Los Angeles has more than four million people in the city proper and stretches across 500-plus square miles. The greater metro area is even bigger, which means daily life here depends a lot on where you live, where you work, and how far you need to travel between the two.
So, what is it really like to live in Los Angeles? To get past the clichés, we asked locals what newcomers should know before moving here. Their answers covered the good, the expensive, and the frustrating. Here’s what the 10 things to know before moving to Los Angeles, according to its residents:
- The weather is one of the biggest perks
- Diversity touches every part of the city
- There is always an event or entertainment to be found
- Certain neighborhoods are more walkable
- There is a plethora of parks and outdoor spaces
- The food culture is always evolving
- Style and shopping are part of the culture
- Traffic is real
- The cost of living hits hard
- Don’t rush finding the perfect apartment
The Weather in LA Is One of the Biggest Perks
You can’t buy good weather, but when you live in Los Angeles, it feels like you did. Locals often point to the climate as one of the city’s biggest perks, “Good weather year-round is the biggest bonus of living in Los Angeles.”
LA has two distinct seasons: a dry, warm summer and a mild winter. Summer days often climb into the mid-80s with sunshine accompanying the high temperatures. Because of the climate’s consistency, locals say it’s “not ever too warm or too cold.”
That consistency lets locals confidently plan their day as they report, “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 generally sticks to its pattern.
Diversity Touches Every Part of the City and Residents’ Lives
Los Angeles brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds, and residents say that diverse mix is one of the city’s best qualities. Residents appreciate being able to meet so many people as, one local said, “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 puts it in even simpler terms, “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.”
Diversity shapes more than who lives in Los Angeles. It defines the city’s food, art, music, neighborhoods, and landscape. A resident described the city as “a melting pot... I love the multicultural mix of music, art, food, and community.” Life in LA is never uniform, and this is why many move to the city.
Events and Entertainment Keep Residents Busy
Los Angeles has a reputation for staying busy, and locals say it earns it. They eagerly await concerts, festivals, pop-up shops, special exhibitions, and live theater events. Locals appreciate the endless options as one gushed, “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."
The city is also home to world-class attractions and museums, from man-made entertainment centers like Hollywood and Disneyland to cultural wonders like the Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. According to a local, that rounds out the appeal of the city since “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.”
Some Los Angeles Neighborhoods Are More Walkable Than Others
One of the biggest surprises for newcomers is how differently Los Angeles functions from one neighborhood to the next. Some neighborhoods are highly walkable, thanks to the density and the compactness of groceries, restaurants, and daily errands. Others are far more car-dependent, especially in residentially-focused spots.
That’s why locals say it’s smart to think carefully about location before signing a lease. One resident shared, “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.” Transit access can also make a big difference if you want options beyond driving.
Los Angeles Has a Plethora of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
California is the most biodiverse state in the US. It weaves together a seamless mosaic of deserts, forests, mountains, and beaches. Locals say, “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.”
In between bustling streets and compact commercial corridors, Los Angeles boasts an abundance of green spaces for exercise and relaxation. Favorites include Griffith Park, a sprawling 4,200-plus-acre haven, and Exposition Park, which offers 160 acres of diverse recreational opportunities. The city also features notable neighborhood parks, including Echo Park Lake, Elysian Park, and the historic MacArthur Park.
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.” Regardless of where you settle down in Los Angeles, the opportunity to experience the city’s natural beauty is all around you.
Los Angeles Food Culture Is Always Evolving
Ask locals what they love about LA, and food comes up fast. The city’s restaurant scene is huge, and the range matters just as much as the volume. 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.”
No matter your craving, there is a restaurant to satisfy that craving in LA. Residents report that, “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.”
In Los Angeles, food isn’t limited to one style, one price point, or one kind of dining experience. A resident explained it this way: “I love checking out restaurants, and LA has such a good food scene in every little pocket. There are hole-in-the-wall spots, food trucks, taco stands, [and] fine dining available anywhere.” When you move to LA, eating your way through the city is part of learning about it.
Style and Shopping Are Part of the Culture
As you go about your daily life in Los Angeles, you’ll notice many well-dressed individuals. Residents love to take the opportunity to express themselves through fashion, and the city supports that as it’s a haven for fashionistas, couture enthusiasts, and anyone in need of a wardrobe update.
From luxury retail to trend-driven local spots, the city offers a shopping experience to match your style. Some of the most notable spots 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.
Los Angeles Traffic Is Real
When locals say the traffic is bad, they aren’t exaggerating. With four million people packed into five hundred square miles and trying to get all over the city, streets get packed with drivers. Commute time can shape your schedule, your stress level, and even where you decide to live. That’s why locals return to the same advice again and again: “Move to an area that is near your workplace if you have to go into the office.”
The benefit of living a few miles closer to work is understated as just a few miles can turn into an hour or more with traffic. A resident recommends, “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.” Many renters avoid driving entirely by traveling via the metro, lightrail, or bus line that runs throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area.
The Cost of Living in Los Angeles Hits Hard
While there are many highlights of moving to Los Angeles, one of the most common downsides is that everything is expensive. Residents are honest about that as one said, “Bring your wallet... it’s pricy.” Even though the price is high, most residents wouldn’t trade their experience as they say, “It’s expensive, but it’s an environment you can’t put a price on. It’s all worth it.”
Don’t Rush Finding an Apartment for Rent in Los Angeles
LA’s reputation for having a high cost of living includes high rent prices. Locals advise newcomers to prepare for high rental prices as one recommends that newcomers “search long and hard for an affordable place.” Others suggest ways to save money, such as living in the suburbs outside the city proper and commuting in, or getting a roommate.
In order to find an affordable neighborhood, locals recommend “[doing] your due diligence and [scoping] out your [options]” before settling on a place to live. One resident stresses the importance of finding a balance between value and a place you’ll love, 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.”
To make a confident decision about where to live, local renters say you should “visit the area you plan to rent in and make sure you’re comfortable with the surrounding community.” Check out your prospective neighborhood during the weekdays, weekends, and different times of day to get a realistic picture of what it would be like to live there.
Start Your Los Angeles Apartment Search on Apartments.com
If you’re seriously thinking about moving to Los Angeles, the next step is finding a rental that fits your budget, lifestyle, and commute. And in a city this large, that search matters.
Apartments.com makes it easier to explore Los Angeles apartments by neighborhood, compare listings, and narrow down your options based on what matters most to you. Whether you want to live closer to work, stay near the beach, or find a more affordable rental with room for a roommate, you can start your search with confidence.
This article was originally published on June 12, 2023 by Sarah Catherine Fordham.
FAQs
What salary do you need to live in Los Angeles?
According to Apartments.com’s Cost of Living, you should aim for a salary of around $112,000 before taxes to live comfortably in Los Angeles.
What are the cons of living in LA?
Los Angeles can be challenging because of traffic, high living costs, and expensive rent. Traffic is a major drawback, and even short trips can take far longer than expected during peak hours. Everyday costs also run high, which can strain your budget. Rent is another hurdle, especially for newcomers trying to balance price, location, and neighborhood preferences. Walkability also varies, so some areas feel far more car-dependent than others.
