I traded glitzy LA for Californias forgotten heartland and found my American dream

I was born in California’s Central Valley and, after leaving for Los Angeles, never thought I would return. Just look at me now.I’m back in the valley, and I love it. My four year old, however, has to adjust.

“Why does it smell like that?” my son asked from the back seat, as he held his nose.  The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story We were driving into the Central Valley, where my husband and I grew up and where we were now returning for good.

It was a fertilizer day, a smell that has become strangely nostalgic to me.We promised he’d get used to it. As one of California’s most misunderstood areas, the Central Valley stretches 20,000 square miles from Shasta County to just south of Bakersfield.Often left out of the state’s cultural conversations, it’s more than a stop for gas on the way to San Francisco.Many Californians, especially with young families, have fled urban areas, or the state altogether, for various reasons.

Before packing up for Nevada, Texas or Arizona, the Central Valley deserves another look. With metro housing shortages, traffic congestion and the high cost of living, the Central Valley shouldn’t just be seen as a fallback option; it should be celebrated as a place worth choosing for those seeking a different pace of life.After years in LA, and in other sought-after regions in California, I ultimately found myself back where I started.Growing up, I couldn’t wait to leave.

There was never a question of whether I was going, only where.When it came time to decide, I couldn’t resist the glitziest place of all — Los Angeles.

As someone used to cornfields, backroads and tractor-caused traffic jams, it was a culture shock.I eventually fell in love with being surrounded by perpetual dreamers like myself. The fabulous weather,...