What You Need to Know When Moving to Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA is a sprawling city well-known for its sunny Mediterranean climate and breadth of world-class activities and venues. The average temperature in winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal place if you don't like cold weather.
As California's largest city, Los Angeles is home to an estimated 4 million people as of 2020. Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States, with an estimated 10 million residents. When you're planning a move to the City of Angels, there are some things you should know in order to make moving to LA a success.
What New Los Angeles Residents Need to Know First
The city of Los Angeles covers nearly 469 square miles. One of the first things that you need to know about living in Los Angeles is that there's a lot of traffic. If you plan to drive to work in Downtown Los Angeles, you'll need to get used to traffic jams. Because of this, many people choose to live close to work. Public transportation is another option. Downtown LA is served by subways and bus routes.
Aside from the traffic, you'll notice that living in LA is like living in the capital of the world— within a few blocks, you can experience culture, language and food from every part of the Earth. Another important piece of knowledge about moving to Los Angeles is that living expenses are significantly higher on average compared with most cities in the United States— they are also higher than average for the state of California. On the other hand, you won't ever need a winter parka or snow boots, and the city's beaches are open year-round.
Choose the Right Neighborhood
Los Angeles County includes 88 cities. Los Angeles itself is home to dozens of neighborhoods. In some areas, a single-bedroom apartment costs more than $2,300 per month in rent. One-way commutes could take as long as 75 minutes from some places. You might want a walkable neighborhood, such as Larchmont Village or the Arts District. If you love beaches, consider Venice or Malibu. If you're more of a hiker, try Eagle Rock or Highland Park. For a vibrant night scene, consider University Park or La Brea.
Top Los Angeles Attractions
When people move to Los Angeles, they often want to know where to go first. If you like to be entertained, you will find no shortage of places to visit. History or science buffs should visit the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. If sports are your thing, you could attend a home game of the LA Dodgers or the Lakers. If you like museums, try the Museum of Tolerance or the Petersen Automotive Museum. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is an ideal place to explore with family or out-of-town friends.
Outdoor Places to Explore in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is also home to some great outdoor attractions, parks and hiking trails. Try the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for a great view of the whole city. The peaceful Stocker Corridor Trail offers walking and jogging paths. Look for wildlife at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. Attend a festival or just walk along the Redondo Beach Pier and do some people-watching.
The Best of Los Angeles Landmarks
Los Angeles is home to many iconic landmarks. You probably already know about the Hollywood sign, but there are some other landmarks you should also visit during your free time. If you're a fan of maritime history or military history, go on a tour of the Battleship USS Iowa and its museum. Check out the Walk of Fame, located at Hollywood Boulevard and around the TCL Chinese Theatre. The Capitol Records Building, Stahl Center and Venice Canal Historic District and boardwalk are some of the top architectural landmarks in Los Angeles. The Griffith Observatory, Disneyland Park and Universal Studios Hollywood round out some of the must-see landmarks.
Moving Preparation Tips for Your Relocation to Los Angeles
When you're planning a move to the city of Los Angeles, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The city has micro-climates that affect the weather. At the Santa Monica pier, the typical July daytime high temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but 24 miles inland at Canoga Park, the average daytime high temperature in July is 95 degrees.
The month of June tends to be foggy, which the locals call "June gloom." Take extra precautions when driving a moving truck or unloading in dense fog. Dry winds, called the Santa Ana winds, bring in hot, dry air and a risk of fires. You'll need to be careful and avoid bonfires or anything that might make a spark outdoors. April through June are peak moving times, so you'll need to reserve a truck and movers in advance.