I think the LA basin has both options - it can train you for a high workload and therefore make you a better pilot, or you can choose less saturation and just concentrate on basics, depending literally on what turn you take out of LGB. Long Beach Twr controllers are sticklers and won't let sloppy procedure pass. Nor can they afford to with 5 rwy's running traffic all the time and lots of Navy jets etc. Land and hold short procedures are common there and it is the airport in the LA basin where they'll call you on any mistake you make. I've been chewed out a few times going in there and for not even reading back instructions correctly. But you know what? It's good practice and will make you a better pilot. The rest of the LA basin is a breeze - there's nothing to it. And in LA you have all the good stuff you need - food, entertainment, nightlife etc.
Sacramento I've not flown in, but the town is a bureaucrat and politicians nest and not much going on. All the inland cities up there are horrible - Stockton, Merced, Sacramento. Plus it's flat as hell and has windy sandstorms.
Last edited by AdamFrisch; 3rd Aug 2013 at 21:25.