I lived in both West Coast and Midwest.
Let me tell you, spent a summer living in Southern California's nice neighborhoods, then you will understand what it means to have the best of both world--authentic Chinese food and upscale American neighborhood (they sell Bentleys,Ferrari,Maserati near PCH1 in Newport Beach, and there Bloomingdales, Saks 5th in Irvine, Fashion Island in Newport beach caters to the wealthy people). Check out the Marina, thousands yachts.