Los Angeles as Ohio

Did anyone else spend a large portion of this movie confused as to where it was taking place? During the opening credits as Cassie is walking down the street, there are clearly visible palm trees in the background. I had thought we were in Los Angeles until cars start showing up with Ohio license plates.

Why oh why do filmmakers keep doing this? It's confusing and distracting. At least it's not as egregious as in Carpenter's "Halloween."