West Coast of the United States

Regional definitions vary from source to source. The states shown in dark red are usually included, while all or portions of the striped states may or may not be considered part of the West Coast.

In general, the term "West Coast" is a nickname for the coastal states of the Western United States, comprising California, Oregon and Washington, and sometimes Alaska and Hawaii (see Pacific States). Occasionally Nevada, not a coastal state, is included as a West Coast state since it is in close proximity. Sometimes even Arizona is included for cultural ties to California.

It has also come to be called "The Coast", especially by New Yorkers, or the "Left Coast," a pun based on its lefthand position on a map of the US as well as its reputation for being more politically liberal than the East Coast or the Midwestern United States. California is the core of the region and when "West Coast" is said by outsiders more often than not it is referring to California.

The term has been taken by rap music performers when used to refer to a particular school of artists, such as Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.

States such as Arizona and Nevada are not West Coast states. Nonetheless, the urban centers of Nevada, namely Las Vegas and Reno, as well as Phoenix, Arizona are somewhat influenced by California culture and are therefore sometimes considered part of the "west coast" despite their inland locales.

See also

• East Coast of the United States
• Geography of the Western United States
• List of regions of the United States