Los Angeles is a city that continues to grow and change. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is its reputation as one of the most exciting places on Earth.
It’s home to Hollywood, celebrities, and some of the most beautiful beaches in California. But many aspects of living in Los Angeles can surprise newcomers. These 20 facts will help you get started:
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1. The Entertainment Industry Capital Of The World Is LA
Los Angeles is the entertainment center of the world. In fact, more movies are made here than anywhere else on Earth. The city also produces more television shows than any other city on America’s east coast, including New York City and Chicago.
All these movies and TV shows have been filmed in Los Angeles for decades, and it shows. You’ll find yourself surrounded by landmarks from your favorite films and TV shows like Hollywood Boulevard or Universal Studios. You might even recognize famous actors or musicians living in Los Angeles.
2. It Has A Lot Of Palm Trees
One of the most remarkable features of Los Angeles is its palm trees. They are a city symbol, and you’ll likely see them all over town. While you might be familiar with seeing these trees in South California, it may surprise you to learn that they are actually native to this region.
It’s no wonder palms are so prevalent in Los Angeles County. The most iconic palm tree-lined street is undoubtedly Rodeo Drive, lined with rows upon rows of giant palms.
However, many more streets are lined with trees throughout Los Angeles County. Once you start living in Los Angeles, you’ll also find them in Hollywood Hills, Westwood Village, or Beverly Hills City.
3. Los Angeles Has A Pleasant Mediterranean Climate
In general, the weather in Los Angeles is excellent. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool nights.
The typical daytime high is around 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23° Celsius) in July and August and around 56°F (13°C) on February mornings. Average relative humidity hovers between 65% to 75% during most of the year. This is a boon for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
4. Los Angeles Is Sprawling, And Traffic Is Brutal
The city is vast, and traffic is brutal. The Los Angeles metro area covers almost 4,000 square miles of Southern California. In comparison, New York City’s five boroughs cover only 1,600 square miles.
In fact, the New York vs. Los Angeles metro area is less extensive, and it’s not even the largest in California. The sprawl means that getting around takes longer than in other big cities of similar size or smaller. A trip to Universal Studios Hollywood from Downtown Los Angeles can take up to two hours during rush hour.
Suppose you live in Orange County or San Fernando Valley and want to get downtown for a show or game at Staples Center or even just Chinatown. In that case, you’ll spend an easy 30 minutes on the freeway before starting your journey downtown.
5. The Driving Is Terrible In Los Angeles
Driving in Los Angeles is a nightmare. The roads are full of traffic, there are a lot of one-way streets, and the freeways don’t have much room for merging. It’s best to avoid driving at all if you can help it.
If you have to drive, make sure you have time built in your schedule so that you aren’t hurrying around trying to get everywhere on time during rush hour. If possible, take the bus or subway instead of driving yourself around town; it will save time and stress.
6. There Are Many Distinctive Neighborhoods In Los Angeles
With over 400 distinct neighborhoods, Los Angeles is a mecca for people looking to live in an authentic and diverse place. From Downtown to Westlake Village, there’s something for everyone.
And the best part is that LA’s most high cost areas, including Bev Hills and Pacific Palisades, are only about 80 minutes from its more affordable regions like Compton. Some less costly places to live in Los Angeles include Pasadena and Inglewood.
However, these places can be less diverse than other neighborhoods, such as Long Beach or South Central. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a great sense of community but still want access to amenities like bars and restaurants, check out Studio City or Sherman Oaks.
7. Griffith Park In LA Is One Of The Largest Urban Parks
Griffith Park is one of the reasons to visit Los Angeles and is one of the largest urban parks in the US. It’s home to many attractions and events, including a zoo, golf course, observatory, and museum.
The park also has plenty of hiking trails that lead to beautiful views of LA’s cityscape. Griffith Park is a great place to picnic with friends or family while watching the sunset.
8. You Can Live Comfortably As A Single Person In LA
Though many people think that you need to live in big cities if you want to be able to meet people and make friends, it’s actually not true. In fact, if you want the best small cities to live in the USA, there are plenty of places where you can still have a great time with your social life.
In Los Angeles, California, for example, there are plenty of neighborhoods where singles can thrive and enjoy themselves without needing to go far from their home base. Suppose you want to stay within the city limits but don’t want all the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles downtown.
In that case, Santa Monica is an excellent option. It has great weather year-round, plenty of entertainment options, many restaurants, and even its mall.
9. Los Angeles Has Some Of The Finest Food
Los Angeles has some of the most OK food in the world. And if you’re a foodie or just want to improve your culinary skills, plenty of restaurants, bakeries, and markets all over the city offer fantastic options.
Whether you’re looking for Thai street food or a fancy dinner at one of LA’s celebrity-friendly spots like The Ivy or Soho House, Los Angeles has something for everyone. This is especially true when it comes to brunch.
Restaurants in the Los Angeles area have mastered this meal and serve delicacies like lobster benedict with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. In fact, despite its reputation as a place where people go out late at night to drink and party hard on weekends, Los Angeles offers excellent Sunday brunches.
10. Los Angeles Cost Of Living Is Lower Than In San Francisco, California
Many people living in Los Angeles from SF, California, will find their living cost is lower. Rent is cheaper in Los Angeles, California, than in The Fog City, and food is also more affordable.
In addition, gas is much less expensive in Southern Cal than on the Bay Area coast. The overall Los Angeles cost of living for a single person without rent is $1,086, lower than those high cost cities in Northern California cities such as San Francisco, which is $1,376.
11. Los Angeles Is A Dog-Friendly City
Los Angeles, California, is the perfect city for dog lovers. The town has many dog parks, including Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon Park, so your pup can enjoy a run while you relax. Also, many restaurants allow dogs on the patio.
This includes the Tavern at The Beach in El Matador Beach Bar and Grill in Venice Beach. And if you’re looking for a hotel with a pet-friendly policy, look no further than Hotel Erwin in West Hollywood Sign or The Standard Downtown in Los Angeles.
12. The Nightlife Is Great In Los Angeles
Regarding nightlife, living in Los Angeles is arguably one of the best cities in the world. There’s something for everyone, from ultra-exclusive lounges and clubs to underground music venues. There’s no shortage of places to go where you can appreciate live music or dance all night long.
The best thing about Los Angeles nightlife is that there are so many options that cater specifically to different tastes and preferences. Whether you like electronic beats or live guitar riffs, there will be a place for you somewhere in the city.
13. You’ll Find A Lot Of Cultural Diversity In Los Angeles
Cultural diversity in Los Angeles, California, is a good thing. The city is home to people from all over the world and has a diverse population. You’ll find plenty of neighborhoods with unique cultures, food, and entertainment options that you won’t find elsewhere in the United States.
This isn’t just something that happens for fun on weekends; it’s part of everyday life. If you are interested in other cultures, Los Angeles is definitely the place for you. The city has been described as ‘the melting pot.’ This is because it’s home to people from many countries and backgrounds living in LA together peacefully.
14. Moving To Los Angeles Means Job Opportunities
Los Angeles is one of the best cities in America for job opportunities. Many Fortune 500 companies in Los Angeles, including Disney, Warner Bros., Universal Studios, and NBC Universal, need employees. In addition, other businesses need staff such as attorneys and accountants.
The entertainment industry has its headquarters here, so there is plenty of employment in the job market like film production or music recording. Plus, there’s a lot of work in a job market with technical skills like engineers and computer programmers.
15. The Public Transportation System Isn’t That Great In LA
If you’re a person who loves to spend time on public transportation and enjoys being able to move around without relying on your car. In that case, living in Los Angeles, California, might not be ideal for you. The city hasn’t put much effort into improving its public transport system, so it’s not as effective as some other west or east coast cities in America.
Yes, Los Angeles, California, has plenty of buses and trains, but they’re slow, infrequent, and unreliable. For example, an accident or traffic jam along one road will affect all routes going through that Los Angeles area.
16. You Won’t See The Ocean Until You Leave Downtown LA
Living in Los Angeles, California, you won’t see the ocean easily. The beach is actually quite far from Downtown LA. You can go to Santa Monica or Malibu to get your feet wet and feel like you’re on a beach vacation.
However, that’s an hour or more away from where most LA people live. If you want to see the Pacific Ocean without traveling far, head to Griffith Observatory.
They have incredible city views and even have telescopes set up so visitors can look at planets and stars. Or take a hike through Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood Hills, which also offers stunning views.
17. There Are Many Outdoor Activities In Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. You can go hiking, biking, and rock climbing in several places. You can also swim in the ocean or lake at nearby beaches like Venice Beach.
Additionally, many parks have hiking trails for people who like to hike, such as Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon Park near Hollywood Sign and Beverly Hills. If you’re looking for a more tough hike, try Mt Baldy (Mount San Antonio), located near Ontario.
However, it requires an overnight stay since it’s so hot during the daytime here. But suppose you don’t mind going up there early in the morning before sunrise. In that case, it’s worth checking out because there’s a great view at night when all lights come on around Los Angeles, California.
18. You’ll Get A Chance To Visit The Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains are a mountain range that runs parallel to the Pacific coast of SoCal. It’s bordered by the city of Los Angeles to its northwest and Malibu to its south.
The mountains are a part of the Transverse Ranges, which extends from the San Fernando Valley to the Santa Monica Mountains. This range passes through Southern California’s coastal region and crosses into Ventura County just north of Ojai.
In addition to being one of LA’s best hiking spots (the trek up Runyon Canyon is well worth your time), these mountains also offer some stunning views. From Downtown LA, looking southwest towards Palos Verdes Peninsula. The list goes on to Malibu, looking east towards Point Dume State Beach or Universal City, looking southeast towards Bev Hills City.
19. The Air Quality In LA Is Bad, But It’s Getting Better
While it’s true that Los Angeles has some of the worst air quality in the country, much of it is due to car exhaust and industrial pollutants. The city has been working on reducing pollution for years, and it’s getting better very slowly.
So you may be unable to breathe deeply and happily as you walk through your favorite park in midtown Manhattan. You can do so while living in Los Angeles without risking your health from polluted air.
20. The Best Sports Teams Are Living In LA
Los Angeles is home to fantastic sports teams. You can watch the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings play at the Staples Center. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience. Then the Dodgers and Angels play at Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium of Anaheim, respectively.
For something more high-energy, check out a Galaxy game at StubHub Center. Even if you don’t like sports, it’s worth going to a Los Angeles stadium just for the food.
Conclusion
Whether you are a resident, a tourist, or a potential property buyer in Los Angeles, there is much to learn about the city. It is one of the most popular destinations for those who want to live on their terms and experience new challenges.
With so many people moving to Los Angeles each year and so many reasons why someone might want to visit here, having some knowledge before deciding your next move is essential.
And if you’re looking to buy a home or condo in Hollywood or around Los Angeles, we can help. We at HOMES by ARDOR have trusted real estate agents ready to help you find your dream home.
Kris Reid is the CEO of Ardor SEO, a company that helps real estate professionals get more leads and customers to predictably grow their business.
Over the years, Kris acquired extensive knowledge of SEO and its practical applications in various industries, with the main focus on real estate.
In 2021 Ardor launched the Icons of Real Estate Podcast to share proven strategies from the top producing icon agents with the real estate community.
After obtaining the real estate license in 2022, Kris joined eXp Realty and launched Homes by Ardor, the platform that was built to be the fastest way to buy or sell a house. Homes by Ardor also provides leads for its partner companies and realtors.
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