Santa Maria Can't Be Defined
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11/27/2009
I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes. Heck, we get excited if the weather forecast has a more than 3-degree temperature change! My two major deal-breaker concerns are these: First, the cost of living is much higher than it should be for what you get. Housing, food, utilities and transportation costs are higher than places that are more desirable. If wages were aligned it would not be a problem, but the cost of labor here is very low. Second, Santa Maria does not realize it is bigger than most California cities (including nearby Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo) with 100 years of history, and it has yet to define its culture/ community/ character or anything recognizable that might say who we are as a community. In other words, it has no personality. It’s tofu - not much until you add some flavor. OK, this may be a non-issue for some; and maybe those in witness protection would really love it here, but a pervasive sentiment of uninterested indifference is not a good foundation for a thriving future.
Kimberly | Orcutt, CA