Getting to Know – Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a melting pot of people and cultures. As one of the top metropolitan areas in the world, it never lacks for surprises, activities, and attractions. Just like any other major city, it has its bright spots and downsides – and every single one gives it a vitality all its own.

Here are some of the things you should know before moving to Los Angeles:

1. There are hundreds of neighborhoods to choose from

   LA is made up of over six regions, and each one is composed of numerous cities and neighborhoods. You can choose to live in Central Los Angeles, the Westside, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, South LA, the South Bay, the Eastside, and the Verdugos. Every region has its own distinct subculture, features, lifestyle, and even weather. You can choose to live near the beach, on the mountains, or in the middle of a bustling city. Living in Beverly Hills, for example, places you right at the heart of luxury in the metro.

   Once you know which region to live, you have the difficult task of selecting a neighborhood. According to this report, LA has over 470 neighborhoods, which makes choosing the right one a bit of a challenge. Among the things to consider are your budget, commute to work, nearby amenities and attractions, and schools. You might also want to consider walkability, given the metro’s notorious traffic.

2. Getting around needs careful planning

   You’ll most likely need a car to get around, although public transportation options have been increasing. Around 68% of Angelinos drive to work, and that means horrendous traffic any time of the day. When you have to go somewhere, always plan for traffic and find the fastest routes before leaving the house.

   One of the first things you have to master is navigating LA’s complex freeway system. There are around 12 major freeways that connect the metro’s regions, and they merge at busy interchanges. When asking for directions, expect to be given the freeway number instead of the name, so learning freeway numbers is something you might want to do.

   You can also go against the trend and take public transportation. The LA Metro provides rail and bus transit covering over 1,400 square miles, and is considered the third most comprehensive public transport system in the US. You can download the Go Metro app to plan your trips using the system.

3. It’s more than just about show business

   LA may be synonymous with Hollywood and showbiz, but the economy is much more than the entertainment industry. Finance, real estate, and insurance lead the various economic sectors in the metro, closely followed by information technology, and professional and business services. Greater LA has the second largest economy in the US, and boasts a diverse range of industries where you can find rich employment opportunities.

4. You get great weather all year round

   There’s good reason most relocations to LA happen in January – people want to escape the cold in other parts of the country and enjoy the metro’s beautiful sunny weather. Los Angeles gets 284 days of sunshine, with zero snow and only 16 inches of rain each year. While it can get quite hot in the summer, the cooling breezes from the ocean provides respite at night.

   LA has several microclimates that make for varying conditions. San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley, for example, are drier and hotter than the rest of the metro. LA’s generally comfortable weather, however, makes it a great place for all kinds of activities, whether indoors or outdoors, all year long.

Make your move to LA as stress-free as possible. We at Sasha Rahban Real Estate can not only help you find the perfect home, we can also help you with your relocation needs. Call us today at 310.963.9680 or send us a message here.