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The West Coast is an amazing region with a lot to offer. There has long been a rivalry between the West Coast and East Coast, but many people seem to be flocking out west in recent years. The increased amount of people out west has made for even more opportunities, making the region even more attractive. It’s no wonder why some of the fastest-growing cities in the country are located out west.

So if you’re looking to rent one of the available Mountain View apartments and move out west, what exactly are you getting yourself into, and what should you expect from your new home? 

If you’re moving to a city like L.A, then you’ll probably experience a large increase in the cost of living. The West Coast is known for being extravagant and expensive, especially in major areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Although the entire west coast isn’t like this, on average you’ll likely see an increase in the cost of living if you move to an area of similar size.

If you’re moving to the West Coast from a region such as the Midwest, then you’ll definitely see an increase in the cost of living. Just make sure to budget correctly, and the change shouldn’t have that much of an effect on you. 

A major positive of the West Coast is the region’s climate. Most of the West Coast is either hot or relatively mild, making it a haven for those looking to shelter from the cold of winter. States like California and Arizona are hot and dry, perfect for those that love warm temperatures. 

Farther north, states in the Pacific Northwest are much milder, being warm in the summer and cool in the winter months. Unless you live in an area that has an extremely high elevation, snow and other winter precipitation are almost nonexistent in the region. If you’re someone who hates the cold and snow, the West Coast would be the perfect place to live. 

Traffic on the West Coast is notoriously horrible, especially in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Many times you might be stuck in hour-long traffic jams, creating an absolute gridlock that is frustrating to deal with.

Smaller areas of the region aren’t as bad, but if you plan on driving anywhere near a major city then make sure you account for traffic delays. Don’t leave at the last minute when you live on the West Coast, as you should always factor in traffic when calculating how long it should take to get somewhere. 

One of the best things about the West Coast is the wide variety of cuisines you can find. The Southern portion of the West Coast is extremely close to Mexico, and many Mexican immigrants call the area home. As a result, the region is home to authentic Mexican food, making it one of the best spots to enjoy Hispanic dishes in the country.

Additionally, states like California have attracted people from all over the world, leading to a melting pot of cuisines. In many areas of the west coast, you can find cultural enclaves, allowing you to try just about any type of food you want. The diversity of authentic international cuisines rivals and may even surpass the East Coast.