I'm moving from the West Coast to the East Coast. What should I expect in terms of people?

Question

I flew to Boston this weekend to check out the area. Some guy kept feeling up my leg on the train. Anyway, I noticed a few odd things about the people there. First, there are no Mormon people, but a ton of Jewish people. Also, there are no Mexicans but many Dominicans, Cubans etc. There are not many blondes; most people are brunettes, and people are generally meaner. They're always in a hurry, even if it's just to grab a donut. Some people don't own cars, they just use public transportation. It also seems that fashion is more about covering up and less about having a hot body. What else should I look out for? I don't own any coats.

Answer 1

I don't know where on the West Coast you live, but I've lived in Silicon Valley and Boston and Boston suburbs. I found the people in Mass. to be friendlier than those in California, and less concerned with materialism and appearance. East Coasters in general are more family-oriented and less concerned with having the biggest house and the newest Mercedes.

You seem to be concerned about the racial and ethnic makeup of Boston. You'll find that more Bostonians are of European extraction than on the West Coast, where there are more Asian-Americans and Latinos. But there is a good diversity of cultures and ethnicities in Boston -- but maybe not the diversity you're used to.

I also found that East Coasters are generally more interested and knowledgeable about current affairs and that East Coast public schools are better funded than those in California, so the general population is better educated. You'll see evidence of that in the number of universities and colleges in Boston (more than any other city in the world!) and the number of world-class museums, especially compared to West Coast cities -- even those that are much larger. There are more cultural opportunities in general in Boston, including ballet, opera, symphonies, theater. There's a lot happening all the time. Keep your mind open and enjoy all it has to offer. Boston is a great city!

Answer 2

Definitely invest in a coat as well as some boots. It gets cold and snows a lot on the east coast, and the more north you are the worse it seems to be. I don't live in Boston but I do live on the east coast, and the east coast is a lot more fast paced than the west coast. Our focus is on work and hanging out at times, but not lying on the beach doing nothing. Public transportation is the norm in most major cities on this side, as over development leaves little room to drive and park. Public transportation is usually cheaper and very extensive. As for fashion people do show off their bodies, but most would rather sit back relax and enjoy a good hearty meal than obsess over food and looks. Boston has a high Italian population, that may be why you see more brunettes. As for Mormons believe me they're everywhere, but just aren't as noticeable as they may be on the west coast.

Answer 3

Boston has a rich history and a diverse neighbourhood; it's a legacy of arts, tradition, and education; Boston has anything for anyone therefore find what Boston can offer you with hotelbye . The three-mile Freedom Trail brings you previous - and into - 16 of the city's principal historic monuments and sites. It's simple to follow along with, by the distinct red stones in the sidewalk and by footprints at street crossings. The trail may get you to Old Granary Burying Ground where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are buried; will get you to King's Chapel Burying Ground, the Boston's oldest cemetery; Old South Meeting House where the calling speeches of patriots spawned the Boston Tea Party and the Old State House, Boston's oldest community building and the site of the Boston Massacre.

Answer 4

Boston is more of a business area, where it sounds like you are used to a more laid back atmosphere in California, it is not all about looks, a lot more are about being the best and making money ... show people the business/professional side of you, the side that says "I am NOT just here for you to look at or touch" ... once you get to know a few people you can loosen up with them ...

Be sure to get some coats of varying weights - it gets really cold ...

Be prepared to join in public transportation, there are not a lot of places to park ... most people I know there also have to rent a place to park by their home ... it gets REALLY expensive ...

Answer 5

I have noticed that west coast woman are more concerned about how hot their body looks and what other people think of them (like girls in high school). East coast woman aren't as concerned about their hotness because they realize that there are more important things to be concerned about than looks and they also seem more career or family oriented.
The east coast is definitely more hectic but this doesn't mean that the people are mean, just that they are busy and most are actually very nice and friendly if you talk to them.
Oh yeah, buy some light and heavy jackets.

Answer 6

When my husband first came to Ohio from Samoa, via California, he had not coat either, and it was coming up winter. Now, I know there are places where winter is WINTER, and Ohio winters aren't THAT bad, but they can get cold! He said he wanted to experience the cold. I said, you're gonna experience he cold for about five minutes before you are experiencing a dept store to buy a winter coat!!