I've lived in New York most of my adult life and never even gave California a thought except when my mother spoke about her trips to San Francisco; and even then she only spoke about Fisherman's Wharf. Any thoughts or comments I had on California were based on what I saw on television, in the movies or what my musician friends would tell me when they had returned from their trips to Los Angeles. I knew that there was always some competition between NY and Cali. After all, both coasts talk big when it comes to being in the forefront of fashion, music and entertainment.
When I started giving thoughts to moving out of New York, I wanted to move to a place that was similar. After not too much consideration, I chose California. New York had been good to me and I loved the liveliness and excitement of it, but I couldn't take the weather anymore, so I decided to give California a chance.
However, there was one thing I wasn't expecting. How challenging it would be to find out where all the eligible men hung out in Los Angeles. After all, in New York City, it was easy to meet men. I was never without a date, unless I chose to be.
What made it so easy was simple. Very few people drove in the city and because of the accessible transportation (subways, metro lines and buses) you were constantly forced into social situations and because New York City is such a great place to stroll on the weekends, you'd have to be virtually invincible not to get at least one verbal greeting whether you wanted it or not. Add to the constant nightlife–how could you not meet someone?
So if I had to chose which coast is easier when it comes to meeting men, I'd have to say hands down New York. But does that mean single women should move in herds to New York to get a date—no. Yes, it is a challenge to meet men in Southern California, but is it impossible…absolutely not.
If you are new to Los Angeles, here are few places I'd suggest. First, you have to start thinking like a Californian. What are they known for? I can think of three easy answers; healthy eating, exercising and beaches. Right there you have three different destinations to meet single people; health food stores, gyms and the many, many beaches.
California is also known for its many outdoor club activities. There's bike, hiking and back packing clubs. But what if you're not into the exercise or outdoor scene? Then check out your local church and other weekend events. In other words, if you're new to Southern Cali, and if you want to have a dating life, you might just have to think outside the 'dating' box.