I grew in the Ozark, spent time in Central PA(Alleghenies) and now live in LA.
I agree it's hard to compare east vs west - particular since the San Gabriels and the San Bernardinos tend be very "Stark" as on poster put it until you get higher in elevation due to the arid climate. I do miss the plushness of the eastern mts, plus the stream (vs the flood control channels and Dry washes here)