[stefantalpalaru]

> we'll finally have some sunshine

You will and you'll also have the chance to discover the difference between excess and moderation.

> lots of affordable fresh food

The food is either affordable or good.

> live in a house with garden

More like a house with a mandatory lawn in a region hit by a very serious drought. You might also want to ask about the rules imposed by the homeowners association and whoever rents you the house.

> beautiful nature close enough to actually go camping for the weekends

Yes, if you like deserts and you want to live in SoCal. Note that "close" has a different meaning on that side of the pond.

> friendly and approachable people

Maybe at first. With time you realize that the friendliness is a form of politeness that hides fear, distrust and greed.

[pionar]

Wow, so negative.

> Maybe at first. With time you realize that the friendliness is a form of politeness that hides fear, distrust and greed.

This is not my experience at all. Maybe in Cali (I've only visited), but the rest of the US is not as cynical or distrustful as you make it out to be.

> Yes, if you like deserts and you want to live in SoCal. Note that "close" has a different meaning on that side of the pond.

The definition of close enough for a weekend camping trip for me would probably be 200-300 miles. Within that range, no matter where you are in the US, you'll find nice areas for this purpose.

> The food is either affordable or good.

In restaurants, yes. If you cook your own food, no. There are lots of farmers' markets, local grocery stores, etc., that are no more expensive than buying processed food.

> More like a house with a mandatory lawn in a region hit by a very serious drought. You might also want to ask about the rules imposed by the homeowners association and whoever rents you the house.

Only in suburbia. If you're out in the country, or in a city, there are (usually) no HOAs and only local zoning laws prevent what you can and can't do. The only requirement (usually) is to keep your grass trimmed to a reasonable height. I agree though, that HOAs are a bad idea and promote cookie-cutter neighborhoods.

[eshvk]

> This is not my experience at all. Maybe in Cali (I've only visited), but the rest of the US is not as cynical or distrustful as you make it out to be.

Likewise. I mean there are fearful, greedy and distrustful people everywhere. People are civil to you in America. You will eventually make friends if people want to be friends with you. It is a two-way street.

[seminole]

Thanks for the comment. Perhaps a tad negative, but useful when pondering a move based on nothing more than 'vision that was planted in my head'.

[chrismcb]

While LA itself is a desert, there are mountains in the area, within a few hours drive. A few hours drive should qualify as close. If you have a house large enough for a front lawn, you can also have a back yard where you can typically maintain a small garden.