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East Coast vs. West Coast: The Good, The Bad, & The Truth

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WPUNJ chapter.

It’s been a longstanding tradition that the East Coast and West Coast are not only different in style and speech but lifestyles in general. The low-key Cali vibe has been playing for quite some time, while over here on the East we play to a different, faster paced, and even ambitious tune. While we love the City and the high-fashion of our East Coast, this perpetual winter has us looking longingly at the West Coast and begging for its weather.

On the East Coast, we’re constantly in debate about whether or not we’re better than the West. All we can decide for sure is that we’re both awesome. Here are some huge differences between us (East Coast) and the West Coast.

The East:

  • Taylor Ham, Pea Coats, and the City.

If you’re from Jersey or even the tri-state area you know what Taylor Ham (or — ahem — pork roll) is, and you know that you can head to a diner at all hours to eat the salty, greasy goodness that is the Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese. Here on the East, and especially in Jersey, we tend to be diner addicts. There are several in practically every town and oftentimes we know which one has the best short stacks, sandwiches, or platters. Our Philly Cheese Steaks cannot be competed with, especially Big Jim’s. Don’t even get me started on our pizza and bagels here on the east. West Coast, just take a seat.

The East Coast in fashion tends to be very put together in general. We have places to be and powerful CEOs to see. The overall vibe is very much “matchy”, and we know how to do a black tie event well. We also get all sorts of weather; therefore we know how to rock a snow jacket, short shorts and rain boots all in one. East Coast is versatile, and we can deal with below twenty and above ninety, unlike our friends on the West coast who throw on fleeces when it’s fifty degrees.

NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, Disney World — need I say more? We have Broadway, Fenway Park, the Empire State Building, the Liberty Bell, the White House, and even more. The East coast has the fashion Industry; we even have the Statue of Liberty. Historic and proud, the East Coast is all about tradition and the Ivy Leagues. We also are the founding states of our nation. How can anyone beat that? We are the land of public transportation; easy access and affordability definitely fall in line with that. If you’re ambitious, you know the place to be is definitely here on the East.

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The West:

  • Farmers’ Markets, Board Shorts, and Surf City

 

The West Coast definitely has it going when it comes to healthier lifestyles and food options. Farmers’ Markets and overall organically grown food are really abundant in this part of the country. On a visit to California a few years back, I counted about ten different fruit stands  on the way to my destination — and it was about a ten minute drive! Maybe it’s their abundance of sunshine and the constant showing of skin that keeps these beach babes in shape and wanting to be healthy. But whatever it is, West Coast, keep doing what you’re doing.

The West Coast is also notoriously known for being super casual. CEOs are often seen walking around in board shorts and a tee or, if they feel like dressing it up, the occasional khaki shorts come out and a polo in some sort of pastel color. Where dress codes are the norm on the East, they seem nonexistent and unnecessary on the West. There’s also a lot of individuality in terms of dressing. A friend who lived there for high school said there was a huge difference in style. Where the East likes to fit in, the West is all about standing out and showing as much about yourself as you can in one outfit!

Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas. Yes, the West Coast has a wide range of scenes and famous cities. It’s the home of the most known Hollywood stars and musicians. If you want to become a model, an actress, or a singer, chances are you have a plan to make it to California. If you’re a writer or on the indie vibe, Seattle or Portland definitely might be the places for you. Showgirl your calling? Try Las Vegas. The West Coast is a place of many opportunities and a variety of lifestyles and living choices. Also, perpetual sun and warmth or woodland by the acre definitely sounds appealing.

 

So who’s the winner? You tell us in the comments!

 

 

 

 

Photo sources:

Photo 1: http://www.riverstardiner.com/directions.php

Photo 2: http://ootdmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/03-dkny-fall-winter-2…

Photo 3: http://generationcitizen.org/mirror/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/boston.jpg

Photo 4: http://www.vchca.org/sf-images/top-menu-images/farmers-market-local-prod…

Photo 5: http://data3.whicdn.com/images/43246460/large.jpg

Photo 6: http://www.sanfrancisco.net/pictures/san-francisco.jpg

Ana Valentin is a freshman at William Paterson with a wrong major in Environmental Science but will be transferring in the spring to Elementary Special Education and English Creative Writing, She has a burning love for all things glitter, beautiful, and fashionable. You'll probably find her in the student cafe sucking down a machiatto. If you do, feel free to say hello. She likes those too.
 Di Onne Agnew "chic, comfy, and stylish"