As a guy who grew up in New England and had a good friend from Redding, CA, when I was in my early '20's, I'll confess that after reading the above, I scrolled up to confirm that the writer is in southern California.

LOL !
Life does throw a twisty path on our journey....
'South Coast' (we like to think of our region as 'South Coast' - because it faces mostly south... - SoCal is a different vibe...) for the longest stay - 36 yrs so far
German Born and bred, youth years in 'The City' (with frequent time off for good behaviour - in Germany) and just outside in New Jersey - with lots of activity and time in NE.
then Mid-Atlantic area, to land eventually here in CA.
my younger focused competitive time was mostly in the East and Midwest, with excursions into Europe... traveled quite a bit...
influenced by every place and those in them...
life has and continues to be an adventure !
Ride On
Yuri