Dating in California-The Bay vs LA
Dating as a millennial has its pros and cons. You win some you lose some. Then, there’s dating as a millennial in major cities. For some, it’s a cake walk while for others it can be compared to dumpster diving on a rainy day. Having spent a significant time in both the San Fransisco Bay Area and the Greater Los Angeles Area, I consider myself to be somewhat well versed in the California dating game. While my experiences may differ from others, I’ve noticed consistent trends in both regions simply from having conversations with acquaintances or by simply reading Overheard LA and Overheard San Fransisco. So, lets cut to the chase. Read below to find out some of the dating trends in both.
SAN FRANSISCO (AKA THE BAY AREA)
Good ‘ol San Fransisco, SF and Sanfran if you’re a non-native who doesn’t know any better. If you’re unfamiliar with the dating scene there, expect to have an experience similar to a deer being caught in headlights. Here’s the 411 of what to expect.
BE PREPARED TO MEET TECHIES.
San Fransisco is the hub of many tech companies around the world and as a result of this, techies tend to flock to the city which is great for those looking to date someone in their line of world or those who just want to be exposed to people in non-traditional corporate roles.
DATES MAY FEEL NON-ORGANIC.
Since the Bay draws some of the most intelligent and driven people, sometimes those who fall in these categories tend to look for a partner to match their level. As a result of this, and possibly some breaks in communication dates may sometimes feel as if you’re writing off blocks to fit in that person’s box. This goes both ways. It may feel as if you’re reading off your resume.
AMBITIOUS PEOPLE ARE A DIME A DOZEN.
I’ve gone on dates with some of the most ambitious people in the bay. It’s admirable to say the least! This is one major highlight is you’re going to come across many people doing well for themselves whether that be in corporate America or their personal lives. This is great for those who want to date and build something long term. They’re never short of ideas when it comes to things to do as well!
YOU’LL MEET A LOT OF PLANNERS.
Because there are so many ambitious people, you’ll probably have to do a lot of coordinating with dates. Now, this may be biased to those in the tech industries but since many people are very driven you’ll have to be penciled into their schedule. I am guilty of falling victim to this trend–there was a time where i’ve had to schedule dates weeks out because I had so much on my plate. For some people this may not necessarily be an issue but for those who need to consistently see someone they are dating it may be something to take into consideration.
For some, dating is a cake walk while for others it can be compared to experiencing a flat plant on a cobblestone street (I hope you got a visual there).
WRITE HERE.
ROBINHOOD, PUBLIC APP AND EQUINOX IS A WAY OF LIFE.
These things are literally a way of life. I should add shots of espresso and keeping a daily record of the stock market. A pointer-get well versed in these apps and of course the squanky equinox gym. It’s not uncommon to hear these terms thrown around on dates. Or the stock market to be brought up on a first date. I must admit, I was a bit taken aback by this but then later discovered it’s pretty cool that some people are well versed on these topics. As for Equinox it wasn’t a big deal– i’ll stick to my humble 24 Hour Fitness membership.
GET OUT OF THE CITY IF YOU WANT TO MEET MORE ARTSY PEOPLE.
With the rent in San Fransisco being at an all time high, it’s caused for the artistic crowd to disperse to other cities in the bay primarily east bay (aka Oakland and beyond). This is not to say you won’t meet artistic people to date in the city you’ll just come across them less frequency
FOR THE LOVE OF TRANSPLANTS!
If you’re a transplant like me you’ll soon discover that the city has many transplants roaming around which makes for good conversation when you’re getting to know someone. If you’re a native of the Bay area then you’ll have lots of fun teaching the transplants the should I say “lay of the land.” The Bay are draws multiple people from all over the world and its no surprise that they’ll be there.
LOS ANGELES
THE TRANSPLANTS
Disclaimer: there’s no intentional shade meant in this post (i’m also a transplant) but LA similar to it’s NYC counterpart is considered home of the transplants. And being the poster child city for transplants there’s an unstated saying that sometimes transplants tend to emulate a persona of what they internally deem to be the “LA” persona. Aka, use people, try to be seen with the most known and poppin instagram models/personas and the list goes on. Unfortunately, this type of behavior also bleeds into the dating scene. Let’s face it, LA is home to some of the HOTTEST people so dating here can also feel more like a transaction. People tend to sometimes look at dating as a “what can you do for me” rather than organically try to get to know the person. I am definitely not a pessimistic in fact i’m very optismistic when it comes to dating but if you’re looking for low-key people it may be best to look within other cities within LA County or check out places like DTLA, Echo Park, Silverlake etc for this crowd.
ECLECTIC CAREERS
The beauty of LA unlike it’s SF counterpart is that you’ll come across many people with diverse careers. Anywhere from lawyers, to artists, to actors to doctors Los Angeles has it all. It’s your oyster. Which makes dating fun people you can meet people from all walks of life (literally) and also career wise. You won’t feel pigeonholed with careers. While there is a large amount of people who work in the entertainment industry you can definitely find your community (with friends and dating) if that’s not your scene.
THE DISTANCE
In LA 5.0 miles can be the dealbreaker as to whether or not you may land a second date. Traffic here is like no other. 5 miles can easily turn into an hour. Although I believe if it is true love that person is willing to go the distance (no pun intended) it’s something to keep in mind when dating in the City of Selfie Angles. Also, now with gas prices at an all time high that 5.0 mile dealbreaker distance is probably turning into 1.0-2.0 miles. Get used to meeting in the middle or in fact not meeting at all.
THE EVENTS
There’s ALWAYS something going on in LA. Which makes dates even more spontaneous and fun. Want to go to a concert? You probably can that same day. Want to go to a pop up art event? I’m sure it’s going on somewhere within 15 miles away from you. These events alike make dating very fun in LA because you seriously have multiple date night options and if you don’t eh….you’re probably not looking in the right places.
FINAL VERDICT
Although both areas have their pros and cons my final verdict on which area is better to date is dundundundun….. ze Bay Area. Although LA has a lot more diverse people in terms of fields there really are some cool peeps in the Bay!
