LA is a city unlike any other. It is world famous, portrayed in movies, music, and art. Los Angeles is a culturally diverse city populated by an eclectic mix of people who all contribute to making the City of Angels the unique and intriguing place it is today. Whether you’re living in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, Long Beach or The Valley, you are a part of the LA scene.
As a Southern California resident/realtor, I’ve spent a lot of time in LA, and I love it. Los Angeles is a city, but the city is only part of greater Los Angeles County, and there is a ton to see and do here. But before packing up and moving to Los Angeles, there are several things to take into consideration.
It Can Be Crowded
There are a lot of people in Los Angeles, so if you’re super attached to large amounts of personal space, LA is probably not the city for you. While any urban area or big city is likely to be densely populated, Los Angeles is the second most densely populated in the entire United States, coming in right behind New York. LA county is home to a staggering 18.7 million people, and the city of Los Angeles proper has a population of 3.9 million. That’s a lot of people, all of them on the move. Traffic and crowds are a reality of daily life and the freeways are in a league of their own when it comes to commute times and congestion. Rush hour is nightmarish. Be prepared. This is a city where it is hard to be lonely.
It isn’t Cheap
Southern California can be on the expensive side, but this is because it provides an immaculate living experience. The specific costs depend on the neighborhood that you choose, with some being more affordable than others. Even though the Beverly Hills cost of living is a lot higher than that of a city like Burbank or Glendale, there are very few area codes in LA that would be considered affordable when compared to national averages. However, this is offset with the higher salaries that are afforded in these areas. Though there are more things to do in Beverly Hills in general and definitely more luxury things to do in Beverly Hills than elsewhere, Van Nuys, unless you are a movie star or independently wealthy, it might be unrealistic to expect to own a home there right away. There are plenty of other LA cities to choose from, and they all have something to offer, so do some research, examine your finances and make sure LA residency is economically feasible for you. LA is well connected which means you can enjoy taking in the luxury amenities whilst living in a more affordable neighborhood.
Seasons Aren’t Really a Thing Here
The sunshine state earned that moniker and it is well deserved. If you head north, you may experience some seasonal coolness, and The Bay Area gets its share of wind and rain, but LA is pretty much perpetually sunny. Say goodbye to snowy white Christmases. You won’t need mittens or scarves. Most of the time, it is warm and sunny, and in the summer, warm gives way to hot. Really hot. Days with three-digit temperatures are not uncommon between June and September. On the plus side, you’re almost right on the coast and there are plenty of beaches to choose from when you need to beat the heat.
There are Plenty of Positives
Now that we’ve taken care of the biggest considerations to LA living, it is time to focus on all of the positive aspects, like recreation and job opportunities. There are a ton of things to do in Los Angeles. You could realistically choose a different recreational activity/destination every weekend for a year and still not run out of places to go and awesome stuff to see.
California has a booming economy, too, and that means that there are more jobs in SoCal than there are in most other cities and towns across America. Many of California’s employment opportunities are unique, too, so finding a job won’t necessarily lock you into the daily grind of nine to five. There are also a number of prestigious colleges in the area, such as UCLA.
Housing opportunities in LA are as diverse as its residences. The best place to live in Beverly Hills may be fancier than the best place to live in Long Beach, but happiness isn’t necessarily something you can buy, and it comes in different packages. Los Angeles is diverse, and the selection of homes it has to offer is a prime example of that diversity. LA has old homes with history and brand new, state of the art condos, single family residences and apartments, bungalows and co-ops, duplexes, tract homes and mansions. There is something for everyone in the City of Angels.
If you’re ready to make the move to this iconic city, then be sure to contact us today. We are ready to help you find your ideal home in LA paradise.