When I left Cali, I missed sunshine, mild weather, great Mexican food, and the beach. I went to a few places but always missed the beach! That's what attracted me to Virginia Beach but then I missed living in a racially diverse area. I missed grocery stores being open later than 10pm and being able to buy wine on Sunday.
I missed open-minded people the most--my area in Virginia was mostly conservative, religious people who had no tolerance for anything outside their bubble. People would call themselves my friends then say the most racist things when they thought I couldn't hear. That's what had me running back home. Whether I stay here or settle somewhere else, I can't live in a place with lots of different cultures.