In recent years, many Chinese immigrants from the Bay Area have been considering a move to Southern California, drawn by the promise of improved quality of life, vibrant cultural atmosphere, and diverse social circles. We spoke with several individuals who have either already relocated or are contemplating the move, exploring their motivations and thought processes.
K, who earned her MBA from UCLA a few years ago, initially lived in the San Gabriel Valley before moving to the Bay Area for work with her boyfriend. She made many close friends at UCLA, and their camaraderie is a significant reason for her desire to return to Los Angeles. K finds the diverse professional landscape of Los Angeles refreshing, as she enjoys meeting people from various backgrounds and industries while out walking her dog. In contrast, she feels that the Bay Area’s tech-centric social circles, often focused on real estate and investment discussions, can be limiting and exhausting.
Zhou made the switch to Southern California during the pandemic when his company transitioned to remote work. He now resides in Irvine and appreciates the more open lifestyle that Southern California offers. While weekends in the Bay Area often meant hiking, he has discovered a wealth of exhibitions, artistic events, and a multicultural environment in Southern California that he found lacking in the Bay. Following his marriage, Zhou has also started thinking about providing a better upbringing for his future children, noting that Irvine not only offers a high quality of life but also has excellent educational resources.
Ms. Bai highlighted the rich culinary diversity of Los Angeles as a major factor in her decision to relocate. She mentioned that the food scene in the Bay Area tends to be somewhat limited, primarily featuring Chinese, Indian, and American cuisine, whereas Los Angeles showcases a vast array of global cuisines. Having lived in Toronto for a long time, she believes that, despite its reputation as a multicultural hub, Toronto’s offerings in Japanese, Korean, and Thai food don’t quite measure up to what Los Angeles has to offer.
While the Bay Area remains a global center for technology and economic development, the pandemic has opened people’s eyes to the benefits of remote work and the various lifestyle options available. An increasing number of Chinese immigrants are beginning to reassess their living situations. Interestingly, none of the interviewees mentioned weather as a deciding factor, perhaps indicating that it is no longer a primary concern for the younger generation. Instead, the diverse culture, rich entertainment options, and elevated quality of life in Southern California have become the key attractions for those contemplating a move.
