Living in Los Angeles, where golden beaches meet a skyline of dreams, is a city that captures the essence of possibility and reinvention, blending iconic history with boundless creativity. As the largest city in California and the second-largest in the United States, Los Angeles is home to over 4 million residents. Known for a mix of dreamers and self-starters, “The City of Angels” attracts professionals that work in entertainment, technology, healthcare, and finance. Its diverse economy and vibrant job market make it a prime destination for job seekers and visonaries alike.
You’ve likely seen representations of this on everything from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” to “Million Dollar Listing,” but LA goes well beyond superficiality. “The Entertainment Capital of the World” is in fact one of the biggest melting pots, home to many diverse cultures and communities, a fact that’s evident in the city’s wide range of cultural events, festivals, and art exhibitions. With the cost of living 8% higher than the Californian average and nearly 50% higher than the national average, it isn’t uncommon to meet folks with multiple side hustles trying to make their way in Tinsel Town.
“Los Angeles is this fabulous city of discovery. It is a city that is constantly revealing itself to you.”
Home to renowned institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC), Angelenos have access to a wealth of educational resources and a vibrant academic atmosphere. Attracting young professionals, students, and families alike, Los Angeles is more than just a city; it’s a global cultural hub. As the City Librarian of Los Angeles Public Library, John Szabo, aptly puts it, “Los Angeles is this fabulous city of discovery. It is a city that is constantly revealing itself to you.”
Los Angeles, California Weather
While it’s not actually always sunny in Philadelphia, Los Angeles can claim bragging rights, ranking the 15th sunniest city in the US. On average, LA racks up an average of about 3,259 hours of sunshine a year—one of the main reasons the area became a hub for the burgeoning motion picture industry more than 100 years ago. It’s famous for having a pleasant Mediterranean-like climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts of all varieties.
Winter temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s, while summer temperatures can soar into the 90s. The coastal areas remain cooler due to the Pacific Ocean’s moderating influence, whereas inland regions, such as the San Fernando Valley, experience more significant temperature variations. Overall, LA’s weather is a major draw for residents and tourists alike. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day at Venice Beach, hiking in Griffith Park, or taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, the city’s climate enhances its appeal.
Living in Los Angeles
The housing market is diverse, but Los Angeles housing costs tend toward the higher end of the price spectrum. According to Realtor.com, the median sold home price is around $1,000,000, reflecting the city’s desirability and high demand. In LA, construction is constant, with seemingly never ending development and renovation projects to ensure a steady supply of modern and upscale housing options. Despite the high costs, the market remains vibrant.
Interestingly, Los Angeles has an established renter culture, where over 63-percent of residents rent, rather than own. High-priced homes, the scarcity of available properties, and the transient nature of many who come to LA in search of fame and fortune has contributed to most Angelinos feeling like homeownership is out of reach. While rental prices vary greatly depending on location, the average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment is just under $2,700. Whether you’re transitioning into the luxury high-rises in Downtown LA or you’ve nabbed a charming bungalow in Echo Park, LA self-storage facilities offer secure, climate-controlled spaces to make your move more manageable.
Best Los Angeles Neighborhoods
Los Angeles is home to what some estimate to be over 500 neighborhoods, offering a different many different flavors of the L.A. lifestyle to its inhabitants. From the glamour of Hollywood to the artistic vibes of Silver Lake, living in Los Angeles offers something for everyone. Some of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles include:
- Beverly Hills: The famed zip code known for luxury homes, Rodeo Drive high-end shopping, and celebrity residents, Beverly Hills is synonymous with opulence. Its palm-lined streets and meticulously maintained parks provide a serene and exclusive living environment.
- Santa Monica: This coastal neighborhood within Los Angeles offers a blend of beachside relaxation and urban amenities. With its iconic pier, lively shopping districts, and top-rated schools, Santa Monica is a desirable area for families and professionals.
- Silver Lake: Known for being one of the more LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods in LA, Silver Lake’s welcoming reputation precedes it. It’s characterized by its eclectic mix of residents, artistic scene, and stylish eateries. The diverse and progressive atmosphere makes it ideal for creatives seeking a vibrant and inclusive community.
- East LA and Boyle Heights: This vibrant collective offers deep-rooted Latino heritage, and they’re known for their rich cultural traditions, family-owned businesses, and lively events. Affordable housing, diverse dining, and a strong sense of community make this pair desirable and welcoming for families.
Los Angeles Schools
Los Angeles offers a vast array of educational opportunities, from public and private schools to renowned universities. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the second-largest in the nation, serving over 600,000 students across 1,000 schools. LAUSD is known for its diverse student body and comprehensive programs, ranging from STEM to arts education.
Higher education in Los Angeles includes UCLA and USC, both of which are highly regarded for their academic excellence and research contributions. Additionally, institutions like Cal State LA (CSULA) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) provide quality education, innovative research and vibrant campus communities that contribute to LA’s intellectual landscape.
Medical Centers in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is renowned for its world-class healthcare facilities, offering residents access to top-tier medical services. The UCLA Health System and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are two of the most prominent healthcare providers, known for their cutting-edge research and comprehensive care. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is another standout institution providing specialized pediatric care.
Other notable healthcare institutions that contribute to the city’s reputation as a healthcare hub include Keck Medicine of USC and the Los Angeles General Medical Center, and a wide network of community health centers and low-cost clinics ensure that all LA residents have access to quality medical care.
Los Angeles Economy and Employment
Los Angeles boasts a robust and diverse economy, driven by entertainment, technology, healthcare, and international trade. The city is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Walt Disney and AECOM. The Port of Los Angeles, one of the busiest in the world, generates thousands of jobs in logistics and transportation, boosts tax revenues, and connects LA to global markets.
Celebrated for the rich and famous, the entertainment industry of Hollywood is a long-standing local economic driver, creating countless opportunities in film, television, and music. Silicon Beach is popular with tech startups and established firms innovating in software development and digital media. Healthcare and education sectors are major employers, with institutions like UCLA and Cedars-Sinai employing thousands of Angelenos.
For those considering a move to Los Angeles, the city’s diverse economic landscape offers ample opportunities for career advancement, and storage facilities throughout the city can simplify the relocation process by providing secure, convenient spaces for belongings, vehicles, or inventory.
Los Angeles Transportation
There’s no sugarcoating it. Navigating Los Angeles is notoriously challenging. The city suffers from severe and widespread roadway congestion, and during peak hours, its extensive network of freeways have daily, routine traffic jams. Residents tend to heavily rely on cars and ride-sharing services, and that reliance, coupled with a large, sprawling population, leads to frequent and prolonged delays.
And, this congestion comes with a cost. Long commute times, environmental pollution, and significant navigating woes are part and parcel to LA living. That said, the often-overlooked LA Metro Transportation Authority does operate an extensive bus and rail network, covering much of the city and its suburbs, including several lines that connect key areas, like Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. Choosing a self-storage facility in LA also requires some forethought. Account for traffic and transport ahead of time, so that frequent trips won’t be too time consuming.
With the 2028 Olympic games in sight, the city recently earmarked multi-millions into beefing up the public transit infrastructure, which will hopefully yield lasting positives when it comes to movement in and around LA. Pro-bike activists, including Streets for All, have been lobbying for real change to bike infrastructure, arguing that ideal weather, flat surfaces and available road space could propel LA as a global envy of bikeable cities, and political will appears to be slowly changing for the positive.
When it comes to air travel, however, Los Angeles International Airport can help you escape the rat race with daily flights to more than 90 international destinations.
Crime in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, like many large cities, has areas with varying crime rates. South Los Angeles and certain parts of Downtown LA, historically experience higher levels of violent crime, including gang violence. Efforts to address these issues include the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) program, which aims to reduce gang violence through prevention, intervention, and community engagement strategies.
Property crime, like theft and vandalism, is prevalent in several parts of LA, including areas like Hollywood and Venice. These crimes can impact residents’ sense of security and are a focus for law enforcement and community programs aimed at improving neighborhood safety. Given the city’s economic diversity and size, financial crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft, are a significant concern handled in cooperation by the FBI and local authorities.
Having one of the largest unhoused populations in the US. homelessness in LA is a critical issue. Many organizations work to connect homeless individuals with appropriate services and resources. Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe initiative. has helped more than 2,800 unhoused residents move indoors and removed encampents. As standard practice, residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about local safety measures and to exercise caution in higher-risk areas.
Los Angeles Attractions
Los Angeles is a city rich in attractions and activities, catering to diverse interests. Iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Center offer unique experiences and scenic views. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Broad Museum showcase world-class art collections.
Sports lovers can cheer for the Lakers and Clippers at the Staples Center, or catch a Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the extensive hiking trails in Griffith Park and the serene beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The city’s cultural scene includes annual events such as the LA Film Festival and the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts. Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland provide endless family-friendly fun. And, with famous comedy clubs throughout the city, like the Laugh Factory on Sunset Boulevard, and well-known beachside entertainment, including Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier, the city covers all its bases.
Boating and water sports enthusiasts also have plenty of marinas, boat launches and self-storage options for their recreational vehicles along LA’s numerous coastal areas.
Los Angeles Self-Storage Options
Any good Los Angeles relocation guide will explain how to get the most from self-storage units during the process. Self-storage in Los Angeles is a valuable resource for individuals and businesses. Home to numerous universities, in-state, out-of-state, and international students alike, seek affordable options to keep dorm essentials during breaks, and self-storage units can be crucial for those relocating, upsizing, downsizing, undergoing home renos, and for seasonal storage, like stowing camping gear or recreational vehicles through the winter.
A hub for small businesses, from Silicon Beach tech startups to Beverly Hills boutiques, small business owners often require storage for inventory, office supplies, and equipment. Those relocating to a new office or storefront may require temporary storage during the transition, and given LA’s high rental costs, utilizing self-storage can be more economical than expanding commercial space. Varying unit sizes are available to cover any need.
In LA, there’s almost always traffic to consider and contend with. Opting for an extended hour or 24/7 access storage facility allows for more freedom to benefit from off-peak hours, and choosing a storage facility close to home, work, or school can save time and reduce navigation hassles. Additionally, the hot and dry climate can be harsh on delicate items, making climate-controlled units essential for storing items such as artwork, wine collections, musical instruments, and electronics. Due to the high value of stored items, security features like 24-hour video surveillance, gated access, and individual unit alarms are highly valued.
FAQs about Living in Los Angeles
Q: Is Los Angeles a good place to live?
A: Yes, Los Angeles is considered a great place to live due to its diverse economy, vibrant cultural scene, and amazing weather! The city offers countless amenities, including beaches, parks, museums, not to mention all the movie-making magic, creating an attractive place for both families and young professionals.
Q: Is Los Angeles expensive to live in?
A: Yes, Los Angeles is comparatively expensive. In a recent survey from the U.S. News & World Report, it was ranked as the second most expensive city in the US. The cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, with housing being the most substantial expense. However, the city’s economic opportunities and quality of life can often support and justify the higher costs.
Q: How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Los Angeles?
A: According to GOBankingRates.com, to live comfortably in Los Angeles, the annual income needed for a renter and a homeowner is $120,070 and $205,347, respectively. This income, in theory, covers housing, transportation, healthcare, and other living expenses while allowing for some discretionary spending.
Q: Is it worth moving to Los Angeles?
A: Despite the high costs associated with Los Angeles, the city’s opportunities for career advancement, personal growth, and the chance of making it big will always be a draw, and those looking for a city with a strong job market, rich cultural experiences, and idyllic weather, might be willing to bend over backward for west coast living.
Q: What is the culture like in Los Angeles?
A: LA has a dynamic arts scene, a passionate sports community, and a world-famous local food scene, from food trucks featuring global and fusion cuisines, to 24 Michelin rated restaurants. In short, the culture is a synthesis of world cultures, yet quintessentially American. L.A. is the definitive tastemaker for the nation and the globe, transmitting its essence to the mainstream in the form of cuisine, cinema, celebrity, arts, and music.
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