One thing you'll catch a lot of valley kids say is that they "hate the Valley." I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and honestly, I can't picture myself living anywhere else. I've never really been one to enjoy drastic changes, so I'm not sure I would want to move some place different, at least not outside of California. Most people I've encountered who aren't from the Valley don't have the best impression of the people living in it.
It's true the "valley girl" stereotype exists, but clearly not every single female you encounter embodies the materialistic characteristics of said valley girl. A lot of valley guys are labeled as "douches," but keep in mind you're going to meet people who are full of themselves no matter where you live. It's true it's hard to make genuine friends out here, but trying to make new friends is like trying to find a romantic partner. It takes time, so have patience and don't assume we're all unfriendly because that's far from the truth.
Some perks to living in the Valley are that there's so many mountains and hiking trails to explore, shopping malls and thrift shops for days, no inner city traffic, and lastly living close to beaches. If you're not a very active person then go ahead and cross hikes off your "things to do" list (I already have).
You can always get a nice workout by taking a stroll around one of the many lovely fashion squares including: Topanga mall (plus Topanga Village which was recently built just across from this mall), Northridge Fashion Center, Sherman Oaks Fashion Square, and plenty more. If you'd prefer to avoid the busy crowds shopping malls consist of, then you can always check out the hundreds of thrift shops and boutiques throughout the Valley.
If you're in the mood for a little drive then you can always take a 20-40 minute – depending on traffic – drive down to the beach. Sure, we'd all love that sick bachelor/ette pad right on the beach, but hey, you can't really complain seeing that a lot of states in the U.S. don't have access to a beach so quit your grumbling and take advantage of the gorgeous beaches you've got entry to.
Unfortunately, if you often travel by freeway then the 101 and 405 are two of the worst freeways you can encounter living in the Valley, but at least the streets aren't nearly as narrow or packed as those in Los Angeles. I know for a fact I could never live in New York because I'm not one to live the fast-paced city lifestyle. Same goes for LA; traffic and constant noise are two things I cannot stand as I've lived in a quiet neighborhood all my life. That being said, unless you'd like to live with constant bumper to bumper traffic then I wouldn't whine about the rush hour traffic that goes on in the Valley--that includes the main streets like Ventura.
I once had a conversation with an old classmate who had lived by the beach but ended up moving back home with his parents who just bought a house in the Valley. Long story short, this kid completely trash-talked the Valley and the people in it, my people. The funniest part is he knew I grew up in the Valley, yet he continued to bash my home.
He said the people of the valley are basically uncultured and inarticulate. He claimed everyone from his beach town had better taste in music and actually conversed about relevant matters. I appropriately defended my views, but he continued to insult everything he could about the Valley.
At the end of the day, we all have our own opinions, but never belittle someone's hometown, especially not to their face. I've met so many awesome people out here who are in fact knowledgeable, articulate, and have rad taste in music and I couldn't be more thankful. It's one thing if you're from the valley and hate it, but if you're new to it give it a real chance.
Don't expect exciting moments to just fall into your lap, you gotta go out and discover things for yourself like you would anywhere else.
