Avoid These 9 Things You Should Never Say to Someone From California

Whether you’re visiting the Golden State or meeting someone from California, it’s important to be mindful of the local culture and sensibilities.

Californians are proud of their state and have a unique sense of identity shaped by the diverse landscapes, lifestyles, and attitudes found across the region.

That said, there are certain things you definitely should avoid saying to someone from California if you want to steer clear of an awkward conversation or worse, offend them.

Here are 9 things you should never say to a Californian:

1. “Isn’t California just one big city?”

This comment drastically oversimplifies California’s vast and varied landscape. While cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego may be famous, California is much more than just urban sprawl.

From the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the redwood forests of Northern California and the tranquil beauty of the Central Coast, there’s an incredible diversity of environments that make the state special. So, don’t reduce California to a “big city”—it’s a whole state with a wide range of geography, cultures, and experiences.

2. “You all are always surfing, right?”

While surfing is indeed a popular sport in certain coastal areas of California, not everyone is a surfer. California has a vast population that enjoys a variety of activities, from hiking in the mountains to wine tasting in Napa Valley.

The stereotype of Californians as beach-obsessed surfers is fun but doesn’t represent the diversity of interests in the state. Avoid making assumptions about people based on this outdated stereotype.

3. “Don’t you just hate the traffic in LA?”

While it’s true that traffic can be a challenge in Los Angeles, Californians are no strangers to it. They’ve likely heard complaints about LA’s infamous traffic for years, and constantly bringing it up might be frustrating. Instead of focusing on the negative, try asking someone about the best spots to visit in the area, or how they navigate the city. It shows you’re interested in the culture, not just the struggles.

4. “California is so expensive! How do you afford it?”

Yes, California is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country, particularly in areas like Silicon Valley and Los Angeles. However, asking someone how they can afford to live there might come off as rude or presumptive.

Many Californians work hard to make it work, and the cost of living is a sensitive topic. If you’re curious about living in California, it’s better to ask more open-ended questions about the lifestyle or the pros and cons of different areas.

5. “Isn’t California always sunny?”

While California is known for its sunshine, it doesn’t mean it’s sunny all the time. The state has a wide variety of climates. Northern California, for instance, experiences cooler temperatures and rainy seasons, while areas like the Central Valley can get extremely hot during summer. Also, areas like San Francisco are known for their fog and cool, windy weather. Saying “Isn’t California always sunny?” shows a lack of understanding of the state’s diverse weather patterns.

6. “How do you survive all those earthquakes?”

Earthquakes are a part of life in California, but the way people talk about them often exaggerates the situation.

Californians live with the knowledge that earthquakes can happen, but they don’t live in constant fear of them. This comment might imply that you see California as an unstable, dangerous place, which isn’t exactly the way people view it. Instead, focus on the safety measures Californians take or ask about how they prepare for natural disasters in a more respectful way.

7. “I heard you guys don’t like people from [insert state].”

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California is known for being diverse, open-minded, and welcoming to people from all over the world and the country. While there may be occasional rivalries between states (for example, with neighboring states like Texas or Arizona), assuming that Californians harbor negative feelings toward people from other regions is a quick way to rub them the wrong way.

Californians tend to embrace different cultures, so making assumptions about inter-state hostility is a stereotype you should avoid.

8. “So, is everyone in California a liberal?”

While California has a reputation for its progressive politics, it’s far from a one-issue state, and making blanket statements about people’s political leanings isn’t fair.

California is a large state with a range of political views, from liberal coastal areas to more conservative regions inland. Politicians, policies, and priorities can vary greatly depending on where you are. It’s important not to assume everyone shares the same political ideology just because they live in the state.

9. “I bet you don’t miss the snow!”

While the snowy winters in places like New York or Chicago might seem like a hassle to Californians, don’t assume they don’t miss the change of seasons.

Many people from California love to travel to snowy destinations or simply appreciate the idea of winter. Some Californians even live in areas like the Sierra Nevada, where snowfall is a regular part of life. Instead of making assumptions about their weather preferences, ask them if they miss the changing seasons or enjoy the mild California climate.

Final Thoughts

California is a state with a diverse population and a unique cultural landscape. It’s essential to remember that one person’s experience may not reflect the state as a whole, so be mindful of the way you talk about it.

If you want to connect with someone from California, steer clear of these 9 phrases, and focus on asking questions that show respect for their unique experiences and the beauty of their state.

A little understanding goes a long way in making any conversation with a Californian a positive one!