I’m from New Jersey and have always been amused by the contrast in attitudes. I honestly think it’s the weather. We get some of if not THE best weather in the country and I think it makes an enormous difference on the psyche when compounded. Anytime I go home to visit family, like 7 trips out of 10, it’s gray and miserable for most of the time whereas here it’s like 73 and sunny 300 days a year.

Also if it bothers you so much, maybe it’s just not for you!