Are you looking for a beachy, health-nut lifestyle, or a fast-paced, career-oriented way of living — the East and West coasts have two different energies to offer.
For many years, there has been a debate over which coast is the best coast. Through research, I’ve found that even though they both have their pros and cons, the West and East coasts are unique in their own ways. In particular, their differences stand out.
I want to examine the different aspects that determine how well you’d be suited in each location. Their differing lifestyles and cultures make each coast unique in its own way, and I plan to lay it all out for you to analyze. Whether it’s their fashion, food, or culture, both show the different variations of life in the United States.
Popular cities on each coast
This iconic rivalry holds its most prominent dividing features within its most popular destinations.
On the East Coast, we see thriving cities with cramped buildings, miles-high skyscrapers, and ambition flowing through the air. New York and Boston, being the most populous cities in this region, are home to fast-paced lifestyles. Many individuals are attracted by their vast array of work opportunities and fantastic city views.
Both New York City and Boston pay homage to their English roots with their European-style architecture and transportation systems. Unlike many cities throughout the U.S., most residents primarily use the subway and taxi systems to get from place to place.
However, the West Coast is home to coastal cities, such as Los Angeles and Seattle. If you’re searching for a quick trip to the beach on weekends and beautiful sunsets — the West Coast is the place to be.
Similar to New York and Boston, these West Coast cities are known for their high skyscrapers and job opportunities in service and entertainment. Many rising actors rush to Hollywood. They do this in order to pursue their dreams.
California architecture is known for their Mexican inspired buildings. Spanish Colonial Revival is seen throughout Northern and Southern California. This is a result of their hot weather and dry climate.
Cities such as Seattle and Portland are known for their cottage-style homes that are great for small families looking for an easy place to settle down.
Lifestyle
On the West Coast of the U.S., smoothies and avocado toasts have embedded themselves into the minds of their residents. Additionally, these places are known for their slow-paced, easy way of going. These individuals are known for their daily trips to their local vegan restaurants. They also enjoy casual yoga sessions on their back porch overlooking Santa Monica Bay.
As a West Coast girly myself, I’ve noticed these trends throughout each city on the coast. I primarily see this lifestyle in Southern California; however, even in the damp weather in Seattle, Washington, health nuts and frequent workout sessions are common.
However, on the East Coast, it’s a different story. Many residents in NYC and Boston thrive on always being ‘on the go’ and diving into their ambitious goals. A common conversation with these individuals is often short and to the point. This is especially important in their fast-paced cities.
You can often find an East Coaster in an office meeting or spending time with their friends at a coffee shop on Fifth Avenue right before hours at their jobs
The lifestyles attributed to both coasts fit perfectly into a few zodiac signs. For instance, I would classify the East Coast as Capricorns or Virgos, because their ambitious and stubborn nature makes them some of the hardest working people in America.
However, Sagittarius and Geminis fit perfectly with the West Coast people. They’re keen on new adventures, trips, and entertainment, which are traits that are seen clearly in these zodiacs.
Culture
If you’re not a fan of blunt confrontations and fast walking, the East Coast may not be your personal haven. Although these residents may come off as rude at first, it’s less about being mean and more about keeping it real—no fake kindness, just straight-up honesty.
On the other hand, on the West Coast, being polite is the go-to. Some may describe this as artificial kindness, but I perceive it as simply keeping one’s peace. However, peace can’t always be found in their politeness, as I’ve noticed talking behind one’s back to be pretty common.
Comparison runs rapidly on the West Coast, which thrives in this dynamic to the heights of its skyscrapers. If you’re one to always keep it real, then the East Coast may be the place to be. However, keeping one’s peace is also a desire that can be seen throughout the West Coast.
Fashion
To match their attitude towards life, I’ve found that West Coasters go for a laid-back fashion style. Matching sets to yoga class, and a trendy pastel outfit to the beach.
Burkenstocks and Converse run rampant in these parts of the United States, and it’s no wonder! If I could drive five minutes to the sandy beaches of San Diego, I don’t think I would ever wear heels again.
However, you’d never catch an East Coaster dead or alive in socks and sandals on the streets of Manhattan. Their traditional preppy fashion can be seen all throughout the East Coast, which makes sense from my perspective. If I were out on the prowl for a high-paying tech job, I wouldn’t be flaunting my mini shorts and crop tops out in public.
Their long fur jackets and cute kitten heels are staples of East Coast fashion. Although their political views aren’t always the most conservative in the nation, their fashion sure is. Button-down white shirts and plaid skirts are relatively popular in their most popular cities. In these places, people are always ready to take an extra shift at their office jobs.
Their music feud
In the 1990s, the emergence of Hip Hop became widespread throughout the U.S.; however, what may have seemed to bring us together divided the coasts even more. Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls are two rappers whose histories of diss tracks and not-so-coincidental deaths angered their respective fans.
The infamous feud between The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur was not just any old rap feud, as it was the ultimate East Coast vs. West Coast battle, with fans choosing sides as if it were a war of cultures.
Biggie represented the smooth, gritty feel of East Coast hip-hop, while Tupac represented the bold, rebellious feel of West Coast hip-hop, as their music served as a soundtrack for regional pride and angst.
What began as a feud fueled by diss tracks and industry politics escalated into a situation that revealed the true extent of the divide between the East and West Coasts. They had different sounds, different lifestyles, and different attitudes.
The East and West Coasts are still feeling the effects of the Notorious B.I.G. vs. Tupac feud, as it serves as a reminder of how music can unite and divide us, as fans continue to argue over who was really running the game.
Which is the best coast for you?
Depending on your own fashion, lifestyle, and way of speaking, you may be more keen to choose a coast that best fits your personality. If you’re more interested in a laid-back, casual lifestyle and look, the West Coast may be the best coast for you.
However, you may argue that you like the hustle and bustle of the East Coast, and in that case, go ahead and take a one-way trip to NYC.
Although they both have their perks, I wouldn’t personally classify either coast as better than the other. Both ways of living fit everyone differently, and it’s your job to see these differences and choose which one is better for you!
So, whether you’re feeling the vibe of the fast-paced East or the relaxed vibe of the West Coast, the bottom line is that there’s no best coast, just the coast that best matches your vibe.
