually produces more than a third of the nation’s vegetables and three quarters of its fruits and nuts.
Californians Are All Laid Back
The “chill Californian” isn’t stereotypical. Tech culture in Silicon Valley is famously fast and frenetic, while the Central Valley’s agricultural workers are some of the hardest working people you’ll ever meet. Sociologist Dr. Linda Gomez says, “California is as diverse in its pace of life as it is in its population.”
Everyone Can’t Afford The Cost Of Living
California is expensive, but it’s not all expensive. San Francisco and Los Angeles have sky high rents, but Fresno or Riverside are much more budget friendly. Shared housing or living outside major metro areas are ways many residents have found to make it work.
Earthquakes Happen Constantly
Earthquakes are a real part of life in California, and most are minor and go unnoticed. California is rocked by about 10,000 earthquakes a year, but only a few are significant, according to the USGS. The ground shaking is less of a worry to residents than wildfires.
California Cuisine Is Tacos And Avocado Toast
California’s culinary scene is often reduced to clichés, but the state’s food is anything but cliché. As for food, there is a rich mix of cultures where you can discover everything from genuine Ethiopian food in Los Angeles to the farm to table foods in Sonoma. Plus, California’s agricultural bounty is fresh, seasonal, and inspires chefs throughout the state.
Hollywood Equals Fame For Everyone
It’s laughable that every Californian has celebrity ties, but Hollywood is undoubtedly a cultural powerhouse. For the most part, residents lead everyday lives — worlds away from movie sets or red carpets. In fact, the California Film Commission says only about 1 percent of the state’s population works in the entertainment industry. The rest are teachers, engineers, baristas, and everything in between.
Traffic Is the Only Way Of Life
Los Angeles traffic is infamous, but not all of California is gridlocked. In smaller cities such as Santa Cruz or Bakersfield, congestion is far less. And public transportation systems such as BART in the Bay Area and Metrolink in Southern California provide alternatives — even if they don’t always run like clockwork.
California Is Just Beaches
Yes, California has beautiful beaches, but that’s not the whole story. It is a geographic marvel, with deserts, forests and even snow capped mountains. Millions of visitors each year come to the Sierra Nevada range, which includes Yosemite National Park, to see landscapes that are anything but coastal.
Everyone Owns A Tesla
The idea that everyone drives a Tesla might be an exaggeration, but Tesla is based in California. There are plenty of Californians who still drive beat up trucks or classic sedans.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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