Los Angeles is a city that promises endless opportunities, vibrant cultural experiences, and an enviable lifestyle. However, potential residents must weigh the benefits against the challenges, like traffic and high living costs. Not sure if Tinseltown is for you? Read on to find out what to expect if you’re considering a move to the L.A. area in 2024.
You know it from: La La Land, Mulholland Drive, Clueless
Average 1 bedroom rent: $2,588 | Los Angeles apartments for rent, Los Angeles houses for rent
Average home price: $1,098,000 | Los Angeles homes for sale
Average cost of full-service moving services: $140/hr for 2 movers
Average cost to rent a moving truck: $19 – $39/day
Top industries: Entertainment, Aerospace, Bioscience
Move here for: The weather, year-round outdoor recreation, the food, the arts
Be sure to bring: Your car and hiking boots or surf board
1. The weather is almost always perfect
Los Angeles is famous for its nearly perfect weather. With over 280 sunny days a year, it’s no wonder residents can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. The Mediterranean climate means mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 68°F in the winter to 85°F in the summer. It’s a city where flip-flops can be worn most of the year, and seasonal affective disorder is practically non-existent.
2. Traffic is a daily challenge
Los Angeles traffic is infamous and for a good reason. The city consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for traffic congestion. Commuters can expect to spend an average of 119 hours stuck in traffic annually. Peak hours can turn a 20-minute drive into a one-hour ordeal. Investing in a good podcast or audiobook subscription is almost a necessity for those long, slow drives.
Moving Tip: One of the best things you can do for your future L.A.-living self is to rent or buy close to work or school. Think about the locations your household will need to access often and try to find a home nearby.
3. Unique neighborhoods with distinct personalities
Each neighborhood in Los Angeles has its own distinct personality and charm. From the trendy boutiques and nightlife of Silver Lake to the luxurious homes and shopping in Beverly Hills, there’s a neighborhood to fit every lifestyle. Exploring areas like Venice Beach, Downtown LA, and West Hollywood can help new residents find the perfect fit.
Moving Tip: Your neighborhood and those that surround it will be an important part of your day to day life in L.A. because it can take so long to travel to other parts of the city. Make sure to do your research to find the area that will suit your lifestyle AND budget.
4. L.A. is a very expensive city to live in
Living in Los Angeles comes with a hefty price tag. The cost of living is 50% higher than the national average, with housing being the biggest expense. Median home prices are over $1 million, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages more than $2,500 per month. While high salaries in certain industries can offset these costs, budgeting and financial planning are crucial for anyone considering a move.
Moving Tip: Most recent transplants to the city note that living in L.A. is probably more expensive than you expect. Yes, housing is expensive but so are other necessities like food, gas, and entertainment so make sure your budget is realistic before moving to the city.
5. So MANY outdoor activities you can do (mostly) year round
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Los Angeles. From hiking in Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon to surfing in Malibu and Santa Monica, the city offers a wide range of activities. The Pacific Coast Highway provides breathtaking coastal drives, and spots like the Venice Beach Boardwalk are perfect for biking, rollerblading, or simply people-watching.
6. A multi-cultural melting pot
Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world. With significant populations from Latin America, Asia, and beyond, the city is a cultural melting pot. Neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little Ethiopia, and Chinatown offer unique cultural experiences and cuisines. This diversity enriches the city’s arts, festivals, and daily life, making it a vibrant place to live.
7. One word: Hollywood
Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood, making it the epicenter of the entertainment industry. The city is home to major film studios, production companies, and countless opportunities in acting, writing, directing, and more. Iconic spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre are just the tip of the iceberg for film and television enthusiasts.
Moving Tip: You will see celebrities out and about in L.A. If you want to seem like a true Angeleno, practice looking nonchalant in the face of mega stars.
8. Competition for housing is high
The housing market in Los Angeles is highly competitive. Homes and apartments can be snapped up within days of being listed. Prospective renters and buyers should be prepared to act quickly and often need to offer more than the asking price. Working with a knowledgeable L.A.-based real estate agent can be invaluable in navigating this fast-paced market.
9. Get your fitness on
Los Angeles residents are known for their health-conscious lifestyles. The city is filled with yoga studios, gyms, and outdoor fitness classes. Vegan and organic food options are widely available, with restaurants like Café Gratitude leading the charge. The city’s focus on wellness and fitness is evident in its numerous hiking trails, outdoor activities, and health food markets.
10. Incredible educational opportunities
Los Angeles boasts a range of educational institutions, from top-rated public schools to prestigious universities like UCLA and USC. The city also offers specialized schools in arts, technology, and trades. Parents and students alike have access to a variety of educational resources and extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests and career paths.
11. Diverse food scene
Los Angeles is a food lover’s paradise. The city’s diversity is reflected in its culinary offerings, from authentic street tacos in Boyle Heights to high-end sushi in Little Tokyo. Farmers’ markets, like the one at The Original Farmers Market, provide fresh, local produce year-round. Food trucks are also a big part of the culture, offering gourmet meals on wheels across the city.
Moving Tip: L.A. has some of the best asian food and tex-mex in the country so come hungry!
12. World-class music scene and museums
The arts and music scene in Los Angeles is thriving. The city is home to world-class museums like The Getty Center and LACMA. Music venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the Troubadour host performances from top artists and emerging talents. Art walks, street performances, and film festivals are regular occurrences, providing endless entertainment options.
13. Public transportation is improving but still very limited
The Los Angeles Metro is expanding, with new lines and extensions regularly added. L.A.’s TransitScore is only 53, which means it’s still not as comprehensive as in other major cities. While downtown and some neighborhoods are well-served, many areas still require a car for convenient travel. The Metro Expo Line connects downtown to Santa Monica, making beach trips more accessible, but overall, a car remains essential for most residents.
14. Close proximity to nature and weekend getaways
Los Angeles offers easy access to a variety of natural landscapes and weekend getaway options. The city is just a short drive from the beaches of Orange County, the mountains of Big Bear, and the deserts of Joshua Tree. This proximity to diverse environments makes it easy to escape the urban hustle and enjoy the great outdoors.
Methodology: Average rent prices sourced from Rent.com July 2024. Home prices sourced from Redfin July 2024. Average moving costs sourced from MoveBuddha. Employment data sourced from Grand LA.