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Every year, thousands of people from around the world move to Los Angeles. The City of Angels in the heart of California considered a land of opportunities for fame and fortune. Only a small percentage of those people with stars in their eyes make it to stardom. Thankfully, there are many other opportunities to choose from in L.A.
Tourism is a huge industry in Los Angeles, the sprawling city in Southern California. The Hollywood entertainment district lies at the foot of the iconic Hollywood sign. Here, popular film studios offer behind-the-scenes tours. Walk in the footsteps of your celebrity crushes on the Walk of Fame. After a tour of Hollywood Boulevard, visit TCL Chinese Theatre. Finally, pick up a map to the homes of the stars from a vendor. Follow the directions to get a glimpse of how the rich and famous live.
But there’s more to moving to Los Angeles than just chasing the stars. With this guide, we hope to help you decide whether moving to Los Angeles is the right decision for you.
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City of Angels | An Overview
Los Angeles is sheltered by the coastline on one side and the mountains on the other day. These elements combine to deliver an excellent climate. LA sees about three hundred sunny days a year and enjoys an average high of 75 degrees.
Although the climate is beautiful, California does have issues with smog. Traffic (so much traffic!), and the industries that are most active in the state contribute to pollution. Los Angeles has a moderate level of air pollution with an air quality index of 74 US AQI. The main pollutant in the city is PM2.5. What does that mean?
According to the CDC, that measurement relates to the size of the particles (particulate matter). Any particles can be bad for your health. The bigger the number (PM10) the bigger or coarser the measure of particles. Bigger particles will typically irritate your respiratory system, eyes, and ears. Smaller particles can penetrate your lungs and enter the bloodstream, and are therefore very dangerous.
The US Environmental Protection Agency considers a particulate measure of 2.5 safe in terms of national air quality standards. That is, providing an individual does not inhale more than 12 micrograms of particulates per cubic meter of air per day, over a year.
Main Employers in L.A.
We don’t recommend you move to L.A. with only a pocketful of sunshine and a dream in your heart. While the entertainment industry in LA is booming, you still have to show talent. Don’t expect to be found by a talent scout and be famous by month-end.
Although many average blokes moved to Los Angeles and became superstars, that is not the norm. We don’t see the hard work that goes into a superstar’s behind-the-scenes life. There’s a whole process before they become famous and start rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
LA County’s major industries include:
- Aerospace and Defense
- Advanced Transportation
- Trade and Logistics
- Bioscience
- Fashion, Apparel and Lifestyle
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Food manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Entertainment and Digital Media
- Marketing, Design and Publishing
Where to find work in LA
You can find a job in Los Angeles by scouring the typical job boards. Look at sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Simply Hired.
L.A. City is the second-largest municipal government in the United States, so you might even find work with the City. Alternatively, speak to your employer about potentially working remotely. You could visit the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation website for more information about careers in LA.
Strange Laws in Los Angeles
California is a melting pot of quirky creatives, high tech professionals, and interesting characters. That’s probably why the state has such strange laws.
Women may not drive a motorized vehicle in California while wearing a housecoat.
Until 2012, no footballs were allowed on Los Angeles beaches without first obtaining permission from the lifeguards.
Remember that it is illegal to wash your neighbor’s car without permission. You may be yearning to do them a favor or repay them for being such good people… Just get permission first, okay?
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Things to Consider When Choosing a Neighborhood in L.A.
Los Angeles is arguably one of the most popular cities in the world for travel. It’s the hub of the business and entertainment world. Here, fame and fortune balances with quality of life and gorgeous nature (beaches, mountains, hiking trails and more) to keep residents calm in the rat race.
With much to offer, you can enjoy the best of LA’s business and entertainment world. Many talented entertainers make money doing what they love in a city full of dreams come true.
Types of property in Los Angeles
Dreaming of a mansion in Malibu? A townhouse in Santa Clarita? How about a humble home in Huntington Beach or a simple studio apartment? Perhaps penthouse in Hollywood is more your style. Be as it may, there’s a lot more to consider when deciding where you want to live in Los Angeles.
However, life is not all about work and never about play. That’s why it’s important to consider your proximity to recreational activities. People who enjoy living in the great outdoors often move to Castle Rock Beach or Rocky Beach. Other great neighborhoods near the coastline include:
- Rustic Canyon
- Passific Palisades
- Santa Monica
- Venice
- Torrance
- Redondo Beach
- Long Beach
- Huntington
Affordability and cost of living of LA
The minimum combined state, county, and city sales tax rate for Los Angeles, California is 9.5% in 2021. The California sales tax rate is 6%.
If you want to move to LA with no money or job, please rethink that decision. There’s no way to live in LA on minimum wage. The bare minimum you need to earn to pay the rent and barely scrape by is $20 an hour. That applies only if you have no bills or emergencies.
Speaking of unexpected costs… Consider other aspects of your lifestyle when choosing where to live in LA. If you move to Los Angeles with family, you should probably find a neighborhood near schools or bus routes. Need to choose the right accredited online school? Look into the following organizations:
There are many prestigious institutes for higher education to choose from in Los Angeles. NAT frequently delivers cars from other parts of the US to the various campuses in LA.
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Proximity to work and the cost of fuel are important considerations when you move to Los Angeles.
Buy or Rent | Is it a good time to buy a house in Los Angeles?
LA’s Housing Market: Hot and Happening!
Guess what? If you’re looking to buy a house in Los Angeles, things are buzzing! As of February 2024, the average house in LA County has a price tag of about $985.7K. That’s a jump of 9.6% compared to last year. This means lots of people want to live here, and they’re willing to pay a premium for it. The price per square foot? Around $640. So, if you’ve been dreaming of your own spot in LA, now’s the time to get serious (Norada Real Estate Investments).
When to Buy? Timing is Everything!
So, when’s the best time to dive into the LA housing market? Traditionally, autumn and winter have been the golden seasons to house hunt. Why? Less competition! Everyone’s caught up in holiday cheer, meaning fewer buyers on the prowl. But if you want the inside scoop: April is when you might snag a deal, prices tend to be lower. Looking for more options? May sees a bump in house listings. And if you’re hunting for the best mortgage rates, circle December on your calendar. Planning and a bit of strategy can really pay off (Clever Real Estate).
First-Time Buyer? Perks Await!
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in California, there’s good news! Programs like the CalHFA MyHome Assistance can help you with the down payment and closing costs, offering up to 3.5% of the home purchase price. And there’s more—like grants for building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or getting up to $10,000 to help with those pesky closing costs. With all these programs, buying your first home might be easier than you think (The Mortgage Reports).
A Quick Look at California’s Home Stats
California’s housing market isn’t just hot—it’s sizzling! With the median home price at $785,600 in February 2024 (yep, you read that right), it’s up by 11.4% from last year. While the numbers might seem daunting, don’t worry. There’s a lot of help available, from down payment assistance to special mortgage programs that let you get in with less upfront cash. Plus, if you’re eyeing LA specifically, the median listing price hit $1.2 million. But don’t let that scare you—there are programs and loans designed to make your dream home a reality (The Mortgage Reports).
Ready to Make a Move?
If all this talk has you dreaming of your own LA home, it’s time to start planning. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for your next investment, understanding the market, knowing the best times to buy, and taking advantage of available assistance programs can make all the difference. So, why wait? Dive into the vibrant Los Angeles housing market and find your perfect place under the sun!
Finding Your Perfect LA Apartment
Green Spaces and City Faces | Your Guide to LA Rentals
Looking for an apartment in LA? Brace yourself, because it might cost you almost twice as much as it would in other cities. And if you’re eyeing some of the coolest spots like Venice or Playa Vista, prices can soar even higher—think about $3,203 in Venice and a little more, $3,415, in Playa Vista. Yep, living in style in LA’s trendiest neighborhoods comes with a hefty price tag! Check out more on this at Curbed LA.
What’s the Damage? Breaking Down LA Rent Costs
Getting down to numbers, here’s what you might expect to shell out for your LA digs:
- Studio vibes? $1,255 is your number.
- Flying solo in a one-bedroom? That’ll be about $2,164.
- Need an extra bedroom? Two bedrooms run around $2,606.
- A three-bedroom spot for more room? You’re looking at $2,817.
And yes, those numbers are as real as the sunshine in California.
LA Living | More Than Just Rent
Utilities in LA | Weather or Not, You’re Gonna Pay
In LA, your utility bill can feel as varied as the weather, thanks to our micro-climates. Malibu’s chill at a comfy 80 max, while the San Fernando Valley can hit those scorching triple digits. And yes, it can get “chilly” in SoCal—well, our version of chilly, anyway. On average, for a cozy 915 square-foot place, utilities hover around $200 monthly. So, when budgeting for your LA pad, don’t forget to factor in those utility costs.
Wrapping It Up
Living in LA is an adventure, from finding the perfect neighborhood to juggling rent and utilities. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Venice or cooling down in Malibu, LA living is all about embracing the vibe, the views, and yes, the price tags that come with them. Ready to dive into the LA apartment hunt? With a little savvy searching and budgeting for those extras, you’ll find your ideal California home in no time.
Where do celebrities live in Los Angeles?
We all want to be surrounded by people who are at a similar station in life to us. As a result, we find familiarity when we live in a community that represents our lifestyle and values.
For example, if you’re frequently rubbing shoulders with the Kardashian-Jenner clan, you’ll probably fit in well in neighborhoods like Calabasas.
If you’re a Gloop / Gwyneth Paltrow fan, Santa Monica is the place to be.
Why is Traffic in Los Angeles so bad?
The one major issue in California is the fact that traffic is a nightmare, even at the best of times. Here are a few fun facts about getting around in L.A.:
The LA morning rush hour is 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Heavy traffic resumes for the evening rush hour from around 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. These hours are often extended on the I-405 north-south freeway. This highway connects the densely populated areas of West Los Angeles, Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, and Downtown, these hours can be extended.
How do you get around in California without a car?
The L.A. Metro subway and over-ground trains cover the most popular attractions and neighborhoods in the city, it is limited. Other options include taking a shuttle, rent a car, or catching an Uber. Sadly, you remain confined to areas of operation.
Costs add up on your daily commute if your transportation is charged by the hour. If you have a limited budget, this can quickly put a dampener on your fun.
If you drive infrequently, you can always rent a car. Being able to come and go as you please gives you more personal autonomy. Your own car gives you a more flexible schedule. Bring your car when you move to Los Angeles. You can always save money by carpooling.
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