Los Angeles, a living masterpiece of culture, opportunity, and undeniable allure.
Renowned as the world’s entertainment capital, LA’s artistic heritage is a big part of its identity. From the glamor of Hollywood to the murals on the streets, the city’s creative pulse extends beyond the big screen to touch every corner of life here.
Whether it’s music, fashion, or culinary arts, the LA lifestyle has no limits in wielding its influence. But there’s more to the City of Angels than its artistic sheen!
Moving to Los Angeles is saying hello to a place where sunny weather, diverse neighborhoods, and boundless opportunities make life exciting and rewarding.
But could there be more to this city than these advantages?
Here’s your relocation guide to Los Angeles:
Cost of Living: Dream LA Big, Budget Bigger
Los Angeles is a city of dreams, but those dreams often come with some sticker shock.
The cost of living here is significantly higher than the national average, making it essential to plan your finances carefully.
Living in Los Angeles might be for you if you can afford to pay 50% more than the national average. Housing, for instance, can set you back over $2,000 per month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city can cost around $2,728 monthly, while a four-bedroom apartment can gulp up over $11,000. Also, buying a home often means shelling out upwards of $900,000.
- Average House Rent: $2,761
- Median Home Value: $1 Million
But, the high living costs do not stop at housing. Transportation, utilities, and entertainment costs can also pile up quickly, which is especially true if you want to explore LA’s iconic landmarks and nightlife.
A single person in LA will need about $6,233 per month to live comfortably, while a family will need around $14,580.
| Expense Category | Compared to the National Average |
| Housing | 137% higher |
| Utilities | 10% higher |
| Groceries | 12% higher |
| Transportation | 33% higher |
| Healthcare | 5% higher |
Finding the Ideal Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle Preference
Moving to Los Angeles, CA requires thorough research and careful neighborhood selection.
Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with many diverse neighborhoods, which can make choosing where to live seem like an uphill task.
Choosing the right neighborhood is important since it plays a major role in shaping your LA experience.
- Silver Lake – A trendy and artsy neighborhood with indie settings
- Santa Monica — It’s where you go for a beach living experience. It offers stunning ocean views and excellent dining options.
- Burbank — Families often gravitate toward this area for its excellent schools, quieter streets, and proximity to studios.
- Downtown LA — The go-to for urban dwellers who want to be close to nightlife, cultural events, and historic architecture.
Career Growth and Job Opportunities
As the world’s entertainment capital, Los Angeles naturally offers abundant opportunities in film, television, and music. However, the city’s job market is far more diverse than its Hollywood reputation suggests.
Silicon Beach encompasses areas like Venice and Playa Vista. Emerging as a tech hub, with companies like Google, Snapchat, and Hulu establishing strong footholds.
The healthcare industry is also a significant employer. Renowned institutions like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Medical Center are leading healthcare institutions that cater to the healthcare and medical needs of the people.
- Median Household Income: $76,244
- Unemployment Rate: 5.6%
- Poverty Rate: 16.6%
Other thriving fields include education, fashion, and the growing green energy sector.
However, breaking into the job market in LA often requires networking, perseverance, and a clear strategy. You should attend industry events, leverage social media platforms, and prepare to hustle.
Education and Learning in the City of Angels
As a student or a person moving to Los Angeles with children, you’ll want to enroll in a good school.
The Los Angeles Unified School District serves the city, but school quality can vary widely depending on the neighborhood.
Parents often research school ratings extensively before deciding where to settle. The Los Angeles Unified School District’s overall school quality rating is only better than 38.3% of all California school districts.
However, some of the best schools in the city include:
- Science Academy STEM Magnet
- Overland Avenue Elementary
- Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet Elementary
- Wonderland Avenue Elementary
- Renaissance Arts Academy
Transportation — Navigating the Concrete Jungle
Transportation in Los Angeles is both a challenge and an adventure.
The city’s infamous traffic is a rite of passage for residents. With an average commute time of 39 minutes, commuting here is 7 minutes more than the U.S. average.
When moving to Los Angeles, you should know that having a car is almost a necessity. More than 72% of the residents drive themselves; however, public transit options are available and steadily improving.
Its Metro rail and bus systems connect key parts of the city, but the buses are less reliable for getting around partly due to traffic.
Pro Tip: If you rely on public transit, apps like Metro Trip Planner can make navigating the system much easier.
Neighborhoods like Downtown LA are more walkable, offering an alternative to endless hours of traffic.
Note:
Biking and electric scooters have also gained popularity recently, especially for short-distance travel. There is even a bike-share program.
Healthcare: Prioritizing Your Well-being
Los Angeles has some of the best healthcare facilities in the nation. However, navigating the system can be tricky without the right insurance.
Top-rated hospitals like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Medical Center offer world-class care, but costs can add up quickly if your insurance doesn’t cover them adequately.
So, it’s important to review your insurance plan before moving. LA’s healthcare network is extensive, offering routine checkups and emergency care.
When it comes to physician access, you get more physicians per capita (211 physicians per 100,000 people) than most places in the country (210 physicians per 100,000 people).
Weather and Climate in Los Angeles
If you are moving to Los Angeles, prepare to fall in love with the weather.
Locals enjoy over 280 sunny days a year, with mild winters and warm summers.
The average winter low hovers around 46°F, while summer highs peak at around 78°F, especially in inland areas.
Coastal neighborhoods like Santa Monica benefit from cooler ocean breezes, making them popular with those who prefer milder temperatures.
Average Seasonal Temperature in Los Angeles
Winter — 56°F
Fall — 65°F
Spring — 59°F
Summer — 67°F
The Crime Rate of Los Angeles
As with any large city, safety in Los Angeles varies by neighborhood.
While some areas, like Beverly Hills, Bell Canyon, Royal Oak, and Encino, have low crime rates, others can be more challenging.
The crime rate in Los Angeles is generally higher than the national average. So, moving to Los Angeles means staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
| per 1,000 Resident | Los Angeles Median | California Median | National Median |
| Violent Crime | 8.38 | 4.99 | 4.0 |
| Property Crime | 27.53 | 23.43 | 20.0 |
Final Thoughts — Embracing the LA Lifestyle
Moving to Los Angeles is as exciting as it is transformative.
While the city presents unique challenges like high living costs and relentless traffic, it also offers unparalleled opportunities and diverse cultural experiences.
Whether you’re drawn to the City of Angels by career prospects or simply the allure of endless sunshine, LA is ready for you to embrace its energy and explore its neighborhoods.
