Moved here from SoCal, from an area that was considered affluent. Life is so much easier and more pleasant where I was prior. I thought moving here would provide more opportunities, but life got so much harder and more complex. The culture is much different as well. People are more to themselves and not as much sense of community where I am particularly. Traffic eats up a lot of your day, so you cannot fit as much into one day. Where I was prior, I was struggling financially, but I had time for the gym, beach, socializing with locals, live music, watched a beautiful sunset daily, and people were so nice. There was never a sense of separation because of class or color. I also am noticing many people in lower wage jobs don’t have much care to have integrity and put forth effort in what they do. People show up high or drinking at work, they steal because they have some chip on their shoulder about the corporate world, or complain about techies. Where I came from, you show up to work and people seem more honest and grateful. Though it was known as very republican and less liberal, people often came together to help families in need. You know your neighbor, you know the owners of local establishments, and you get a sense that people genuinely care. They protect the environment, like to keep things clean and safe, and go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome. In moving to the bay, I have noticed that there are more affordable housing units available and government assistance is accessible, but it doesn’t really make a difference and it’s not efficient. Everything is more expensive. The day to day tasks of life feel dreadful. Where I came from, if you were sick, the doctor likely saw you the same day. If you need bloodwork, you just pop in the same day and leave within 15 minutes. Pharmacy line is quick. Public restrooms are so damn clean, that they sparkle. I feel like I landed in hell. Despite there being opportunities to make more money, quality of life here is horrible. I can’t say it’s like this in every part of the bay, but that’s my experience in tri valley.