I was born and raised a California - until I decided to move half way across the country to a foreign land called Texas. Suddenly you all turned to y'all and brunch became much less popular. California might be beautiful, but you can break the bank just trying to afford an apartment - while Texas summers make me question if I'm living in a state or a sauna. Texas has football while California has surfing and that is why I call both states home.
1. Food oceans
California is know for its health food while Texas is quite the opposite with its deep frying and barbecue. California is abundant with seafood and fresh foods. California does have amazing produce and acai bowls, which Texas needs to adopt - but that's just my opinion. Texas does have some great comfort food and it's always fun to cheat the diet and go for some greasy fried deliciousness. Mexican food is a whole new issue that I could rant on forever but, California has authentic Mexican food while Texas has Tex-Mex and I'll leave it at that. Lastly, avocado is on almost everything in California and is a rare gem in Texas.
2. Weather
Texas has seasons, while some parts of California don't know what seasons are. In Texas, I lived in snow and humidity which was a total shock to my system. Different parts of California have different weather, but many Californians are used to 70-85 degrees and anything below or above is considered freezing or burning. Texas weather is unpredictable and could be hot and sunny one day with thunderstorms the next. Texas has storms, not what a Californian calls a storm, but real storms. Rain, hail, tornadoes - Texas can handle them all.
3. People
Some of the typical stereotypes of people are true. In Texas I have found people driving trucks wearing cowboy hats and in California I often see surfer bros with deep tans and sun streaked hair. In Texas people say "y'all" while in California people say "sick" and "bro." The people in Texas are generally nicer with better manners and southern hospitality. You are lucky if a California boy holds a door open for you and in Texas you are shocked if they don't.
4. Oceans
California has the the Pacific Ocean crashing onto its entire coast. On the other hand, Texas has the Gulf of Mexico. Any California local would argue that their beaches are much better, but to each their own.
5. Terrain
California has mountains and hills, while Texas is mostly flat. The mountains are great for skiing and snowboarding or make great hiking spots in the summer. While driving through California you find towering trees and huge cliffs. In Texas you witness green pastures for as far as the eye can see.
I may have fallen in love with Texas, but don't tell California I'm cheating on it. No one said you can't appreciate both Rainbow Sandals and cowboy boots. Oh and In-N-Out beats Whataburger every day, sorry Texans.