Are Region Names Capitalized?

@ Grover Williams. People in northern California who are NOT in San Francisco actually say NorCal, but San Franciscans don't, interesting, isn't it. And we in NorCal who KNOW about the Fri--co word know not to say it, we just say The City. Everyone knows what we mean when we say we're taking a day tip to The City. We do NOT mean L.A.!

He retired and lives in the Southwest now.

Oddly, the "northern" in northern California is rarely capitalized, but "Southern California" is standard usage. Southern California has its own nickname, "SoCal," and Los Angeles proudly calls itself "L.A.," but Northern California is never "NorCal" or "NoCal." Among San Franciscans, there's only one "F" word that's never spoken in polite company, and it ends in "co." San Franciscans have a reputation for tolerance, but any tourist who utters "F___co" out loud will be set straight in a hurry. My father, a San Francisco native, heard me say that particular "F" word once when I was a kid, and believe me, that was the last time I dared even think it. The abbreviation "S.F." is tolerated, but natives don't use it - or like it.

when abbreviated, directionals are ALWAYS capitalized, so I always cap them...

Yes, and directions - is it "Go West young man," or "Go west"?

What about something more broad like the northeast, or northeastern United States? (Or is that Northeast...)