Whats the difference between a city, a state and a city-state?

Difference between San Fransisco and Los Angeles?

• I'm a college student that goes to school in California, specifically the Central Valley. I've always grown up within the central valley in a small town and I also go to school in a small town. Basically, I'm so used to "small town" life here that I want to experience something different! It's so dull and boring here, theres absolutely nothing to do! I was thinking of transfering to a different school because I just want to get a feel for something different, and I'm also trying to look for a better school that fits my educational goals. I was debating between San Fransisco (or the Bay Area) or L.A. I want to get a vibe for the big city. Whats it's like and just overall experience a different atmosphere and environment than I'm used to. I've already been to L.A. numerous times since I have family there, but I don't really know too much of the differences between the 2 cities, or regions. I have hardly ever been to the Bay Area though. How do the cities compare in culture, environment, people, and weather?? I really just need to know how they're both like. If it helps, I'm a really down to earth chill girl. Im not that into the whole party scene. Im very open minded, and like i said i wanted to experience something new. Thanks! btw: I can't go to school in a different state thats why im looking throughout CA

• Answer:

  Weather is one big difference. L.A. is usually warm & sunny, while San Francisco tends to be relatively cold and foggy, even in the summer. Transportation is another. In L.A., you need to drive. It's a new city built around the automobile. San Francisco, on the other hand, is an older city that was built around pedestrian foot traffic and carriages, plus the trolley car system they built. So if you have a preference between driving and walking, that's a factor to consider. The geography is also different. L.A. is mostly flat, but San Francisco is built upon hills, and most of the streets there are very steeply slanted. And while L.A. is a very spread out city (due to the automobile), San Francisco is more compact. San Francisco also has the highest percentage of gay and lesbian individuals of any of the 50 largest U.S. cities, at 15.4%. So if you're a straight girl, it might make finding an eligible guy a little more difficult (but if your lesbian, it might help your love life).