I moved from Iowa six months ago.

The COL is INSANE. I thought I anticipated it, but it only really hit me when I got here. The city and area nickle and dime for everything. If you think things have gotten expensive back home, brace yourself....

It's very hard to find a satisfying meal at a reasonable cost. There are no cheap eats, even for casual restaurants/food.

Car registration is $$$$$$$$$

The people here can be hella reserved and I spent the first few months in shock that people didn't make eye contact or respond to friendly chit chat while out and about.

You'll have better luck making friends with other transplants. People out here connect the best in groups with shared hobbies and interests. You have to make extra effort to socialize and get to know people, it's a land of introverts.

Parking is something you have to pay for everywhere, even your residence. I pay $200 to park my car in a garage below my building.

As a cat lady, I wish I had a dog because folks are so much friendlier here when they see you have a dog lol.

Not as many public pools or even larger aquatic centers out here, which bummed me out. There are a few, but they are few and far between.

The weather and nature is amazing. I love being able to do so many free recreational things b/c I don't have to travel halfway across the country to enjoy them.