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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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”.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.