As a Southern California native, I can arguably say that Northern California is far superior. I know — shocker — a SoCal gal who doesn’t brag about her hometown.
Having grown up in San Diego I realize the privilege of having this beautiful place as my hometown. But I am here to say that Northern California has brought me more happiness than any San Diego beach could.
When I turned 18-years-old I moved to Santa Cruz and remained there for nearly four years.
The main difference I noticed in comparison to Southern California was how clean the air was. It genuinely felt like the first time I was taking a breath of fresh air.
I bounced around from the small towns of Aptos and Live Oak and settled in Downtown Santa Cruz for my final two years. Each town felt different from the next, despite the county being 445 square miles, according to a webpage from the United States Census Bureau.
San Diego County is nearly 10 times larger in square miles, according to a webpage from the United States Census Bureau, but somehow every city never had that unique spark that Northern California towns offer.
Let's be real — the main attractions in Southern California are arguably the theme parks and beaches.
Despite the many beaches and popular attractions found in Southern California, none compare to the environmental magic that is found in the North.
In Northern California, I have been able to smell the petrichor of a foggy redwood forest, see the mountains, meet the ocean, and go to the downtown strip all in the same day. At times I would drive up the California Highway 1 just to admire the movie-like landscapes.
Debatably, the night skies in Northern California consistently outshine the beautiful sunsets of Southern California.
I continuously take note of how clear the night sky is because of the lack of light pollution. When I moved up here it was the first time I ever saw shooting stars.
Even in San José, I see more stars and constellations than I ever did in San Diego.
As I began to explore more parts of Northern California I fell in love with small attributes I discovered in each new city I stepped into.
The calming scenic drives from Santa Cruz to the natural beauty of Monterey County and the individuality that San Francisco offers.
While adventuring around Northern California I fell in love with San José. Soon I started making it a point to come and visit most weekends.
I can’t help but notice how kind and open everyone is. There’s always someone to offer a smile or a nice gesture.
I remember I went to pick up a friend from the San José Mineta International Airport, To my dismay my phone died and my charger wasn’t working. That’s when I got lost because I wasn’t too familiar with the area.
I drove around with my head spinning, asking anyone for directions to the airport — all of which pointed me in the right direction — but I was too directionally challenged to figure it out.
I approached a gas station, and I asked a man who was pumping gas to help me find the airport. I don’t condone walking up to a stranger in the dead of night at a gas station, but I was desperate.
I followed him to the airport and like a movie he waved goodbye from his car, as I entered the airport. I never saw him again, but I think about the kindness he offered me and how that was not commonplace where I was raised.
Though the pleas of my mother can at times persuade me to consider moving back, I truly can’t imagine living elsewhere.
