Alright, before everyone starts throwing down Biggie or Tupac lyrics, I would really like to know what the lifestyle/cultural differences are between EC and WC. Since I've lived my whole life basically in Oregon and California, I have a fairly good idea what it's like out here. So I'm mostly interested to hear the thoughts of transplants/people who have actually lived on both sides vs. those who travel occasionally.

I think it would come down to location as well. I grew up in Seattle, but have lived in the Bay area as well as NYC. I don't really think living in NYC would give one the best idea of east coast lifestyle/culture.

Im active duty military, been around a bit on both sides of the country. Born in WA. raised in NC. Stationed in VA, CA, FL, and some overseas. West coast seems way more "chill" laid back and open to new things. The south is kinda miserable. Southern hospitality my ass! Ive found it much easier to make friends on the west coast.

Just for a difference of opinion, I'm going to have to completely disagree with you. I am also active duty military and I've been stationed in Oklahoma, Texas, NC and currently stationed in California and It might be because I was raised in Texas and Florida that I find the people in the 'South' to be generally more pleasant and/or easier to get along with. Even though the west coast may be more open to new things, I still find the people here sometimes harder to get along with for no real reason and sometimes more rude and stuck up again for no reason. I do consider myself to be pretty out going and not saying I have trouble meeting people or making friends out here but its just a general observation I've had in the last three years I've been here.

There is a lot more to the country than just California, Oregon and NY to Boston area.

I've been all over and I love America. Its sad so many don't visit more of it.

I've heard snotty people say things like "you know ... only 10% (or some BS #) of Americans go abroad to Europe" and yet the same people have never SEEN their own country.

I just find it surprising that so few people visit our National parks.

Go visit Yellowstone, Montana, Colorado (on my list), Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and on and on. There are sooo many great parts of America besides just the coasts.

I haven't lived everywhere, so that already disqualifies me from answering, but I'm feeling opinionated today.

I grew up in the Adirondacks, traveling a lot in New England. I have lived in the midwest the past 17 years, and traveled much of the rest of the country, although only a little in the south. Never lived on the west coast, but spent a decent amount of time visiting, almost the entire length. For me there's a fairly dramatic difference in culture between the northern and southern halves of California. One isn't superior to the other (although I have my own preference). Similarly, NYC is hardly representative of the east coast, and neither is Boston (both great places, and very different, although I have my strong preference there too - for Boston). Jackasses are everywhere, and so are some of the most astoundingly wonderful people you could ever meet.

The variety of terrain, features, climates, cultures, lifestyles, and approaches to how to live a fulfilling life... well, that's what makes it all interesting.
To answer the question a little better (maybe): sure, there are stereotypes about west coast vs. east coast, north vs. south, mid-west vs... anyway, they're not necessarily unfounded, as they certainly came from somewhere. That said, you're guaranteed to find exceptions absolutely everywhere, and it doesn't take any effort to find them.

I can find commonalities with people from all over...except New Jersey.

Man are people from New Jersey nasty.

No offense to anyone from there, I'm sure you get that a lot. Beautiful state done some great riding in the pine barrens. But your attitudes.

ETA - Tupac sucks.

I spent the first half of my life in rural NY and the latter half in the Pacific NW. I prefer the west coast for multiple reasons, most notably the climate and (what I perceive to be a) less formal style.

The first thing that struck me when I changed coasts (for work) was the laid-back vibe on the left coast. It made east coasters seem pushy and uptight. It took me a few years to adjust. Those differences may be due in part to the east being more densely populated with an older, more established culture.

One huge benefit of west coast living: Live sports. Games start and finish earlier out west. Go 'Hawks!

The East Coast (NY) has better pizza. EVERYTHING else is better out West! LOL!

I totally took that for granted and didn't realize how nice it was until I moved to NYC for a few years. Definitely appreciate it now that I'm back!

Not even going to pretend I'm not biased, but if u need to know which coast is better, just remember the 4Ws: weather, women, weed, and of course, the WHEELING! Now to go take advantage of 3 out of 4...

From living all over California to bring transplanted here in Charleston sc I have to say that the west coast is by far better. Just my opinion and for a thousand different reasons.

seems everyone agrees that the west coast is the better... now which is better? socal, norcal or oregon? (washington you dont compare)

Screw all the coasts. The beach is nice but way too many people regardless That's why the mountainous central region is boss, gorgeous scenery and way less people Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, etc. is where it's at

+1 Although, I haven't been all over it... yet. I've lived in 5 different states (on my own, as an adult), and to your point, it amazes me how many people never even leave their own back yard. Every time we've moved, we get out and see as much as we can of the area. In most cases, after a year or so we know more about what there is in the town and surrounding counties in every direction than people who have lived there their whole life. I can't tell you how many times I've been talking about a hole in the wall restaurants, businesses, landmarks, festivals, etc. we found, and a "local" will ask "How do you find all these places?" Well, you just have to go and see what's out there.

The wife is fascinated with international travel, and that is cool. But there is so much here to see as well. We haven't seen everything, but what we have visited has been astonishing! Still have more on the list, and can't wait to go!

As far as EC vs WC, I cannot say. I've been in the Midwest with most every move. If you drew an X from the middle of AZ and mid OH, and the middle of IA to mid FL, then boxed it in (including MN, MI and TX), I've covered a lot of that area. Never seen the Atlantic or Pacific though.