Socal got old FAST

I (22m) am in the military and stationed in Socal, specifically Ventura county. I’ve been here for about six months and honestly it’s been super underwhelming. I’m from New England originally and I miss the green forests, seasons, and familiarity. I enjoy hiking but most trails within a two hour radius are just barren dry hills. The water is extremely cold given how far south I am. I’m not interested in going to bars or clubs. All the cool hiking is hours away in the desert or hours up north in the forests. Every day feels the exact same with the weather, driving sucks because you get a red light every single time not to mention the traffic.

Nothing here really stands out to me. It’s all just brown scrubland and drug infested cities. My dad is happier I’m here than I am! He loves Socal and sends me instagram reels about places I pretend I have any interest in seeing. It’s safe to say I am definitely NOT staying here when my contract expires.