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Living in Los Angeles, California:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

81 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Los Angeles, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 81 people living in Los Angeles what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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81 comments on “Los Angeles”

Los Angeles, often abbreviated as L.A., is the largest city in California and the second-largest in the United States, following New York City. Known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population, and sprawling metropolis, L.A. is a global city with a rich cultural, economic, and entertainment presence. Here’s more about Los Angeles:

### **Geography and Climate**
– **Location:** Los Angeles is situated in Southern California, along the Pacific coast. It is surrounded by mountains, valleys, forests, and the ocean.
– **Climate:** The city has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from the low 60s°F (about 16°C) in winter to the mid-80s°F (about 29°C) in summer. It is generally sunny year-round, with an average of around 284 sunny days annually.

### **Population and Demographics**
– **Population:** Los Angeles has a population of over 3.9 million people. The Greater Los Angeles area, which includes cities like Long Beach and Anaheim, has a population of about 18.7 million, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.

– **Diversity:** L.A. is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the U.S., with a significant Hispanic/Latino population, as well as large communities of Asian, African American, and Middle Eastern residents. This diversity is reflected in the city’s cultural life, cuisine, and neighborhoods.

### **Economy**
– **Industry:** Los Angeles has a diverse economy with a strong emphasis on entertainment (particularly the film, television, and music industries), international trade, technology, aerospace, fashion, and tourism. It is home to the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in the Americas.
– **Tech and Innovation:** In recent years, L.A. has seen growth in its tech sector, particularly in areas like Silicon Beach, which includes neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice, and Playa Vista.

### **Culture and Landmarks**
– **Hollywood:** Los Angeles is synonymous with the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, which is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Hollywood is home to major film studios, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the iconic Hollywood Sign.

– **Arts and Museums:** The city boasts numerous museums and cultural institutions, including the Getty Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and The Broad. L.A. also has a vibrant performing arts scene, with venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
– **Beaches and Outdoor Activities:** The coastline offers famous beaches like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu. L.A. also has numerous parks and hiking trails, including Griffith Park, which houses the Griffith Observatory.

### **Transportation**
– **Roads and Traffic:** L.A. is known for its extensive freeway system and heavy traffic. The city’s layout is largely car-dependent, though efforts are being made to improve public transportation.

– **Public Transit:** The Los Angeles Metro operates buses and a growing rail system, but the city still has a reputation for being a “car city.” Efforts are underway to expand the Metro system and improve bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure.

### **Education and Research**
– **Universities:** L.A. is home to several major universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of Southern California (USC), and California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). The city is also a hub for research and innovation, particularly in fields like biotechnology and aerospace.

### **Challenges**
– **Housing and Cost of Living:** Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., with high housing costs and a significant homelessness problem. The cost of living is generally higher than the national average.
– **Environmental Issues:** The city faces challenges related to air quality, water conservation, and traffic congestion. Wildfires in the surrounding areas also pose a recurring threat.

### **Sports and Entertainment**
– **Sports Teams:** L.A. is home to several professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Los Angeles Chargers (NFL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), and Los Angeles Kings (NHL).
– **Entertainment Industry:** The city is a major center for film, television, music, and video game production. Major studios like Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. are located in the area.

Los Angeles is a dynamic and influential city that plays a significant role in global culture, economics, and entertainment. Despite its challenges, it remains a place where people from all over the world come to pursue their dreams.

If you are moving to Los Angeles, California, you should know that it’s the most beautiful state with amazing beaches, good weather and people are friendly. It has good clubs for those who love clubbing and enjoying life to the fullest.

Winfred, says: 2024

If you’re moving to Los Angeles, you’ll need to embrace the diverse culture and vibrant energy of the city. Prepare for a car-centric lifestyle, as public transportation can be limited, and expect to spend time in traffic. The weather is mostly sunny, perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches and numerous hiking trails. Lastly, the city’s food scene is incredible, offering a wide range of cuisines to satisfy any palate.

Michael, says: 2024

Born and raised in Los Angeles, I’d say that my hometown has a lot of basically everything. It’s a city filled with abundance and diversity, with many options to choose and explore. There’s something for everyone, and that’s a major part of why it’s great and fun to be there. The scenery is breathtaking; very few places can boast having deserts, forests, mountains, and beaches. It has it’s share of issues like any other place, of course: it’s over-crowded with lots of traffic, poverty, crime, and costly. But in more ways than one, the beauty and lifestyle outweighs these problems. LA is a curse and a blessing.

Adrian, says: 2024

Ubers are your friend in LA, as parking spots are so rare. Lots of people smoke outside on the streets despite the clean air acts. So crowded in all the restaurants. Good place to network. A lot of try hards.

Rachel, says: 2024

Be prepared for the homeless junkies and criminals walking around everywhere.

Trisha, says: 2023

Before relocating to Los Angeles, it’s essential to consider the city’s sprawling geographical expanse, which can lead to lengthy and often congested commutes. The cost of living is notably high, with median home prices well above the national average, and rental costs on the rise. Researching neighborhoods thoroughly is advised, as the city’s cultural and socioeconomic diversity means that each area offers a unique living experience. Additionally, job opportunities, particularly in the entertainment, tech, and healthcare sectors, should be explored beforehand.

Alison, says: 2023

If you are moving to Los Angeles you will need to rethink your future. Plan on spending the part of your life not working, driving to and from that job. Must have a very high paying job to afford the cost of living, or a few other people sharing household costs. I wish you luck!

Monica, says: 2023

If you are moving in Los Angeles, CA, USA, there are a few things to know. The local public transportation system is reliable and a popular way to get around. Make sure to explore the diverse food scene, which offers a wide range of international cuisines. Additionally, the city experiences distinct seasons, so be prepared for varying weather conditions throughout the year.

It’s very busy. Really good for young, ambitious people.

First, Los Angeles is EXPENSIVE! Nice hotel rooms here average around $250/night. More permanent accommodations cost so much that you will need a spouse, partner, or other person to help pay rent. If you want to buy a house, even a tiny one in a terrible neighborhood, will cost at least $400,000 (nearly half a million US dollars), and a decent house will cost anywhere from $1 to $20 or $30 million. There is an extremely large population of homeless people here as a result. Los Angeles natives like me are rare because of massive immigration from around the country and the world. You will meet people of every persuasion from every country you can imagine, but especially Mexico, our neighbor to the south. So many people from Mexico and Latin America have moved here illegally to grab low-wage jobs at even lower wages than the legal minimum that employment can be difficult to find for low or no-skilled people who are here legally and seek at least the minimum wage. The minimum wage here is $15.50 per hour, which is not enough to live on, so if you don’t have top education and skills you will probably need to have at least two jobs to survive. If you do have excellent knowledge and skills, such as a doctor or Ph.D., high tech guru, computer systems engineer, or developer, big business executive, movie/TV production professional, or entertainment superstar, then you can do quite well and live lavishly with easy access to virtually anything your heart desires.

The shopping and dining options here are unlimited and absolutely top tier for those who can afford it. There are also limitless things to do: movie theaters, live theater, concerts, clubs, and bars, live tapings for various television shows, famous and magnificent university campuses such as UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount, and Occidental College where President Obama attended, along with dozens of other such institutions of higher education, museums, libraries, huge open spaces such as Will Rogers State Park and massive Griffith Park, the Observatory, Gene Autry Western Museum, California Science Center, casinos, professional sports games such as basketball, football (American), baseball, and hockey. Soccer is steadily growing in popularity, but it is nowhere near as popular as in other countries. There is fabulous, beautiful, and interesting architecture all around to roam about and admire. There’s beautiful Marina del Rey, where the luxurious yachts of the wealthy are docked, and where you will find even more restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. There’re world-famous Hollywood Blvd., the Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air, Disneyland (the original one), Universal Studios (the original one), and other theme parks to explore and lose yourself in! And then, there are the GLORIOUS beaches where sun and fun abound. Santa Monica may be the most famous of them, and the most fun with rides (including a huge Ferris wheel), dining, shopping, and other entertainments. You can enjoy all this and much more IF you can afford it, which is a big if.

But despite the high cost of everything here, Los Angeles is relatively safe considering there are likely 20 or 30 million people here from all over the globe, with probably a third of them being illegal immigrants who have not been vetted by any official immigration agency. There is rampant crime, to be sure, so you have to keep your wits about you and use common sense (such as not strolling the streets at 2:00 in the morning or wandering around the wrong neighborhood), but much of that crime is of the type you don’t really see if you’re not looking for it. Drugs and alcohol, unfortunately, are everywhere. There are horrible people here and absolutely beautiful ones, both in and out. There are followers of pretty much every Faith on earth, with a church, temple, or mosque on nearly every block, as well as many people who believe in nothing.

I hope you can see from this that Los Angeles is as big and diverse as you can imagine, and it can be an absolute heaven on earth for those who can afford it. I forgot to mention the main attraction, L.A.’s unparalleled weather, which is generally mild year-round with magnificent sunshine and ocean breezes most days. The city is dense, intense, and highly urbanized, but simultaneously laid back and very relaxed largely due to its horizontal, rather than vertical development over the decades, giving it a spread-out, low-density feel. Traffic can be horrendous, especially on the 405 Freeway, of course, parking is problematic and EXPENSIVE, and public transportation is the pits — slow, unpredictable, and unpleasant. There are Uber, Lyft, taxis, and many other private transport options, but these are also very EXPENSIVE. It’s best to have access to a car because the land area of Greater L.A. is IMMENSE. From the northern Valley area to the Port of L.A. in the south, it will take an hour to drive the distance at high speeds on the freeway! It’s the same going from the beaches in the west of the city to its eastern expanses.

Some people complain that Angelinos are not friendly nor welcoming, and that may be true, but it may be because we are witnessing our hometown explode from a sleepy “country village” of a city into a gigantic mega-metropolis virtually overnight, which has totally changed EVERYTHING. But, in all, it’s a wonderful place to visit for rich tourists, and can still be a nice place to live even for those of us who struggle to afford it.

Brianne, says: 2023

Rent is high, traffic is heavy, the weather is perfect warm in the day cool at night. Lots of things to do, mountains are close, desert is close, ocean is close. Lots of people everywhere!

Be cautious of the homeless and traffic. Since cars are slow sometimes they walk up to them. If you have a family, I’d go live outside of LA honestly and choose a suburb like Pasadena or south to OC.

Terrible traffic and terrible pollution. The only good things are the food and the beaches. Otherwise, too hard to live here.

If you’re moving to Los Angeles you need to be comfortable driving and getting around the city in a car, but keep your eyes open because the city has many things to offer that some might not expect. For instance, there are *many* quiet, distinct neighborhoods, some of which are even walkable. You just have to be on the lookout for them. (Some of these include Los Feliz, Miracle Mile, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Central Culver City, Leimert Park, Montana & Ocean Park [Santa Monica], Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Silverlake, Highland Park, etc.) It has just about everything, but you have to know where to go to get what you want.

If you’re moving to LA KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOODS! Each pocket of LA has something different to offer, and they can be vastly different vibes. Figure out what you want from your neighborhood, and search for one that matches your vibe. Silverlake for example is chill/artsy, while West Hollywood is always busy/great if you love nightlife.

Jonathan, says: 2023

Have at least $3000 saved. Things are expensive and you don’t want to go broke while you’re figuring things out.

LA is a sprawling city and almost impossible without a car! If you live in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood you can possibly walk around but it’s definitely not a walking town. It is a good hiking town however with Runyon canyon which is easily accessible from Hollywood.

Own a car and get used to measuring distance in time rather than miles.

If you’re moving to Los Angeles you need to have enough money for rent. The city is very cosmopolitan and has lots of beautiful fun places. As you know this is the center of Hollywood.

Rowland, says: 2023

Los Angeles is, without a doubt, a wonderful place to visit. It has many fun and exciting things to see and do. The cost of living is very high and it is a crowded city with lots of auto traffic. If you like big city living, this is the place for you.

Belinda, says: 2023

If you move to Los Angeles you will experience beautiful weather, you will get to know people from all over the world and you will have access to the ocean, forest and desserts, unfortunately you’ll have to pay for all of that. The cost of living is extremely expensive.

Walter, says: 2022

Make sure to rent a car. Be prepared to pay for parking. Venice Beach is a must.

The land of dreams. People come to LA from around the globe to pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry and just about everything else. It’s an electric and dynamic region!

Melissa, says: 2022

It is a large, global city. You will need a car, and it is quite expensive to live here due to cost of housing.

Manxid, says: 2022

Before moving to Los Angeles, it is important to know about what mode of transportation is best suited for you. Another thing to take into consideration is Los Angeles traffic. Without traffic, you can get anywhere in 15 minutes. However, with traffic, that same distance could take up to an hour.

Los Angeles is a sprawling, diverse city with something to do for anyone. Any type of food and dining experience you’d like to try, we’ve got it. Want to learn to surf? The beach is only 30 minutes away. Museums more your speed? We have world renowned art, history, science, and genre museums. Movie stars more your speed? Take a walk down the Walk of Fame, check out Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and then go for a quick ride around the hills to see your favorite celebrity’s home.

Before moving to Los Angeles, prospective residents should know that it is nothing like New York City, where I used to live. The streets of New York City are extremely crowded with people walking to their offices and tourists exploring new sights. However, in Los Angeles, most workers drive to their destinations. New residents will want to adjust their schedules to account for this difference in travel.

Los Angeles is a crowded and busy city with diverse ethnic population. Hollywood film industry is based here. The city offers a range of choices for leisure as well as dining. Transit and commuting system are fairly dependable, although it can be time consuming or frustrating too. Many people find Los Angeles to be an expensive live in.

William, says: 2020

Los Angeles has a history of year-round earthquakes, as well as wildfires annually. It is important to consider these occurrences before deciding on residing within Los Angeles county. All that aside, Los Angeles has amazing moderate weather conditions all year long.

Danielle, says: 2020

Los Angeles has the best weather imaginable. We enjoy sunny days most of the year, which is perfect since there is always something to go out and do. The city is rich in culture, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. Los Angeles also likely has one of the most diverse restaurant communities in the world.

A firm grasp of reality is necessary to survive LA. You should have a stylish wardrobe well-suited for warm weather. It is also helpful to have a driver’s license. “Dream” is a buzzword out here. Many people will use that to attempt to exploit you, if you are not careful. Some folks, however, are sincere and kind. Those are the ones you should associate with as true companions.

Anisha, says: 2020

Los Angeles, California, is a large collection of 88 neighborhoods that are distinctly their own. Los Angeles is known for being the birthplace of Hollywood movies, having incredible “golden” beaches, and its above-average 284 days of sunshine a year. Lynwood is a neighborhood in between some rougher parts of the city. Lynwood is small compared to the rest of Los Angeles and doesn’t offer many opportunities. Downtown has big buildings and busy streets. From Chinatown to Grand Central Market, LA food is made authentically.

William, says: 2020

Anyone with the intention of living in Los Angeles should realize they’ll need a car. They will be driving for at least 40 minutes a day, probably more. They will need to make a certain amount of money to live alone, or be content with roommates. There is no point in living downtown, as there is nothing to do, nor any easily accessible grocery stores.

Alisha, says: 2020

Before moving to Los Angeles even though there are many great places to eat and visit, it might takes you awhile to get from point A to point B. Los Angeles is great but traffic in the city can be horrifying. The city is very spread out so you always have to account for traffic when making plans.

Chantal, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a wonderful city. The weather is beautiful for most of the year as well. However, be aware that you will be sitting in traffic from time to time. Living in Los Angeles has many perks, but the cost of living is high and traffic is crazy.

1. LA is expensive, and rent or mortgage payments can put a huge dent in your monthly budget.
2. You’ll need a car to live in LA; Los Angeles is a huge city and getting from one location to another is easier when you have your own transportation–those bus rides can be brutal.
3. Don’t be afraid to meet new people. More often than not, the people who you meet in the city of Los Angeles will be transplants (people not actually from LA), and making friends can go a long way in helping you adjust to your new life in the city.

Anyone moving to Los Angeles should know it is a liberal and diverse city. People are allowed to be themselves without fearing the judgement faced in some other areas of the country. In addition to that freedom, there are some fantastic opportunities to experience cultural events. There are different landscapes to be seen with mountains, beaches, and desert areas all within a reasonable driving distance.

Jackie, says: 2020

Living in Los Angeles is extremely tiring and trying. It can take several years to gain a foothold here, and many are put off enough to leave before then. Additionally, traffic is so intense it can take an hour or more to get to a location less than five miles from your place of departure.

Srivardhini, says: 2020

Los Angeles has high rent costs, insufferable traffic, and a large number of residents living on the street. However, the city does boast tremendous diversity and unique cultural elements not found anywhere else.

Gabrielle, says: 2020

Los Angeles is an extremely spread out city that requires one to have a willingness to commute. That being said, the gorgeous weather and mesmerizing landscapes make any commute worthwhile. Los Angeles is a beautiful city that offers myriad opportunities and activities to its residents; it is difficult to experience boredom living in a city with so much to offer.

Los Angeles is an incredibly vibrant and sprawling city. While rent may be high in some of the more popular areas, there are some really wonderful alternatives if you are willing to venture away from the tourist hotspots. In North Hollywood, the rent is reasonable, the people are warm, and the bars and restaurants are just as exciting as innovative as anywhere else in the city.

Pearlene, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis in some areas and a compacted zone of fervor in others. There is something for everyone in this diverse city. There is a plethora of cuisine choices at the ready, from Jamaican to Thai, from New York pizza to authentic French Crepes. The keen eyed observer will also notice the many murals depicting moments important in the history of the “City of Lost Angels”.

Kennalee, says: 2020

moving here, know we do not have earthquakes frequently. Many people are afraid to move to Los Angeles because they fear the ground shaking for under them. Compared to other cities and their natural disaster, our city does not experience then as often. if you are looking to move to a town that is almost free of scary weather events Los Angeles is the place.

Francis, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a complicated and fascinating city. To live here, one must be persistent, creative, and clever. At times, you may feel overwhelmed, but don’t be alarmed. This city is not for the faint of heart! Take care with your actions, and remain calm. Soon you will find yourself in love with LA!

Breanna, says: 2020

If moving to Los Angeles, California, you should be able to deal with high amounts of traffic. Compared to a small town, freeways tend to be four lanes, and traffic jams are abundant. Before you come to Los Angeles, decide on whether you would rather drive or participate in ride-sharing.

Shelley, says: 2020

The gilded, shiny exterior that prompts so many to flock to this sprawling, sunshine metropolis is not what outsiders will find when they walk down LA’s boulevards. The city is home to one of the United States’ largest homeless populations as housing prices are inordinately high. Not to mention, Los Angeles reigns supreme as one of the most polluted, and smog-infested cities in the world.

Stephanie, says: 2020

A person that moves to the city of Los Angeles, California should know the various living costs. The cost of living in Los Angeles, California depends on location, rent, basic necessities, and utilities. it is crucial to know about the employment market in Los Angeles, California. It is important to know the employment rates of the city.

Rebecca, says: 2020

Los Angeles is full of opportunities, varying in a whole wide of careers, whether that might be exploring the Hollywood industry and becoming an actor, or introducing people to possibly their future homes as a realtor. Los Angeles is the home of the entertainment industry and is a cultural landmark, known for being world-class and having millions of tourists explore what the city of angels has to offer.

Alissa, says: 2020

Los Angeles is beautiful. The weather is almost always perfect, the atmosphere is breathtaking, and the people are very friendly. The city is bursting with a diverse mixture of cultures that make every destination a wonderful adventure. One of my favorite aspects of Los Angeles is the wide variety of food options. There is always something for everyone!

Someone moving to Los Angeles should know the high price of real estate. Despite the cost of living here, the weather is fantastic and it is quite beautiful. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, I recommend doing extensive research on the different neighborhoods. Someone new to the area should aim to find a home not far from their office because we have heavy traffic here.

To live in Los Angeles is a beautiful experience. There are an infinite amount of things to do, it’s nearly impossible to be bored. There are plenty man-made sights, and astounding nature sights. Many cultures reside within this wonderful city, great opportunity to learn and enjoy within a reasonable distance.

Andrea, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a busy and diverse city. Like New York, the city never sleeps. LA is spread out and encompasses the entire Los Angeles County area and includes 1/4 of the population of California. The climate varies between the ocean side cities and those in the “valley”, where temperatures can vary as much as 30 degrees from one location to the next.

Los Angeles is a vibrant city, full of talented artists, actors, creators and dreamers. From the Hollywood buzz of movie premieres, to the to lush hills, palm trees and beachside sunsets, it’s seemingly impossible to go wrong with L. A. living. Waking up every morning to bright sunshine, endless possibilities and bustling streets makes me endlessly grateful to live in this city.

Meadow, says: 2020

Los Angeles has many venues and activities to attend. It is a city filled with all types of ethnic foods, cultural events, music, art and so much more! We have some of the nicest museums to explore such as The Getty Museum. We also have amusement parks for example, Universal Studios for those who enjoy movies. There are plays, dances and the Hollywood Bowl once a year puts on concerts. If you have children, they will enjoy many activities too like Griffith Park which has pony rides and Train Town. There is always so much to see and do in Los Angeles. You’ll want to stay and enjoy all the excitement of our city.

Candace, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a large and diverse city, and people from all over the world live here. You can see evidence of this in the food that is available, the music and art scenes, and the history of immigration and urbanization in the city. From the South Bay to Downtown LA and all the way up to the San Fernando Valley, you will find a community within the city where you will feel at home.

Los Angeles is an amazing city, but it is important to realize that prices here are expensive. The price of fuel is not cheap in Los Angeles. One must not forget that there is a lot of traffic on the highways. It is important to drive a vehicle or to be prepared to spend money on a rideshare app multiple times. Rent is also expensive here, one can expect to pay multiple 1,000s of dollars on a relatively small aparapartment.

Ashleigh, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a huge city – much bigger than most cities in America – and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The nice thing about it is that once you find your groove, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you want to live at the beach or in the hills, a downtown artist’s pad or suburbia, there’s so much to Los Angeles that you’re sure to find it here. It can be hard to get the hang of the place – I’d say it takes about three years to really understand the city – but once you do, you’ll see why people keep moving here year after year. Oh, and we have some of the best food in the world, whatever cuisine you’re into. Best of all, the weather is beautiful nearly year-round.

If moving to Los Angeles, California, don’t forget to bring your sunscreen! You can look forward to relaxing days at the beach and a vibrant nightlife. This diverse and multicultural city has so many things to offer and you can experience history, art, theme parks, and most importantly, amazing cuisine!

Hailey, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a city of contradictions. Hiking up our lush green hills, you are rewarded with a view of a sprawling industrial mecca. Poverty lives side-by-side with enough wealth to drive Robin Hood insane. Our city is materialism sandwiched in a peace sign, superficiality wrapped in free love, hard edges and soft centers. I promise, you will never be bored.

Vanessa, says: 2020

Los Angeles, the center of entertainment and adventure on the west coast. Less than a 30-minute drive can take you from the relaxing beach atmosphere to the ever-busy Downtown Los Angeles. LA encapsulates everything that an individual could want or would look for in a new environment. The possibilities are endless in a city that seems to never stop working.

Shelby, says: 2020

Before moving to Los Angeles, it is important to understand that our city functions more as a collection of neighborhoods than as a single metropolis. Each area of the city has its own culture and ethos, and exploring different parts of town is one of the joys of being an Angeleno. Newcomers should not expect to find a specific city center or hub. It is also important to consider one’s daily commute before choosing a neighborhood to call home. Traffic in Los Angeles is no joke; plan accordingly.

Andres, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a beautiful city, full of interesting people, cultures, and sights. The weather is warm throughout the year and one does not usually have to wear winter clothing. The biggest drawback is the amount of traffic; it often seems as if every resident owns a vehicle.

Nichole, says: 2020

Someone moving to Los Angeles should know about the beautiful beaches, the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, and the delicious food trucks around town. Our well known areas of town are Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA. In Los Angeles, we have a lot to offer.

Sherri, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a large city well-known for its diverse population and technology industry, but living there isn’t ideal for everyone. Los Angeles has a remarkably high cost of living. Many residents also complain of traffic, pollution, and noise. However, there are many jobs available in various fields, and Los Angeles is home to dozens of beautiful landmarks and parks.

Los Angeles is such a diverse city! it is one of the most unique places. Geographically speaking, I can access the beach and the mountains within a range of two hours from where I live. The wide variety of ethnic food in Los Angeles is also great as you can learn about different cultures and their cuisine without having to leave the city! Traffic can be terrible, but apart from that, Los Angeles is a wonderful city.

Iseoluwa, says: 2020

Los Angeles is an amazing city. There is no much to do and so many types of people to meet. I love the variety of museums and relatively close vicinity to several types of physical environments the most. My favorite places in LA to visit are the art museums, such as, LACMA. I also can’t wait for the Museum of Motion Picture to open as well!

Krystal, says: 2020

When moving to Los Angeles, one should consider the cost of owning a car. Traffic in LA is notoriously horrible and, coupled with high gasoline prices in the state of California, can make the cost of owning a car much higher than other states. Second, one should consider the cost of living in LA, where rent, food, taxes and many other daily expenses are also higher than most other states. And third, one should consider the weather of the city they are relocating to. In the case of LA, which sees very high temperatures in summer, perhaps it would be advisable to seek air conditioned accommodations.

If one moves to Los Angeles, the sun always shines. While such weather may seem pleasant, in actuality, it is incredibly tiresome to handle. Additionally, the culture of Los Angeles is simultaneously plastic and bitter. It is in no way a pleasant city, and I recommend choosing another.

Brenda, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a very popular place. Quite honestly, it’s overcrowded. For anyone moving to LA, they should know that due to the popular attractions it’s expensive to live here. It’s not easy finding affordable housing. There are other cities within California that aren’t overpopulated and within reasonable distance of entertainment venues.

Joseph, says: 2020

Los Angeles is a breathtaking place to move with various opportunities. However, statistically speaking, more than 40% of people who move here each year end up moving back home. Some of the main reasons for that is traffic, the cost of living and the people. Los Angeles is known of having some of the worst traffic in the nation and it lives up to that standard. For example, it will take you an hour or more to get to a place that should take roughly 25-35 minutes to get to. This is a deterrent for many people since they’re accustomed to living in a place that has very little or no traffic. it deters them because more time in the car automatically means that drivers will have to fill up their gas tank more often. This brings me to next issue which is cost of living. The gas prices are some of the highest in the U. S due to a governmental tax here and that is only one cost of living! The inflated cost also applies to everything else and L. A. ranks at number three for the highest rental costs, with rent costing roughly $1500 a month. This means that to live comfortably people have to be making $60K+ which not everyone realizes, and people who are not as financially well off are often scoffed at by other LA residents who are. Speaking of people in LA, they aren’t the friendliest people at times. There are a lot of wonderful people here but also many rude, condescending people are well. LA is a very superficial place due to the movie industry and some people really reflect that. Everyone isn’t willing to even say hi in elevator or they beep a driver for not moving at a green light right away. Some people aren’t used to that so it turns them off to the place. I will say that LA is a great place but these are some things worth knowing before moving here.

Samantha, says: 2020

Los Angeles is the considered to be the entertainment capital of the world. Filled with promises of fame, Tinsel Town regains her old glory through the ambitions of starry-eyed hopefuls, and the unabashed youth. After nearly 100 years, Los Angeles, California, retains her seat on the throne of all things entertainment, and continues to capture the imaginations and fascinations of the world over.

Michael, says: 2020

Anyone moving to Los Angeles should know cars are crucial here. People who do not drive are often looked at suspiciously. It is often assumed that people who do not drive have been arrested for drunk driving or are simply unable to pass the driving test. If you are headed this way, bring a vehicle!

Cameron, says: 2020

The most important thing know about before moving to Los Angeles is the cost of living. An average one bedroom apartment is usually $1,000. Groceries for a single person can easily total to about $100 if purchasing common pantry foods such as chips, canned goods, and pasta. It is critical for a future resident to find a home near their workplace, as gas prices can be up to $4.50 per gallon.

Los Angeles is a bustling, melting pot, much like New York, but without the complex subway system. There is plenty to keep a visitor’s interest piqued including eclectic food, art, museums, beaches, mountains, and festivals. There will always be traffic so it is important to account for at least 20 extra minutes of travel time for your estimated time of arrival. Enjoy the hidden gems within the city!

Justin, says: 2020

If moving to Los Angeles, you must consider the heavy traffic, the rising housing costs, and the often volatile homeless population. I recommend visiting the city first to decide whether or not it will be a good fit for you. However, it is a beautiful place, laden with opportunity and culture.

Los Angeles is a city of beaches and sunshine. The city has perfect weather for most of the year. The Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and Disney concert hall are amazing places to visit but with these come the cost of housing and the nightmare traffic. But if you like that lifestyle, there’s no better place than the land of opportunities, Hollywood!

Johanna, says: 2020

Los Angeles is the city of angels. It is home to the Staples Center and plenty of great attractions. Los Angeles also has several eateries, museums, and bars. Along the west coast there are several places to barbecue and sight-see. Santa Monica houses the infamous ferris wheel. Also, Santa Monica has a pretty cool pier for shopping and more fun.

Leslie, says: 2020

If someone moves to Los Angeles, they need to consider the awful traffic on the freeways and how that will impact their commute. Public transit is not as well developed as in New York City, which drives many people to rely on their car. I recommend moving to a neighborhood close to the Metro Expo Line if your job is near that track.

Kristina, says: 2020

Anyone moving here, Los Angeles, should at least consider the cost of rent. Even though the cost of rent is much higher than most other cities, it may not be as high as one would expect. With enough patience and time, it is certainly possible for someone to find a comfortable place with a low rent price.

Kathryn, says: 2020

The one willing to move to Los Angeles has to understand that it might take a lot more time than in romanticized movies. Nevertheless, this city is wonderful on it’s own way. The breathtaking views, beautiful monuments and inspiring people who want to change the world. If you come here for unforgettable moments, you will get them.

Damarriyah, says: 2020

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