Now, sndral, it is not that bad.
Not everyone is enamored with where they grew up.
So true and I know many who have 'escaped' SoCal precisely because of that feeling.
Southern California has it’s fans, but there are downsides, like the traffic, the smog, the mind numbing sameness of never ending tract homes interspersed with near identical shopping venues, the lack of seasons.
I can't agree with all that you list, especially given that Harry and Meghan will be living in a well-to-do area, not so? But I disagree about the 'sameness'. LA is chockfull of neighborhoods, all unique. It might be an acquired taste for sure but there are so many possibilities, and all quite beautiful (imo). If they came during summer break there are endless beaches, and deserts, and mountains to explore. Sailing off the coast. And there are seasons, albeit subtle. Northern and southern California both are marvels of diversity both in landscapes and people.
Some years back Harry spent time on a motorcycle touring the American Southwest. At one point he was spotted at Venice Beach eating out with friends, and even then I had a vague hunch he might like living in the LA area. Just a random thought at the time. It's very expansive here, and very creative. I could see them having a very interesting social life if they settled part of the year here.
I’m reminded of Gertrude Stein’s description of Oakland whenever I’ve spent time down there (I’m a native of northern CA) ‘there is no there there.’
Yes, many there are who cannot appreciate what California offers.
I think it’s telling that Meghan doesn’t seem to have returned to SoCal very often after she moved to Toronto for Suits.
How do we know that?

Besides which, it's not all that easy to go bopping across a continent (that's 4,000 km). It just isn't. Meghan strikes me as a home-body. It makes sense that she would nest where she lives. But how do we know she didn't go back to SoCal at least once a year? Once a year is plenty enough imo.
It’ll be interesting to see what the couple does for the holidays going forward, unlike the Middletons, Meghan’s parents don’t have living situations that would easily accommodate Meghan, Harry, their children and the RPOs.
Well that's the whole point.

Even the Middletons purchased a larger house/estate to accommodate Kate and her family. It seems just the same for Harry and Meghan except complicated because in a different country.
It will be interesting to see how they handle this going forward.
