Welcome to Los Angeles, CA, the city of dreams. With over four million residents in the city proper and nearly 20 million throughout the greater metropolitan area, it's safe to say that the City of Angels lives up to its vibrant reputation. As the largest city in California, Los Angeles sprawls across 502 square miles, offering a dynamic mix of entertainment, culinary delights, and endless career possibilities. Renters considering moving to Los Angeles may picture the bright lights and future with anxious anticipation, wondering if it will truly play out like a Hollywood film.
What is it like to live in Los Angeles? If you’re looking for honest opinions, best- kept secrets, and tips and tricks to navigating the city, who better to ask than the people who live here? We asked a group of LA residents what city newcomers should know, from weather and recreation to traffic jams and affordability. So buckle up and take notes – the reviews are in. According to the locals themselves, here’s what you need to know before moving to Los Angeles.
Who's moving to LA (and why)?
There’s no denying that LA is bustling with opportunity. Over the last decade, the city has seen a population increase of 2.8%, with a growth rate of 0.37% in 2023 alone. With booming tech, trade, and entertainment industries, world class attractions, and a hot rental market, the city’s growth isn’t slowing down any time soon.
We asked Los Angeles renters what exactly pulled them to the city. The chart below shows the primary reason residents are settling down in La-La Land:
Over half of all respondents indicated that they relocated for a job opportunity. As of March 2023, LA’s unemployment rate was just 5.1%, a 0.2% decline from the previous year. The city’s job market thrives off industries of every type, from finance to film and all categories of the service sector. Los Angeles is a city in which there is truly opportunity for everybody.
Moving closer to friends and family comes in second place for reasons renters relocated. Other top contenders include vibrant city lifestyle and LA’s beachy climate.
What is it like to live in Los Angeles?
Why is Los Angeles such a good place to live according to renters? LA is a city that seems to cater to every interest, niche, and lifestyle. Whether you're moving in hopes of soaking in the sun or relocating with the itch to indulge in bright lights and nightlife, you’re almost guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. Here are a few reasons locals love their city.
“The weather can’t be beat.”
You can’t buy good weather, but in Los Angeles, it would be free. According to the locals, the city’s phenomenal climate is one of the biggest perks of living in the area. One local stated, “Good weather year-round is the biggest bonus of living in Los Angeles.” Another adds, “The weather is so perfect and consistent [here]. It’s not ever too warm or too cold.”
LA is divided into two distinct seasons: a dry, warm summer and a mild winter. During the summer season, average temperatures reach a beautiful 85 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by twelve daily hours of sunshine. Because of the climate’s consistency, locals have the added benefit of confidently planning a mid-day picnic or happy hour on the patio: “The weather is predictable 80% of the time, so making plans in advance is possible.” While an unforeseen rain shower may pop up every once in a while, LA weather is generally said to stay true to its patterns.
“There is so much diversity.”
When you walk the streets of Angeltown, you can expect to meet someone different every day: “LA is a large county with people of all different races and backgrounds. I really like that because going to downtown means you don’t know who you’ll run into.” Another local adds, “One of my favorite things about living in LA is the diversity. I find it comforting to interact with so many different types of people.”
Aside from representing different cultures and ethnicities, diversity in Los Angeles extends past the people and into food, art, experiences, and even geography. Simply put by one resident, “We have everything.” One LA local says, “[LA] is a melting pot... I love the multicultural mix of music, art, food, and community.”
Residents of La-La Land boast about their city’s food scene. Chances are, if you can dream it, you can eat it. One resident says, “I love all the different types of food. There’s Asian, Mexican, Italian, and more. You will never run out of things to eat.” Another states, “Dining in LA is so easy. If you have a craving for something in particular, like your mom’s menudo, it’s almost always easy to find.”
Alongside the stellar variety in the food scene, California is the most biodiverse state in the US and weaves together a seamless mosaic of deserts, forests, mountains, and beaches: “Drive an hour and you can be at the beach, in the desert, at Disneyland, or pretty much anywhere else you’d want to visit for the day.” Los Angeles is a city with an experience for everyone.
“One of my favorite things about living in LA is the diversity. I find it comforting to interact with so many different types of people.”
“There’s never a dull moment in LA.”
Los Angeles is one of the liveliest cities in California and seems to have something to do on every corner. Residents enjoy year-round entertainment, eagerly awaiting concerts, festivals, pop-up shops, special exhibitions, and live theater events. In addition, the city is home to world-class attractions like Six Flags, Universal Studios, Hollywood, and Disneyland. One local states, “I like the wide range of entertainment venues to choose from.” Another adds, “I like that there’s always things to do [. . .] LA has [. . .] so many amazing options, you can find anything.”
One thing’s for sure: when you’re living in Los Angeles, you won’t be bored. Whether you’re spending your Saturdays riding roller coasters or heading to a Sunday matinee, you’ll never be at a loss for weekend plans.
“Living in Los Angeles is nice because we have a lot of different places you can go for entertainment. For example, we can go to the beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and a whole bunch of other places. We have a diverse mixture of different cultures and different people. That’s what makes Los Angeles great.”
“I like the convenience of living in LA.”
Perhaps one of the most daunting topics of big-city living is how to get around town. Will you choose to rent near public transit stations? Will you brave rush hour in your own vehicle? Or will you ditch the car and lace up your walking shoes? Lucky for locals looking for convenience, Los Angeles is rated the thirteenth most walkable city in the US. One local says, “I like the convenience of living in LA. Everything is within walking distance. It is very easy to get around by public transportation, by walking, and by car.” Much like other big cities, many areas of DTLA have everything you need close to home, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores within miles of your rental. In addition, subways, buses, and shuttles are readily available for those looking to commute.
“I like the vibe of LA as a city. I like how easily I can travel to popular places.”
Where to Go and What to Do
In a city with so much to do, it can be overwhelming to even know where to start. Online recommendations turn into pages and pages of restaurants, shops, and events that you’ll never be able to remember. Instead of scrolling endlessly into a rabbit hole of reviews, start by listening to the people who have already experienced the city’s best. Here are the top places to visit in the city, vetted by LA locals.
Parks and Recreation
In between bustling streets and coastal shorelines, Los Angeles boasts an abundance of green spaces for running and relaxation. According to the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the city is home to over 180 parks and recreational facilities. Resident favorites include Griffith Park, a sprawling 4,310-acre haven, and Exposition Park, which offers 160 acres of diverse recreational opportunities. Other honorable mentions include Echo Park, situated near the iconic Echo Park Lake, Elysian Park, known for its scenic hiking trails and Dodger Stadium, and the historic MacArthur Park, a 32-acre oasis in the busy landscape.
Another outdoor LA staple is the city’s magnificent range of shimmering shoreline. One local says, “I like most places in the South Bay such as the beaches. Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, etc. These beaches are usually nice and clean. A lot of people ride their bikes, skateboard, roller-skate or rollerblade there. I would recommend checking the Redondo Beach Pier out.”
Others recommend a short drive to Malibu and Ocean Park, a stretch of beach near the Santa Monica Pier. Regardless of where you settle down in Los Angeles, the opportunity to experience the city’s natural beauty is all around you.
Dining and Restaurants
Calling all foodies! If you like to eat, there’s no better place to indulge in America’s finest dining than Los Angeles, CA. This city has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Foodie Cities in the US and is home to over 24,000 chain and independent restaurants. As previously stated, Los Angeles’s status as a cultural melting pot lends itself to a special blend of flavors and fusions, from fine dining to street food. One resident states: “I love checking out restaurants, and LA has such a good food scene in every little pocket [of the city]. There are hole-in-the-wall spots, food trucks, taco stands, [and] fine dining available anywhere.” Another notes, “I love the variety of cuisine and styles of restaurants - casual, fancy, and everything in between.”
“I love all the different types of food. There’s Asian, Mexican, Italian, and more. You will never run out of things to eat.”
“Dining in LA is so easy. If you have a craving for something in particular, like your mom’s menudo, it’s almost always easy to find.”
Shopping
Los Angeles’s fashion district is a shopaholic’s dream (and a credit statement’s nightmare). The city and its many shopping centers are a haven for fashionistas, couture enthusiasts, and anyone in need of a wardrobe update. Some of the most notable shopping centers in the city include the upscale Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the vibrant and open-air Grove, West Hollywood’s Melrose Avenue, and Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Locals have their choice of high-end designer brands and well-known retail stores at their fingertips.
Entertainment and Events
Perhaps the most coveted aspect of LA is its lively entertainment districts. Between concerts and festivals, amusement parks and venues, museums and exhibitions, and theater and performing arts, Los Angeles renters are never at a loss for weekend plans. Notable favorite spots include:
- Santa Monica Pier
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Dodger Stadium
- Crypto.com Arena
- Griffith Park and Observatory
- La Brea Tar Pits
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
Other attractions include California’s favorite amusement parks, Disney Land and Universal Studios, as well as a variety of traveling shows and concert venues. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of things to do in LA. Instead, we recommend getting out and experiencing the city’s activities for yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be crafting your own list of favorites.
“I love how every day and every weekend there is something to do and somewhere to go, with friends or without. It’s expensive, but totally worth it.”
“Entertainment in LA is a definite highlight. Pretty much all major traveling shows of any kind come through [the city], as well as concerts at all sorts of venues."
Advice From Locals
We’ve hit the highlights - fine dining, amusement parks, and shopping centers out of your wildest dreams. However, as any renter knows, moving to a new city means accepting it for the good, the bad, and the traffic. Here are the pros and cons LA residents think new renters should remember as they settle into the city.
“Bring your wallet... it’s pricy.”
LA is a fantastic place to live and work, but no city is all sunshine and roses. Going in with an open mind and realistic expectations can help minimize unpleasant surprises or disappointment you may face when you finally start your life in the city. That being said, know that Los Angeles is expensive. The city’s cost of living is 8% more than the California state average and 51% higher than the national average. On average, residents in LA need a salary of $75k after taxes to live comfortably.
Locals advise newcomers to “prepare for high rental prices” and “search long and hard for an affordable place.” Others recommend ways to save money, such as living in the suburbs outside the city proper and commuting in, or “getting a roommate to split the cost [of housing].” Even though the price is high, most residents wouldn’t trade their experience: “It’s expensive, but it’s an environment you can’t put a price on. It’s all worth it.”
“Take your time and find the best deal.”
While LA has a reputation for its high cost of living, some areas are more affordable than others. Locals recommend “[doing] your due diligence and [scoping] out your [options]” before settling on a place to live. One resident stresses the importance of comparing rentals to find the best value for your money, saying, “Look around and compare prices... if you take your time, you can find a much better deal than if you rush into it. Make sure you find the exact neighborhood that you would enjoy.” Think about the location of the area and the amenities offered. In addition, you should “visit the area you plan to rent in and make sure you’re comfortable with the surrounding community.” Locals suggest checking out your prospective neighborhood during the weekdays, weekends, and different times of day to get a wholistic picture of what it would be like to live there.
“Rush hour is no joke.”
Okay, you can’t say you didn’t see this coming. With four million people packed into five hundred square miles, traffic in Los Angeles is bound to be a beast. While there is unfortunately no way to avoid it entirely, you can make your daily commute a little more tolerable.
The biggest piece of advice from residents? “Move to an area that is near your workplace if you have to go into the office.” If you’re a remote employee, you have a little more liberty in choosing where you settle down. If you work on-site, however, the benefit of living a few miles closer to work is typically tremendous. Many renters avoid traffic entirely by traveling via subway, light-rail, or bus line that runs throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area. If you choose a rental with a longer commute, plan your day accordingly. One local advises, “Give yourself enough time to get to work. There’s a lot of traffic every single day, and it can sometimes take hours to get miles.” While you can’t always get around the traffic, being aware of what to expect can help you keep your cool and drive safely when you’re in the thick of it.
Locals in the Long Run
Major cities can often feel like a transient space. People pass through on their way to different opportunities, or they leave for a more subdued location to settle down. Despite LA’s playful atmosphere, many renters see the city as their long-term home:
As seen above, 57% of residents surveyed report that they intend to stay in LA for ten or more years. In a city so alive with opportunity, we're not surprised. However, if you’re wondering if you should move to the City of Angels, local recommendations only go so far. You can take their word for it, but you may not believe the full extent of what this city offers until you experience it yourself. Come experience La-la Land in person. Make yourself a part of the melting pot and shop, sip, and stroll through the city. Stay for a day, a week, or maybe a lifetime. Just remember, once you visit, you may not want to leave.
