The United State or abbreviated as the US is a federal constitutional republic that oversees 50 states. With an area that stretches 4,506 kilometers from one side to the other, there are two commonly used nicknames to refer to its two coasts, namely the East Coast and the West Coast.
Despite being united within one country, these two have very different characteristics. Starting from weather, history daily life, and many other things!
For students interested in exploring education in the United States, understanding the differences between the East Coast and West Coast will help in making a decision. Grab your pencil and notebook, let’s explore and learn together!
East Coast & West Coast States
The East Coast consists of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut (almost all of New England, except Vermont), New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South, Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
While the West Coast includes Washington, Oregon, and California. Some definitions also include Alaska and Hawaii as part of the West Coast, although they are geographically separate.
East Coast & West Coast Population and Geographical Location
If you roam your eyes on the map, you might be wondering why the East Coast has more states than the West Coast.
The East Coast has more states due to historical factors, population density, and geographical characteristics. This area is dominated by fertile land that supports the growth of the city and the government since the beginning of the colonial period.
In contrast the West Coast has a more varied landscape, such as mountains, deserts, and dense forests. This led to the concentration of the population in only a few large cities and less regional division.
East Coast & West Coast Weather
The East Coast experiences more intense summers and more extreme winters. Because the air flow moves from west to east, the region does not get the direct cooling effect of the winds from the ocean like on the West Coast.
On the other hand, the West Coast generally has a cooler and more stable climate, influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The flow of air from the ocean brings more moderate humidity and temperatures, especially in regions like Oregon and Washington that are known for their high rainfall.
The difference in climate can be felt as far as the coast in each state. For example, on the West Coast, the California coast has warmer weather than Washington. On the East Coast, Maine’s coast is colder than Virginia’s.
East Coast & West Coast Lifestyle
The East Coast is known for its fast-paced life, career focus, and hustle culture. This is driven by the fact that the East Coast is the heart of business and economy.
However, the East Coast is not always serious and strict. East Coast cities like New York, for example, are multicultural cities that are always bustling with local and foreign tourists. Tourists can be found sitting in stalls and restaurants to taste international delicacy or to stand under firecrackers in the festive excitement.
Keep in mind that walking and subway rides in New York are things that will be done frequently if visiting the East Coast. Both are a more efficient way to travel from one place to another.
On the other hand, the lifestyle of the West Coast people is slow and relaxed. West Coast people are close to nature and often engage in activities such as mountain climbing and biking. However, due to the size of the area and the limitations of public transportation, the use of private vehicles is quite dominant, especially in cities like Los Angeles. Just anticipate bad congestion when you visit the city.
East Coast & West Coast Entertainment and Culture
New York is a hub for culture in the form of theater, music, and fashion. People come from all over the world to follow and enjoy Broadway productions or attend orchestral and ballet performances. In addition, international fashion events such as New York Fashion Week also enliven the city twice a year.
Hollywood, Los Angeles is known as a place full of top stars. Even in Los Angeles there are tours to see the homes of these celebrities, as well as visiting the certain movies’ filming locations. In the Pacific Northwest, the culture of coffee connoisseur and building coffee shops flourished, and Starbucks was born on Seattle which was initiated by graduates of the University of San Francisco in the 70s.
History of East Coast & West Coast
The East Coast has strong historical roots from the European colonial period. Old towns and historic buildings such as the Liberty Bell, Lincoln Memorial, and the site on Ellis Island bear silent witness to the long history of immigration and the formation of the United States.
Meanwhile, the West Coast is filled with the history of pioneering new territories. Starting from the Oregon Trail, the cowboy era, to the Gold Fever. Although full of challenges and quite chaos, this past formed a spirit of innovation and love for nature that is still felt today.
Understanding the characteristics of the East Coast and West Coast is important for students considering to study in the United States. Each region offers a different experience and can be adapted to the student’s lifestyle, weather preferences, and academic and career goals. Choose the one that best suits your needs so that the learning journey becomes a memorable experience!
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