Things to Know Before Moving to Los Angeles, LA

Los Angeles is full of chances and fun but might scare new people. With over 100 places to live, four million folks, and a big economy, it can seem like a lot. This guide offers tips to make moving to the City of Angels easier. We’ll discuss how big LA is, the difference between the city and the county, various areas, working at weird times, and the car culture. This information is essential for a smooth move to LA.

The Sheer Size of Los Angeles

Los Angeles is huge, covering 502.7 square miles, bigger than New York City and Chicago. It’s the second largest city in the U.S. by land area, right after New York City.

Los Angeles is about 1,302 square kilometers compared to New York City’s 305 square miles. Manhattan is just 22.8 square miles, and Chicago is 227 square miles. Los Angeles’s large size makes it unique and full of different neighborhoods.

The Distinction Between the City and the County

Knowing the difference between the city and the county of Los Angeles is critical. Cities like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills are part of Los Angeles County, not the city itself. The county is over 4,000 square miles and has 88 cities, with Los Angeles as the biggest.

This distinction is important because Los Angeles’s area includes more than just the city. The county offers many things to do and see for both locals and visitors.

Navigating the Neighborhoods and Regions

Los Angeles is big and has a lot to offer. It has many regions and over 472 unique neighborhoods. Learning about the wider areas is excellent for seeing the city’s unique spots.

Exploring the Regions of Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Times names some central regions most people know:

San Fernando Valley: It feels like suburbs and is a bit warmer in the north.
Central LA: Includes famous areas like Hollywood, Downtown, and Mid-City.
South Bay: In the south, places like Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach are near the coast.
Westside: West of Downtown are fancy areas like Brentwood, Bel-Air, and Westwood.
East LA: To the east, it’s filled with different communities, many with Hispanic and Latino influences.

Learning about these central regions helps you understand Los Angeles’s layout and character. This is important even if you don’t know the specific neighborhoods yet.

Navigating the Neighborhoods

LA has many neighborhoods, each with its vibe. Remember, a 5-mile drive in LA can be a half-hour trip because of the traffic.

According to WalkScore, some great places for walking and activities in LA are MacArthur Park, Fairfax, Palms, Long Beach, and Sawtelle. These places have a lot to do and are easy to explore on foot.

Enjoy the unique spots in LA, from the fantastic shops and cafes on Abbot Kinney in Venice to seeing famous people in Beverly Hills. Knowing about Los Angeles’s regions and neighborhoods makes it easier to discover this vast city.

Embracing the Non-Traditional Work Schedules

In L.A., many people work at odd hours. This is true, especially in the entertainment field. You might see locals shopping during the day or working from cafes. Jobs like writing or acting often have long work weeks, followed by off days.

A lot of work in Los Angeles is freelance. Over half of Americans have had the chance to work from home one day a week, and about a third can work from home all five workdays. Around 80 million people in the US have jobs that allow them to work flexibly.

L.A. also has many who work the usual 9-5, Monday through Friday. You can tell because the roads are always packed. This mix of work styles shows how the city’s job scene is always changing, fitting the people’s shifting ideas about work.

For anyone working in L.A., being open to different work times is critical. It could be someone in entertainment or an office job. This city rewards those who can be flexible. It welcomes freelancers and those with gigs that change constantly.

Hollywood vs. West Hollywood

The difference between Hollywood and West Hollywood is critical to understanding Los Angeles. Both places offer their own experiences and have unique identities that change the city’s overall feel.

Contrasting Vibes and Offerings

Hollywood is a busy mix of homes, famous sites like the Walk of Fame, and movie studios. It’s where the excitement of showbiz meets real life. West Hollywood, on the other hand, is known for its lively gay scene and the famous Sunset Strip. It’s a hub for music and culture.

These areas show profound historical and cultural changes that make them what they are. West Hollywood, for example, is big on activism and representation. 1984, it was the first US city to have a mostly gay government.

Characteristic	Hollywood	West Hollywood
Location	Neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles	Separate city from Los Angeles
Vibe	Bustling, tourist-centric, entertainment industry hub	Vibrant, LGBTQ-friendly, cultural and nightlife destination
Incorporation	Part of the City of Los Angeles since the late 19th century	Incorporated as its own city in 1984
Landmarks	Walk of Fame, various production studios	Sunset Strip, WeHo Pride festival, West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval

New visitors to Los Angeles need to know the differences between Hollywood and West Hollywood. These areas cater to very different interests and lifestyles. Whether you like the glitz of Hollywood or the active LGBTQ+ scene of West Hollywood, there’s a lot to explore.

The Love-Hate Relationship with Cars

Living in Los Angeles often means we love and hate our cars. A car built for vehicles makes it easy to get around the city. But there’s a lot of traffic, too.

More than 150,000 people in Los Angeles take over an hour and a half to get to work. Traffic is terrible both in the morning and evening. Almost everyone in Los Angeles has a car. They use it to go to work, do errands, and see the city.

But too many cars cause enormous traffic jams. Los Angeles is known for its traffic. It makes people late and pollutes the air.

Commute Time	Cost	Environmental Impact
Over 150,000 people spend more than 1.5 hours commuting to work each day	Renting a car is a significant expense, often costing $800 per month or more	Idling vehicles in traffic contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions

Still, commuting in Los Angeles is part of city life. For many, a car means freedom and helps explore the city. But we need to find ways to deal with traffic and pollution.

Mastering the Freeway System

Learning to travel to the Big Los Angeles Freeway system is a big step for newcomers. Los Angeles has many freeways, like the 5, 105, and 405. People mostly call them by their numbers, not their names.

It’s important to know the freeway numbers in Los Angeles. Saying things like “I took the 10 to the 110 to the 101” helps you get around. It can be hard at first, but it is essential to get places.

Navigating Los Angeles freeways is linked to the city’s growth. In the 1920s, many more cars were on the road, changing the city’s appearance. This was the start of the heavy traffic people face today.

Freeways were built more in Los Angeles after the Great Depression and World War II. This was because of government support. Sadly, this mainly affected people in areas like East Los Angeles. Many were forced out of their homes because of it.

The Los Angeles freeway system is a big part of the city. There are ten big freeways. Los Angeles people learn how to drive on them because they’re so important.

Public Transportation: Improving but Challenging

Los Angeles’s public transportation has advantages and disadvantages for those without a car. Two subway lines, four light rail lines, and many bus routes make getting around quite easy.

But things could be better. Stations are far from each other, and bus times might not be right. This can make using the Los Angeles metro system a bit hard. People in L.A. often use other ways to travel, like sharing rides, scooters, or bikes.

If you want to get around Los Angeles without a car, it can work. It just takes some good planning and knowledge of the Metro’s issues. Many people use the system, getting on the trains and buses each day. But getting places and the time it takes could be improved.

City	Annual Public Transport Ridership
Tokyo	3.46 billion
Paris	More than all commuter trains in America combined
Los Angeles	Approx. 900,000 daily (Metro rail and bus)

The Los Angeles metro system is improving, but L.A. is big and built for cars. So, using public transport can still be challenging for many. Yet, as more is done to make things connect better, the public transport future in L.A. looks good. This means more ways to travel for everyone in this lively and varied city.

The Allure of the Weather

Living in Los Angeles means enjoying nice weather all year. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it gets 284 sunny days yearly. The summers are cool, with highs in the 80s. Winters don’t get very cold, rarely below 50°F.

Rain is rare from May to September, making LA perfect for sunny weather lovers. Even with some rain and natural disaster risks, many are drawn to Los Angeles because of its great weather and climate. It’s a top reason for moving to Los Angeles for the weather.

The Seasonal Shift

LA’s climate is pretty stable all year, unlike other places. Changes between seasons are not as extreme. The rainy season lasts from November to April, with just 5.5 rainy days each month.

Summer sees little rain, which people love for outdoor fun and dining. The stable Los Angeles weather offers a predictable lifestyle. It attracts those moving to Los Angeles Angeles the weather.

Embracing the Mild Climate

While LA has its windy and stormy days, most of the time, it’s mild and comfy. This weather allows people to enjoy LA’s outdoors a lot, like beach walks and mountain hikes.

Los Angeles’s lovely weather and climate support a lively food and culture scene. Eating outside and enjoying year-round activities is easy. This inviting climate is a big draw for those considering moving to Los Angeles for the weather.

Embracing the Laid-Back Vibe

Los Angeles is famous for its easygoing, laid-back culture. It’s very different from busy cities. Here, it’s okay to show up late and wear comfy clothes to work. Many here enjoy a work life that’s not so strict.

When people move to LA, they need to get used to this chill way of life. The Los Angeles dress code is more relaxed. So, wearing something nice but comfortable is suitable for all activities.

Los Angeles is known for its relaxed, casual atmosphere that contrasts with the fast-paced energy of other major cities.
Arriving late to events and wearing jeans and t-shirts to the office are acceptable in LA’s laid-back culture.
The city’s work culture embraces a more flexible, unconventional schedule, improving work-life balance.
Newcomers should be prepared to adapt to the casual, laid-back vibe that permeates the local lifestyle in Los Angeles.
LA’s dress code is more relaxed than other business hubs, reflecting the city’s emphasis on work-life balance and outdoor living.

The Renaissance of Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) has changed a lot in recent times. It has become a lively place from one that was often ignored. This change is thanks to new famous places, old areas getting new life, and more people and companies coming in.

The Broad, a big museum, is a big part of the new DTLA. It cost $140 million and looks like a big veil. It became a spot that art fans love, drawing people from afar.

Other places like Grand Park and the Ritz-Carlton have also helped the area’s new life. There are many cultural spots to see, like the Japanese American National Museum. The variety of things to do and see is making DTLA more popular.

Young adults like living in DTLA because there’s always something fun to do. The mix of places to eat, shop, and have fun at night keeps growing. Even places with a long history, like Grand Central Market, are getting new energy.

Old buildings are also getting new uses. The Ace Hotel, which opened in 2014, is a good example. Its opening in a once-forgotten once-forgotten part adds to DTLA’s unique look, making it a pivotal place to visit in L.A.

Landmark	Year Opened	Description
The Broad	2015	A contemporary art museum that cost $140 million to construct
Crypto.com Arena	1999	Home to the LA Lakers, LA Clippers, and LA Kings sports teams
Walt Disney Concert Hall	2003	An iconic architectural landmark that serves as the geographical center of Los Angeles

Today, downtown Los Angeles is a special place filled with art, culture, food, and fun. It has famous places, new life in old spots, and a lot of creativity. DowntownDowntown Los Angeles is now known as an exciting spot. It shows how the city is growing and changing.

Sports Galore in the City of Angels

Los Angeles is a top spot for sports fans. It has many teams that fans love, including the famous Dodgers and Lakers. The Angel City Football Club is also here for those who love football. This city is entire of chances to enjoy different sports.

In Los Angeles, you can find teams from many sports. There are NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL teams. There’s always a game to watch and cheer for with so many teams. This makes the city’s sports scene very exciting.

If you want something unique, check out the Angel City Football Club. It’s a women’s soccer team in the NWSL. The team is known for its famous owners like Serena Williams and Natalie Portman. They also help the community and work on important causes.

City	Professional Sports Teams
New York City	MLB: New York Yankees, New York MetsNBA: New York Knicks, Brooklyn NetsNFL: New York Giants, New York JetsNHL: New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils
Los Angeles	MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles AngelsNBA: Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles ClippersNFL: Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles ChargersNHL: Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks
Chicago	MLB: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White SoxNBA: Chicago BullsNFL: Chicago BearsNHL: Chicago Blackhawks
Boston	MLB: Boston Red SoxNBA: Boston CelticsNFL: New England PatriotsNHL: Boston Bruins

Are you a big Dodgers or Lakers fan? Or maybe you love the Angel City FC? Los Angeles has a lot to offer in sports. Dodger Stadium and SoFi Stadium are just two places you can go. The energy from fans makes everything more fun.

Los Angeles is always getting better for sports fans. New people and long-time residents can enjoy all the sports here. It’s a fantastic place for those who love sports.

People-Watching Paradise

Los Angeles is a top place for people-watching. It has many tourists and locals from all over. You can see all kinds of people, from the unique ones at Venice Beach to the many others in the city. There’s always something interesting to see, whether on the beach or walking around.

Los Angeles is big, with 4 million in the main city and 18.7 million in the area. People here come from 180 countries and speak 140 languages. So, you see a wide range of faces and hear different languages.

While out, you might see street artists at Venice Beach>. Or fancy people and those setting new trends downtown. Los Angeles is always lively with different scenes, like groups talking about their work or families enjoying the city together.

If you’re new to Los Angeles, people-watching is a cool idea. It lets you explore the city’s rich culture, and you’ll learn a lot by just observing people, from the boardwalk to the busy streets. Los Angeles is indeed a people-watching paradise.

Hiking Hotspots in the Urban Jungle

Los Angeles is known for its big, fast roads and many cars. But it’s also a great place for people who love being outside. Angelenos love to leave the city and see the natural world around them.

Runyon Canyon Park is in the middle of Hollywood. It’s a significant area of nature in the city. The main trail is 2.5 miles long. People can walk this trail and see beautiful views of the city. Another trail goes to the Hollywood Sign. It’s a bit harder but gives you great views.

The Santa Monica Mountains also have many trails. The Backbone Trail is very long, over 67 miles, and it goes through parks and wild areas. Solstice Canyon is part of this trail. It has a hike to a big waterfall. This area is green and peaceful, away from the city.

Many hiking places in LA are suitable for families. About 60% of the trails are easy for kids. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is one of them. You can see birds and sometimes a coyote. It’s fun for the whole family.

If you love hiking or just want a break from the city, LA has places for you. Runyon Canyon is good for challenging hikes. Solstice Canyon is calm and beautiful. Both places let people in LA enjoy nature in the city.

Hiking Hotspot	Trail Length
Runyon Canyon Park	2.5 miles
Solstice Canyon	2.6 miles
Backbone Trail	67 miles
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area	Varies
Hollyridge Trail (Hollywood Sign)	1.5 miles

Moving to Los Angeles: A Culinary Adventure

Los Angeles is an excellent place for food lovers. You can enjoy many types of food here, like tasty street food and fancy dinners. The food in the Los Angeles scene is a big reason people move here. There are lots of chances to try different foods from around the world. This includes local dishes and food sold on the streets, which became legal in 2018.

Embracing the City’s Culinary Diversity

Los Angeles is special because of the many types of food it offers. Many cultures make this city their home, each adding unique flavors. Whether you want Mexican, Thai, or fresh local food, you’ll find it here.

Since 2018, eating from street food places has been a big part of food culture in LA. You can try excellent Korean food from trucks or explore markets. These markets have foods from both Los Angeles and places around the globe.

Exploring the Culinary Hotspots

There are many famous and new places to eat all over Los Angeles. You might want a fancy meal or something simple from a local spot. Here are some of the top places to eat in Los Angeles:

Lemon Grove: A rooftop spot with unique food. They had a special event with Chef Alvaro Clavijo, showing traditional and new cooking.
LA Food Fest: Happens every year at Santa Anita Park. You can enjoy many foods, from burgers to exotic dishes, and see how creative LA’s food is in the Los Angeles scene.
Taste of LA: Downtown LA hosts this event, where you can try dishes from top restaurants and taste Los Angeles cuisine.
Smorgasburg LA: A place in DTLA with new and local food. It’s an excellent spot for people who love eating out in LA.

If you love food or are new to the city, Los Angeles is an exciting place to explore. There’s great street food and fancy restaurants to check out. Los Angeles cuisine is diverse and wonderful, giving you a food journey to remember.

Conclusion

Moving to Los Angeles is exciting and can change your life. This guide has shared key points for newbies. It helps you understand the big city, its many parts, and the fun arts, shows, and food.

You might come here for all the great chances to live well, the fantastic nature, or the active job world. Everyone moving to Los Angeles can enjoy so much. They just need to learn about LA and be ready to join the fun. Los Angeles is lively and offers lots of ways to grow. You can find great paths in this big city by loving what’s unique about LA and being strong through tough times.

Ready to move to Los Angeles? SecureSpace offers convenient storage solutions to simplify your relocation. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or just need extra space, SecureSpace ensures your belongings are safe and accessible. Visit SecureSpace.com today to reserve your storage unit and make your move to LA hassle-free!

GET IN TOUCH