Hollywood, celebrities, sandy beaches, and sky-high prices are usually the things that cross people’s minds when talking about LA. We’re here to tell you that there’s more to living in Los Angeles, California than just that. From great population diversity to delicious food and a prosperous economy, there are quite a few other things you’ll enjoy here – and some that will inevitably get on your nerves. So, before you contact cross-country movers, know what you’re getting yourself into.
The Pros of Living in Los Angeles
Living in Los Angeles offers numerous advantages, and it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to the City of Angels. LA is known for its thriving entertainment industry, stunning beaches, and year-round pleasant weather. As the heart of Hollywood, it provides endless opportunities in film, television, and music.
Additionally, the city’s diverse culinary scene, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife make it a dynamic place to live. From outdoor activities to world-class shopping, there’s always something to do, making it a perfect city for those seeking excitement and creativity. But before you invest in long-distance moving services from a car shipping company like Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving, learn all about LA to ensure it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
Living in the Land of Diversity
There are very few places in the world as diverse as LA is. People from all over the globe come here in search of a better life and more opportunities. As a result, the population of the City of Angels has around 40% of foreign-born citizens in 2020. Such diversity means that you’ll be surrounded by different cultures and languages, learn new things every day, and get to taste a new kind of food whenever you want to.
The Great Outdoors
You already know that the weather in LA is fantastic. What makes it even better is the fact that there are so many outdoor activities you can enjoy. From water sports and beach activities to mountain biking, hiking, and jogging, there is a little bit for everyone. Whenever you need a quick break from the city, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Lots of Things to Do
Even if you’re not a fan of outdoor activities, there are still lots of options for you to spend your leisure time. From basking in the sun at a sandy beach or watching sports at LA Memorial Coliseum or the Dodgers Stadium to bar hopping or touring the museums, the list is endless.
You'll Likely Earn a Lot
Salaries in LA are quite high compared to most other places in the US. According to Zip Recruiter, the average yearly income exceeds $68,000. Of course, this depends on your line of work, but even the generally underpaid jobs make enough. To be exact, as of September ’24, the average annual salary in Los Angeles stands at $68,350. The majority of salaries in the city typically fall between $50,000 and $84,900 annually, placing them in the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively.
The Not-So-Good Sides of Making a Home in LA
Let’s start with an obvious one – Los Angeles can get crowded. With so many people moving to Los Angeles on a regular basis, the city can get quite crowded. Especially if you’re moving from a small town, this can be quite a shock. Constantly having to elbow your way through crowds and bumping into other people is something you’ll simply have to get used to. On the other hand, if you’re moving from New York, for example, LA sidewalks will be child’s play for you. But there are some other downsides as well.
Hordes of Tourists
Yes, outdoor activities in the sun are great. But here’s the reality: people are everywhere. As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, LA doesn’t really have a long list of hidden spots to enjoy. Wherever you go, there will likely be hordes of tourists there. While this is not bad for the city’s economy, it will certainly not be great for your Saturday afternoon.
In 2023, Los Angeles attracted 49.1 million visitors, showing a strong recovery at 97% of its pre-pandemic tourism levels from 2019. Among these visitors, 43.3 million were domestic tourists, fully rebounding to 2019 numbers.
International tourism also saw significant growth, with 5.8 million visitors, reaching nearly 79% of the pre-pandemic figures.
Finding a Job Is a Challenge
Of course, everyone wants to have a six-digit income. This means that the job market in LA is hugely competitive. If you’re going to get a job before you move, be prepared for a lengthy process. As someone once said – good jobs come to those who wait. And start searching early. And send out lots of resumes. And attend countless interviews. Don’t lose hope.
Is It Expensive to Live in Los Angeles, California?
Whether the cost of living in Los Angeles is high really depends on your definition of expensive. It is estimated that the monthly costs for a family of four, without rent, are about $4,850. A four-bedroom apartment will, on average, cost you around $3,300 a month. Of course, this highly varies depending on the exact place in the city you choose. The best places to live in Los Angeles are usually the most expensive ones, too. This is especially true for the suburbs of Los Angeles. Needless to say, if you’re moving to Los Angeles alone, your expenses will be lower, but so will your household income.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Los Angeles Comfortably?
Now that you know how much you can expect to spend, let’s determine how much money you’ll need to make. Once you find an apartment you like, multiply the rent by three. The number you get is the lowest salary you’ll need to live comfortably and have enough to spend on food, utilities, healthcare, leisure, and other expenses. Moving to California when you have a family doesn’t only mean you need to find the best city to live with your kids – it also means calculating various costs such as for shipping a vehicle from Florida or any other state you’re moving from.
Is It Safe to Live in Los Angeles?
Much like the cost of living, the safety highly depends on the neighborhood you choose. As a whole, LA has crime statistics quite common for a place of that size – about 25% higher than the national average, with property crimes being three to four times more common than violent crimes. However, some not-so-affordable neighborhoods, such as Miracle Mile or Beverly Hills, are considered very safe. On the other hand, areas such as Liement Park and West Adams probably shouldn’t be on the top of your list.
Ship a Car With Long-Distance Movers to Travel Around Los Angeles
LA is huge. To travel around more efficiently, we highly suggest shipping your car with an auto transport company to here. While public transportation is an option, it is far from being the most convenient way of commuting. That being said, prepare for traffic jams, as you’ve never seen them before. The morning rush hour is usually between 7 and 10 AM, while the evening one is between 4 and 7 PM. Even outside these hours, however, traffic can be bad. This goes for both driving and parking.
If you’re not a driver – or if you would like to avoid spending hours behind the wheel – there are other options. Of course, there’s public transit – LACMTA, including buses, metros, and trains. However, more and more people are opting for a cheaper, healthier, and more fun alternative – cycling. In fact, even LACMTA introduced a bike-sharing program for all locals called Metro Bike Share.
Things to Do in Your Free Time
Let’s face it – no one moves to LA for its costs or traffic. They move for all the great things to do and the weather that allows you to do them year-round. As we have already mentioned, whatever it is that you enjoy, LA has got you covered. Here are some great things to do in LA:
- Venice Canals: No, not that Venice. The neighborhood of Venice got its name after the Italian city thanks to its network of small canals. This is the locals’ favorite spot for a scenic afternoon walk with loved ones.
- Temescal Gateway Park: This hillside park located in the Pacific Palisades has a handful of spots with breathtaking views of the ocean and the city. For those of you who enjoy hiking and being active, this is the place to visit.
- Huntington library: This is more than just your regular library. It also includes an art gallery and botanical garden where you can sit down for a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the nature.
- The Broad: This contemporary art museum collects art pieces from the 1950s on and presents it to visitors from all over the world. From the architecture of the building to its exhibitions, tours, and events, every corner of this museum is a piece of art.
- Hollywood tours: It should come as no surprise that there are numerous bus and on-foot tours here that show you all the hot spots celebrities frequent, and even some of their lavish Hollywood homes. From the outside, of course.
- Universal Studios tour: Any movie buff’s dream is to visit Universal Studios and take a tour through their facilities. Aside from learning about the movie-making process, you can also enjoy theme park rides and watch various exciting shows.
- Surfing classes at Venice Beach: It would be a shame to live so close to the ocean and not know how to surf, right? Luckily, you can take classes for as little as $25. You’ll be a pro in no time!
What Is It Like Living in Los Angeles?
Being an LA local is what you make of it. With so much variety in neighborhoods, population, activities, and lifestyles, you can truly create the life that you want here. One thing is for sure – living in Los Angeles will never be boring. So stop wasting your time, find reliable Los Angeles movers working for a long-distance moving company, and begin a new chapter of your life in 2020.
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Residing in Los Angeles offers a blend of exciting opportunities and unique challenges. From the vibrant entertainment scene to the endless outdoor activities, LA has something for everyone. However, the crowds, traffic, and cost of moving to and living there can be overwhelming. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
If you’re ready to take the leap and start a new chapter in LA, trust Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving to make your cross-country move seamless. Whether you’re moving from across the state or across the country, we offer professional cross-country moving services to get you there hassle-free. Contact us to get a quote today and start planning your relocation with confidence!