The first difference you will feel will be financial. Pay is likely to be lower in socali with a higher cost of living, supply and demand in effect. As for being a car enthusiast, what always seems to peeve me is the pump gas, best we get in cali is the crappy 91. Carlsbad is primarily a family oriented town and is fairly pricey, also, be very careful around that area as the local police are very aggressive with speed traps and other victimless offenses. My gf got a ticket for 32 in a 30... ya. Other than that it is a great area with endless possibilities for recreation and entertainment.

 

I've lived on both coasts and much prefer the Northeast. Cali is beautiful, for sure. Great weather - San Diego's is the best in the country. However, I found the culture too laid-back and the people, while nice, more than a little superficial. Seems like a strange complaint, and just my opinion - no offense to the Cali folks .

 

I think you're talking South of about SLO. . . the only superficiality I've ever faced here in the Yay is either: 1.) Technosexual in nature or 2.) from a SoCaler

. . . and dude, your profile says you're in Tampa. . . so, I really can't take any offense. At All. Ever.

 

Yeah the income tax is high, but there is a ton of opportunity here. If you have any sort of unique skill set you can capitalize on it here. The weather is great. The women look good. The money is flowing. So what if 50% of my pay gets taken away? Just make more money and enjoy the weather.

The weak minded worry about death and taxes my friend… you need to worry about living. You already own the S2000, now make the move to the promise land.

 

what's wrong with modded cars in socal? Every f-in car in socal is modded?

 

Depending on the mods and your chosen neighborhood, you may find that the local constabulary may enforce state laws regarding modification more fervently than elsewhere (if you are heavily modded, you may find yourself getting pulled over for spot checks for loud exhaust, etc; YMMV). Also, unless you don't mind returning your car to stock configuration to pass smog inspection every two years, you may want to avoid modifications which are not CARB certified.

Apparently, some folks in SoCal like to be able to breathe or something.

 

I moved from GA to AZ and loved it! Has the 91 octane though. lol. AZ is pretty cheap. Been to SD in the marines, but wouldn't live there cause of the taxes in Cali. NM is nice too. Thinking about moving there next.

 

Why are they so strict over there with the cars? I used to be a member of Socal Prelude (when it was active) and I was shocked that people were getting pulled over and the police were making them pop their hoods. This was the first time I ever heard/seen this. I was like WTF? lol. I also don't understand why they pull cars over with "loud" exhausts, but Harley's get away with their bikes being LOUD AS HELL!! lol.

 

Meh. Depends on the cop and how his day is going. I just went by a checkpoint at 8 am with a CHP standing there pointing out cars to pull over. He looked at my Rio Yellow top down S without a license plate in the front and let me by.

A lot of it is common sense, where you are, what you are doing, at what time. If you look like an idiot, you will get noticed.

 

Why are they so strict over there with the cars? I used to be a member of Socal Prelude (when it was active) and I was shocked that people were getting pulled over and the police were making them pop their hoods. This was the first time I ever heard/seen this. I was like WTF? lol. I also don't understand why they pull cars over with "loud" exhausts, but Harley's get away with their bikes being LOUD AS HELL!! lol.
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Honestly? Through my experiences with police it has 99.9% of the way they interact with the police when they get pulled over. In northern california I got pulled over for excessive exhaust noise, and conviced them that my 3" Oval tipped Asura headerback system was the stock exhaust/cat system. Of course, I didn't huff/puff, give any attitude, and was helpful (though admittedly, slightly deceitful) through the entire thing. I pointed out my CARB'd header and intake, and let them look around the car. They ended up moving on and just told me to "keep it down". And I didn't do anything special other than treat them respectfully; it's the little things like putting your keys on the dash so they aren't worried about you speeding away, interior lights on so they can see you move as they approach and a 'good morning/day/evening officer/sir/maam how can I help you?' goes a long way.