San Diegans: Why so rude and cold?
I mean, there are things I like about SD, sure. It has a great climate, much like the rest of coastal SoCal, of course. It has easy proximity to L.A. and Tijuana.
However, in only five months in SD (I live in North County and work in the city), I've experienced:
- Indifference in customer service
- Coldness and unhelpful attitudes from all levels of management in the company I've worked for--I've never walked out of a job so quickly in my life, and I've had some nasty bosses previously (as well as many great ones)!
- The nastiest attitudes from job interviewers and recruiters--as in, I've called two companies' HR departments and complained about the interviewers, something I've never even felt the compulsion to do previously
- Road rage directed at me numerous times, which I have not instigated, engaged and fueled (I honestly didn't experience this in L.A. or the Bay Area!)
- Going out in PB, OB, and La Jolla, which has introduced me to the wide range of douchebags that San Diegans seem to love to rag on L.A. for supposedly having
- A landlord who, after putting her "nice face" on through the moving-in process, has turned out to be nuts and the only bad landlord I've ever had
Now, I'd like to think that much of these attitudes can be somehow attributed to SD's super extremely transient (more so than even L.A. and the Bay) population, but I've had bad experiences with the natives, too. So much for "Happiness is Calling," as SD's tourism board likes to tout.
I'm incredibly disappointed and I feel soured as I already plan my exit strategy. Both L.A. and the Bay blow this place out of the water--additionally, the food, arts and culture are significantly better up there, and I did enjoy living in those places. What gives, SD?!?!
19 Answers
Avoid SD at all (thru the roof) costs! I've been living here since 1978 and it's gotten WAY worse on so many levels (I should write a book but it wouldn't sell because nobody cares). The main issue is the transient population. Namely those that come from other places to work here. It's a Navy town. It's a bio-engineering town. It's a polished shantytown. It's a town that doesn't breed locals. It breeds a false-privileged class that couldn't get away with a fraction of their rudeness anywhere else. Blame the big employers! The Qualcomms, the Illumina, and all those medical businesses that keep feeding the pockets of those who want, not those who need.
I lived in San Diego for 22 years. I have this romantic fantasy of what San Diego was the 1980's. It is long gone. I was just there yesterday January 16, 2020 for a visit to a dentist in Tijuana. I went to my what used to be very favorite Japanese restaurant in Pacific Beach. ICHIBAN P.B. The young man at the counter was SO rude to me that I left in a rage and vowed to never walk in there again. Simply because I was putting lemon on my sushi at the counter instead of my table. The problem is without a doubt San Diego has very cold uncaring anger people who act like everyone else is invisible. The traffic is a nightmare and you need to live your life around what direction you are driving and at what time. It is down right scary to drive in San Diego because of road rage and idiots driving 100 miles + per hour. And when you see a bad accident people are dead. I miss the perfect weather and it is so hard to understand why so many people look so miserable in "Americas Finest City". I am so glad when I make it back safely to fly out and was not killed in a car accident. And always so relieved to leave. Last night when I flew out I REALLY realized that I have made the correct decision not to move back to San Diego. What used to be such a beauriful place got ruined. The best thing about going to San Diego is leaving San Diego. It sucks.
the weather in San Diego including North County has really sucked this year and so has the traffic, road rage and a general immortal negativity. I plan on moving away soon but the homelessness in general, downtrodden, derelict element has been spiking. I've had really bad experiences with people out and about so bad that I wonder if I'm imagining it. I got tired of being looked down on and talked down to and in such a beautiful place I couldn't understand why humans were so miserable and dissatisfied. I noticed a huge difference in general friendliness out in the desert areas. problems are the same everywhere and no one is perfect but North County San Diego just is not what it used to be. and truly the weather isn't worth the time there. not if you like warmth and sunshine on a regular basis. gas is also cheaper in other counties. SD is cheaper than LA and OC but prices are rising everywhere. as far as accidents there's so many of them there and so much road rage. there's also plenty of nice people and pleasant elements in San Diego County, I just experience that the sunshine is disappearing there. it's funny how this person said there's a cold and uncaring anger towards people who look at such snobs like they are the ones invisible, but it's the little people and the invisible peeps who are really treated terribly there. it's impersonal at best but if you like nice hiking and the ocean as well as some arts & culture San Diego isn't too bad. I was always treated like an outsider all over San Diego which is ironic because I'm a native California girl. the driver problem is seriously very bad, especially in Oceanside. if you don't like dangerous drivers and poor attitudes try to stay away from Temecula. that's another generalization but I noticed that's a highly negatively charged area. another tough area is San Marcos. horrendous traffic in these places. gross ignorance is spiking everywhere so you have to be very vigilant and careful and almost do thinking for other people who obviously don't know how to behave responsibly or kindly. State benefits and programs are good in San Diego County however, because it's a high need area.
This sucks! I left for years, I have come back and experienced each one of these previous comments . Im shocked bc this isnt the town I remember. Like at all. And this after improving who I was from back then. (My wild child years) Its been a hazing type feeling like everyone almost thinks their better than you. Soooo strange. But I think its the economics thing, and its definitely a navy/ military town..Upper class vs who is perceived to be lower or poorer class. Poor San Diego! :( what else is there if everyone here acts like a douche?!
I have been trying and trying to make meaningful friendships here in SD for 6 years. But I feel like it's all a waste of time now because people are either flaky, dramatic, cold, distant, or too high maintenance. I decided to move back to my town, close to Santa Barbara. I have about 23 friends there that I can talk and hang out and four was like my sisters. Mind you, I made that much connection with people within 2-3 years after my divorce and started on my own while in my hometown. In San Diego, I made some connections but it's not the same at all.
I moved to San Diego in 1957 as a small child. I have lived in Vancouver, Canada (unfriendly people) Portland, Oregon and now Medford, Oregon. I have my best long time friends in San Diego. I am thinking of moving back to Oceanside. But I worry. All I can think of is how mean, rude and aggressive the people are in the San Diego area. In Medford, Oregon where I live now it is much cheaper and relaxed People are happier and so much kinder!!! I will try San Diego once again but as I get older it is harder to live in an unsafe, mean city such as San Diego. So I may move put once again. But where to go next? Growing up in the 50,s and 60,s it was such a beautiful city. We watched the high rises Downtown being built and freeways. It has drastically changed from that wonderful Navy town
Some people have never known anything but low standards and cold rudeness. They get used to it and love it. We see this in New Yorkers. Once a person has experience high standards and gracious manners anything less is unbearable. San Diego attracts cold, rude, dumb people that think they are brilliant. It's full of anti-Americans that don't take care of their community, state, or country. It's a rare person in San Diego that has a good heart. It's not just San Diego, it's California in general. They sell a fake story of superiority to the masses, but in reality they are the ugliest people in America.
I grew up in The Polite Belt: Ohio. We lived in Thousand Oaks northwest of LA for years until we moved to San Diego in 1993. We were amazed and delighted at how much nicer San Deigans were compared to the people in TO. And I have to admit, once you've seen something in SD, there's no need to go back, like the LA museums, restaurants, and the Armenian bakeries Glendale. To me, LA is an armpit, and LA traffic sucks. I found the friendliest people in Austin, TX. I didn't like living there, but loved the BBQ and Lamme's Pecan Pralines.
Dead on correct. I've lived in my condo that I normally rent out for 2 years approximately. The people are really really really dumb. If you are dumb usually you try and be nice....but not san diego. It goes for the double. Mean and dumb. I will be leaving soon. Maybe back to AZ or literally anywhere else. It's too bad because this place is beautiful but turning into a dumber San Francisco. Like the bums etc.
LA native here. Funny how SD rags so much on LA yet you cant even compare the two. SD is like a small town compared to LA. SD is lame and unfortunately has rude unrealistic people who are everywhere
The natives are rude too they just think theyre different that the hoardes of middle and east americans
Its so dull. I made lots of aquantainces and no real friends because everyone is only down to have fun if it looks cool
I made one good friend here and hes from Riverside so doesent count
And it has been the same last 15 years(wasted) ive been here and luckily out soon.
Go back to LA quick! It's so much better there! : ) People are SO dull here, so uninteresting ... because they are not interested in anything it seems. People are funny when they say "you must have a bad attitude", if we were the only ones experiencing this or 1 other people ... but when so many are experiencing the same thing, well then, it's a thing down here. Love L.A.
I don't understand it either. How can such a beautiful place be filled with such ugly people?
It's not just the rudeness, but the general complacency and attitude that San Diego is better than any other city is what gets to me.
The funny thing is that most of the people who feel this way have never traveled to have any type of comparison. So in turn you
have a population of people convincing each other that they're in the greatest place on earth because its 75 degrees and sunny
most of the time.
The reality is that the majority of the population is comprised of completely average and apathetic people who have no real reason so be so stuck-up.
No major accomplishments, talent, or accolades that justify the terrible behavior. It's like that guy who lives in his Mom's basement who believes
he deserves a hot girlfriend or an overweight girl who is bitter that Joe sixpack won't give her the time of day. I don't get it. But it's fine. I don't live
there anymore so I don't have to endure it. But it's always uncomfortable when I go down to visit family.
The crazy thing is I've met brilliant and extremely talented people in LA, SF, and other parts of the country who are gracious, welcoming, and have half the
attitude of a San Diegan. I feel that people in San Diego think they're entitled to a trophy just by showing up to the game. Like somehow living in a city
with nice weather is an accomplishment in itself. Please, get over yourself. The truth is most of you live incredibly boring and forgettable lives that revolve
around the beach and craft beer. Which is perfectly fine! But please don't be a jerk about it. If it was really that great then I assume you'd be much happier ;)
Bravo Bob, couldn't not have said it better. Something's going on when we feel the EXACT same way. We too have lived all over, LA, NYC, Europe etc and always make friends where we go. San Diego, ha, no way. And I loved what you said, they have half the culture, intellect and talent and 10x the vile attitude. Wow.
Dear MJ1,
Sorry Im late to the party, but this is a great topic and Id love to add my perspective.
I moved to SD from Portland, OR in Fall 2016 to get state residency so I can get in-state tuition for college. I had cousins down here so I thought SD wouldnt be a bad place to hang out and work in for a year or two before going back to school.
Once I got here, I jumped into a place with some guys off craigslist (always a bad idea) in Linda Vista and started working. Within about 3 months I was pretty disillusioned with life down here because I had experienced everything you mentioned above and more. But since I knew Id be here for at least another year I trudged on, trying to learn from these experiences and here is what Ive found:
What gives? The native San Diegans had the bad attitudes then let the transients intensify it -
For better or worse, SD and its people like all other cities have a stereotype and identity. In SD the general stereotype is that people are laid-back. Id say there is a grain of truth to that, but I think its more like egotistical and apathetic. They live in a beach town in SoCal so they just want to relax and go about their life. If you dont harm others theres nothing inherently wrong with that. But I think that attitude is what has bred the more sinister things that have afflicted you and I. Since the native San Diegans are so self-interested it has bred apathy. That apathy causes them not to care about how they treat other people or how those people treat them. Everyone just goes about their day focused on themselves. As a whole, this allows for the growth of the rudeness, coldness, aloofness, and unfriendliness which youve mentioned. From that point of view you begin to understand that: the locals are focused on themselves so they let the transients stomp right in with the "false-privilege jasona12 mentioned and run amok. Then this cycle keeps revolving and in my opinion growing. Its almost as if many of the people here never grew out of the toddlers mentality where I can do what I want when I want, and you cant stop me! I can do anything I want to you and your belongings without any guilt, but, if you find a way to interrupt me Ill start screaming and crying. And when anyone who has a conscience or basic concept of respect dares speak up, you will get this quintessentially SD and dismissive response, it sounds like you have a bad attitude and everyone will be happier if you leave. I mean, honestly. Thank you lmaD. If you want the perfect example of South California responses to any criticism legitimate or not look no further than lmaD.
The shamelessness is whats been hardest for me to come to terms with. The way I grew up if you make a mistake or wrong someone its your responsibility to learn from the experience and try not to repeat it. Youre also taught guilt and shame to deter you from further errors. The rapscallions down here dont believe in such things. If you make a mistake down here, keep calm and carry on. No need to fret over trivial things like other people.
Heres why its worse than most other places -
Also as lmaD brought up, you can find nasty people... in most major areas and Id add on that you will find them pretty much anywhere. But what is unique about SD is the prevalence of nasty people. The average person's week will generally involve most time spent at home, work, and going out in their town (for food or fun, etc.) In MJ1s case and mine, at home weve had to deal with an awful landlord also in my case awful roommates. At work; from the interview to coworkers, and finally management weve had to deal with genuinely terrible staff. And then, going out you encounter indifferent customer service and insane douchebags out on the town. There's nowhere to hide from them here. In most places, the amount of nasty people you encounter is 1 out of every 10. Here I feel like anywhere you go that number is easily 5 to 9 out of every 10 people. Oddly, with a population of about 1.3 million people, SD feels like a collection of small towns. And with that comes the big-fish-little-pond attitude. Whereas most major cities would stomp that attitude out in a heartbeat or at least push it to the side SD has let those scoundrels flourish. If cities were shrunk into a university, in SD frats take up 50-90% of campus.
So there you go. Its a terse analysis but no gives transplants the heads up. I have 2 pretty good friends here who are born and bred San Diegans and their input has helped verify many of my opinions here. One good point they bring up is that one reason the good San Diegans (honestly there are quite a few of them) dont care about these morons is that theyre focused on their day and when you grow up around that attitude you become desensitized to it.
My other thoughts on SD:
Now that I live in OB a block from the beach I decided that given the option to stay - I dont wanna be around these people anymore. The weather and beaches only go so far. I concede that my opinions can be perceived as oversensitive and hyperbolic but honestly, this sort of widespread mistreatment makes living in such a beautiful place not worth it. Its pretty disappointing and I agree with MJ1 that Im also soured as I plan my exit strategy.
A popular theme in a lot of movies is how New York City and Boston toughen people. Ive got coworkers in SD from both cities who have said that even though both of these places are notoriously rough, once you get through the hard times you become one of us and theyll protect you as their own. After a year here my coworkers and I can tell you that people here will backstab their best friend without hesitation and have no shame or guilt about it. In fact, the next day they'll sincerely smile and chit-chat with their "best friend" because in their mind nothing wrong happened.
If life is really a highway think of these comparisons; if you live in Portland or most places in the US, no matter who you are or what car you drive youll get through traffic in a reasonable amount of time, listen to something good, have nice scenery around you, and someone will be polite enough to give you the right of way when you need it. In SD, picture buying a Mercedes convertible (because you like live in SoCal duh!) and being stuck in traffic. Your face is burnt, youre already stressed from life in general, its gonna take at least an hour to go 10 miles, the top wont come up, and youve been cut off by some prick at least every half mile or nearly hit a lane-splitting motorcycle. You thought life was gonna be awesome down in sunny SD, but it turns out youre just another burnt pissed off fool in a luxury vehicle sitting in SoCal interstate traffic.
Last but not least - despite all my whining I have to say I have had an alright time here. The women, beaches, and weather are more gorgeous than most people can imagine. Definitely hit Balboa Park, watch a sunset at Sunset Cliffs, go to Comic-Con, and hang out at La Jolla Shores (Dr. Seuss spent his final days there) during your vacation. Although I wouldnt live here again and dont recommend anyone reading this too either, do come and visit.
You hit the nail on the head there. Its a place that breeds apathetic people with no culture. People are introverted as well from all the self centeredness and lack of cooperation. Its a town run by competition. The worst thing ive encountered here which i will never understand is many people are bent on being jerks, ive had cars try to cut me off even after i slow down to let them pass and almost no one will let you change lanes. Its like get a life San Diego. Ironically many San Diegans are moving to Portland. Hope they dont ruin it.
@randall @san_diego_sucks: Oregonians, from what I have heard, don't take kindly to outsiders, especially towards Californians. So, anyone looking to move there (thinking that it'll be better) should be beware. There is a YouTube channel called 'GiovannisSanctuary' where this guy made three videos on Portland, detailing the rudeness and bigotry that he's witnessed there. He's also spoken of people, in general, from the Pacific Northwest on his other channel 'Meltin John'. It kind of gets me thinking that, perhaps, it may be a West Coast thing because he's mentioned similar characteristics about them that are parallel to San Diegans.
I focus on my own life and i mind my own business and i dont do harm to others. That doesnt seem to be enough. Neighbors are so nosey and worried about what i am doing. A neighbor in normal heights who i dont even know complains about me to my roomate about the clothes im wearin. Im dresses casual and its cold weather so im wearing two ahirts a warm hoodie and a baseball cap and the neighbor complains to my roomste asking who i am because i look shady and rough. I now go outside of my house dressed formal with my work badge and the neighbor just stares at me rudely. I ride on the trolley and im sitting on the trolley seat and. I say a friendly. Hello. To the other man and he says " i dont ralk to strangers !" Very rudely with his. Eyes rolled. In the. Air. I went on bus. 120 From downtown and right after i stepped in. The bus driver yelled at me rudely and said not to go in. Cause hes going on a break. I told him he didnt even tell me and he used vile language and cussed me. Out. I went on bus 929 from national city and i was with a friend who is handicapped with a service dog and the bus driver was rude and wouldnt let my friend in. The driver was rude arrogant and called his supervisor and trolley cop. I explained to the trolley cop about my friend and the trolley cop is rude and cuts me off before i could even finish a sentence. Explaining my friend has a license for these service dogs. I am at a coffee shop at starbucks and i say hello to a customer who. Was. Young and he gave me a dirty look and said why are. You talking to me dude ? Im busy on. My computer . ive said hello occasionally to people walking by and they ignore me and dont say amything at all. I am. Playing the piano at sharp grossmont hospital in. The lobby a place i worked. For 33. Years and a RN nurse. Yells out. " oh. You. Think youre so hot on. The piano. Im sick of hearing you play the piano " the staff atthe front desk told hee go. Outside if you dont like hearing the piano played. At sharp coronado i had a security guatd very rude and artogant telling me i couldnt play the piano in. The. Lobby as a guest even. Though the sign said. To ask. He. Told me hands off. I. Complained to the patient relations manager and they dealt with. The security guard and sharp coronado hired me as a volunteer to play piano all the time. I was in a coffee shop in hillcrest years ago and i was dressed up. In feminine clothes on pride weekend. A rude women who worked at the coffee shop did not like what i was wearing and had me 86 put of the coffee shop yet others were wearing clothes just as flamboyant as i was on pride weekend. This staff person was rude and arrogant turned all the staff people against me to have me 86 out of the coffee shop. The new owners took over this coffee shop and this same women was rude to me yelling at me to get out. I complained to the new owner and he got. Rid of her. Then you wonder why i keep to myself and not go out of my way to meet people. These peoples behaviors only. Drive me. Away. As a visitor at scripps hospital im taking a break from seeing my partner as a patient. I go to the lobby abd see a nun playing the piano. I ask her if i could play piano and she allowed me to plau piano. People were smileing and all of a sudden the security guard rudely tells me. Hands off the piano. The. Nun that allowed me to play piano. Got in. Trouble and i got blamed for. It. I even applied. To a interview to apply to be a volunteer to olay the piano and the interviewer was. Horrible.
You are experiencing the same as i in north county. I'm Asian American and a native San Diegan. It wasn't like this before. Something has changed and I suspect the unfriendliness is likely from people who are not from San Diego they have just brought their city attitudes in. The cold areas mostly observed are in
Carlsbad, Encinitas, Along the 56 freeway but that said the median income is indeed much higher
I have been trying to figure out why San Diego is so cold for 18 years. My guess is that they have so many transients and tourists that their communities get constantly displaced by strangers. It makes them cranky and possessive. Or maybe they are just angry that the locals aren't tourists buying their wares. I have had many, many San Diego residents tell me how cold they find San Diego. A lot of people move away. The flora, fauna, and geology make up for the people.
Yeah, this place sucks. And it's not the tourists, the 'locals' have an undeserved entitled attitude. The 'beauty' here isn't really that beautiful, actually. Compared a thousand other places across the planet with both beautiful geography and wonderful culture ... 'San D-Bag' hardly takes the cake. Not to mention, 'Ghett-O-Side' and it's "pride" is probably the most vile City in the Developed World. Exit strategy from 'Crustiego' is definitely in order, STAT.
Try to avoid the entire County and City though that's just talking generally but prices are going up in a negative environment. San Diego is impersonal at best, there are some nice humans but mostly you will experience extreme road rage and a constant stress never worth it. I was always grateful for the beautiful oceans, hiking trails and nature. nostalgically I miss where I used to live but no pun San Diego just was not sustainable anymore. Couldn't find a place to live there. Maybe if you live in a nice place with some status socioeconomic ladder life is far more enjoyable. But who wants to be given the finger and cut off every 5 minutes when they're on the road?. Imho Los Angeles was a lot more laid back and accepting, with warmer attitudes. Oh yeah, I could tell you about some of the things I've seen. But I would rather have it be the good stuff not bad. be Safe. With fuel prices rising by the dollar you can't expect folks to be any happier. It also helps if you can work from home and avoid the traffic, angst.
It has changed drastically. I agree with literally all your posts and I’m shocked after moving back. I think it has to do with money/perceived class level and if you’re in the military or not or have ever been. People here used to literally smile at me everywhere I went and now they give off this super rude vibe. I’m no princess so I’m okay with it, but I’m shocked a bit. I lived here in my wild child days so to come back after having done some work on myself I’m a bit disappointed. I would not have came back if I didn’t have to so it doesn’t change anything ,but it’s such a shame. :( if Vegas and la are home to the douches this seems to be top tier douchery, be warned.
it's definitely cold weather wise, I don't think we've had a decent day of sunshine since Fall 2022. but not only is it getting more expensive but there's a persistentbnegative vibe which in my experience has always existed especially in San Diego city. North County used to be a lot more laid back and relax but it's become increasingly uptight, angry, judgmental and insular. I have such bad experiences with people out and about I wonder if I'm imagining it. but I think people just look down on others and it seems that almost everywhere in Southern California everybody thinks that they're better than you. road rage, traffic, bad drivers are some real liabilities in this place. it's not as bad as Temecula which is a highly negatively charged area. in my experience people out in the desert areas are far more friendly and open minded open minded. the homeless and downtrodden factor is skyrocketing in areas it wasn't including Carlsbad and North County to where there's no real suitable place to stay anymore. I feel incredibly invisible in San Diego County which is ironic because I'm a native California girl. there's good and bad everywhere and the same problems everywhere and a lot of cities are worse, it's just that I have noticed the decline in happiness and livability in San Diego over the years. for the financially struggling which seems to be the majority a good thing is that there are state benefits and programs but good luck ever really thriving here.
San Diego homeless & homicide has increased we need right leadership. People need to hold their official accountable in resolving these ongoing issues!
I am puzzled as well. I moved here from Seattle (originally from Finland) and I find more rude people in San Diego than in Seattle. I don't know what is driving this behavior. We have great climate, nice restaurants, but people are rude particularly when driving. I just got back from Costco where two women were in a car and speeding 50 miles/hour in the parking lot. Then they parked and I simply asked that they slow down in the parking lot so no one gets hurt or killed. They simply replied "fuck you!" I must say that my blood was started to boil and I was about to teach them a lesson.
I have also seen middle aged men and women screaming their heads off. Once I waited for a family with a baby cross the parking lot entrance. I was honked at by not moving and hitting them. I told the other driver that I was simply waiting for the pedestrians to cross and got "fuck you" answer back.
Are people abused here? Jobs not paying a living wage? Too many people feeling privileged? Tell me.
It's a cultural thing. It's a military town with close proximity to the southern border combined with the mere fact that it's in Southern California (therefore, the self-entitlement). All of these are not conducive to a community-like atmosphere. Though, from what I have heard, the Pacific Northwest exhibits similar characteristics, so this, likely, is a regional problem.
Pekka this is exactly what happens all day every day every minute. Ill be waiting 4 someone to cross the street and cars will be honkin at me yellin at me for no goin and hittin them. So unreasonable and stupid. And this idiot replyin under u is whats wrong wit san diego n the world. Stop makin excuses for mfers u dont know. Stop generalizing it has nothing to do wit southern california everythin to do with idiots bad creatures in the san diego area. U makin excuses for em n tryin to defend them and humanize them is the problem ur part of the problem. Shut up with the defendin
If food, arts and culture are a priority to you, San Diego is probably not for you. While you can find it here, it's harder to find than LA or the Bay. If you're looking for sunshine and lots of activities, then San Diego has that. As for friendly people, every major area has its share of nasty people. It's sounds to me like you ran into most of them. I've certainly met every character you described while I was in Orange County.
I moved here from Orange County in the 80's and have found people much easier to connect with. I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but it sounds like you have a bad attitude and everyone will be happier if you leave. I mean, honestly. What kind of response do you expect from a question like the one you asked?
ImaD, I am so sorry To say that the posts about the issues with San Diego are so spot on Im so sad about it. im from Boston area and moved out here for year in the late 90s but went back because I missed family and friends . And I had never forgotten how wonderful it was out here whether laid-back friendly people everywhere so in 09 I moved back. It changed a lot but was still pretty welcoming little bit more hectic but due I Luckily connected with a really huge group of welcoming fun people over 40 and 50 And older and had the most amazing five years a blast. But due to still poor job market here I went back to MA. Had a lot of great jobs but didnt really connect friend wise with a lot of people because it is hard to get in to a new group when youre older but where are you go. But after brutal winters I longed for all the fun friends and weather and let the back environment that I had in San Diego. So fall 2019 I came back to SD And I am so utterly mortified at how drastic things have changed in the past six years. I still have an amazing network of friends that I met before but the rest of the people here, On so many levels shocking. The drivers are more rude and stressed than in the Boston region!! Job interviewing Has been ridiculously brutal, The manager at the location I work part time brutal And Im doing the same job I did Because its national and every location in Massachusetts I worked in the Managers liked me and were nice manager in San Diego brutal. My landlord is it worse than Ive ever had my entire rental life, And Ive owned my own condo back in Massachusetts and was a landlord so know how to be one and no this is craziness. So hence me googling to see if anybody else is finding these problems here and lo and behold I found this article with people voice in the same things I feel And Im finding since moving back here. And Im not some young kid Im older, professional, Fun and friendly personality And Ive been all over the USA in the past 25 years and have lived in the north east Ive lived in Florida as it in Virginia Beach area San Fran for a few months and I have to say people are definitely changing all over the country for sure. I think a lot of it has to do with social media and insane negativity infiltrating everyones lives from the warped news channels And it being shared continually on every social social media platform. But I have to say I am utterly shocked at how much it has changed in San Diego. Maybe for those who have been here for longer than 56 810 years they notice a little bit of a difference for a gradual change but after being away for six years I noticed a drastic change I feel like throwing myself into. San Diego I am sorry people has the best weather in the country but everything else sorry it isnt no longer Americas finest city. Had I known this was how it was going to be when I got back I wouldve sucked up more winters and thats just became a Snowbird between Massachusetts in Florida because I am so thoroughly disappointed in what I have returned to here. I have even been contemplating moving to Florida where my mom and a few friends are and sucking up the insane sick disgusting humidity because theres no income tax and out of a much easier way to save for retirement in the next 10 years that I would hear with the insane taxes including Ridiculous gas tax, sales tax, Insanely ridiculous rent prices, And Im sorry for the people have never lived in New England or other regions is a lot of dry crusty areas here in the homes are kind of ugly looking theres so few areas with any decent architecture. But oh how I do love no humidity no mosquitoes palm trees flowing and the nice network of friends that I have. Gosh Im in such a quandary why do people have to be ruining this beautiful city. And I apologize for probably multiple grammar and spelling errors but Im doing this via talk text. And now Im going to have a huge cocktail to try to drown my sorrows while I contemplate how I can find a way to make being out here even better and try to figure out a way to repel the obnoxious parts of it that I have encountered since being back here
I also need to clarify a couple of items: 1. Nobody outside of San Diego refers to it as Americas Finest Cityonly Diegans do that....in fact, that term was a marketing / public relations campaign stunt by then Mayor Pete Wilson to save face after he and the City screwed up hosting the 1972 RNC and lost it to Miami. 2. Even the weather is overrated. It is NOT a perfect 72 and sunny every day nor close to it. It can get outright chilly from December 1 - April 1 (4 months), with lows getting down to the high 30s and low 40s; (2) May Gray / June Gloom; (3) it has gotten much hotter in recent years from mid August to late September and air conditioning is necessary including near the coast and bay ; and (4) the ocean is too damn cold to go in without a wetsuit for 8+ months of the year....when San Diego loses its weather appeal it has very little else, if anything, to offer.
Survey ranks Americas Finest City as one of most annoying city nicknames Americas Finest City was voted 8th most annoying city nickname. I wish local news stop referring to this city Finest City far from it homeless everywhere St pothole that the city has not been able to fix. If you are that fine you do not need to keep saying it? some one wrote the best thing going to SD is leaving. It is not people fault they have to live in this city they deserve better!
I moved to San Diego as a child in 1957. I have lived in Vancouver, Canada (unfriendly people) , Portland, Oregon, and Medford, Oregon where I currently live. The nicest kindest people of the cities I have lived in is Medford! But I grew up in San Diego where my old time friends are like family. I am thinking of moving back the 3rd time. I worry about the mean people!! The crime, the very high cost of living and crazy aggressive drivers. I will give it another try. However as I get older it is more difficult to deal with the fast pace there and rude uptight people.
Reply
Ehhh, it's the locals mostly. We think living somewhere in SD gives people to some type of gross, careless, entitled-but-not-valid behaviour. We find people who are NOT from San D-Bag are way more dynamic then these culturally void individuals who claim ( and brag ) "5th generation San Diego" etc. Bahaha. What a joke San Diego is; seriously A JOKE. You're totally right though Jason, no one would really care about a book on why San Diego sucks.