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What are transportation options and challenges in Los Angeles, California?

33 local experts
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Are there taxis in Los Angeles? What about scooters? What are the public transportation options? Here's what 33 local experts had to say about transportation methods in Los Angeles, California.

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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 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.

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.

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

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 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

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

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.

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.

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

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 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 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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
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