Palm trees, beautiful beaches, warm weather, vibrant entertainment destinations are just the tip of the iceberg when we think about moving to LA. Home to 3,795,936 people, Los Angeles is the second biggest city in the US after New York City in terms of population and the biggest in all of the country when it comes to size!
Yes – LA is huge! Since the 1930s, Los Angeles has attracted rockstars and famous actors, and it continues to live up to its legendary reputation. Who wouldn’t want to live in a city filled with palm trees, summer all year long and good vibes only? But is living in Los Angeles worth it?
In today’s blog we will explore the list of pros and cons of living in Los Angeles from a locals perspective. As a locally owned moving company here in LA, we have heard stories of all kinds from people moving in and out for numerous reasons. Let’s unpack them together.
Pros of Living in Los Angeles
Birthplace of American Cinema
Music,art,films,rock, pop -anything you consume in the media is produced here. The iconic Hollywood sign overlooking Los Angeles from Griffith Park is a reminder of the city’s legacy as the birthplace of American cinema, which flourished in the early 20th century. LA remains the moviemaking capital of the United States, with a thriving film industry that produces movies enjoyed worldwide. The city’s entertainment workforce is diverse, including everyone from actors and directors to film crews, musicians, and writers.
Los Angeles Has A Strong Job Market
Beyond entertainment, Los Angeles is also a hub for major corporations, with Fortune 500 companies such as Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., Universal Pictures, SpaceX, Hulu, and Trader Joe’s calling Los Angeles home. This mix of creative and corporate industries makes LA a dynamic place for career growth across various fields.
Los Angeles is a Special City Drawing Talent From All Over The World
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Los Angeles is a lively city with a nonstop entertainment and nightlife scene. From art shows during the day to exciting evenings out, there’s always something to enjoy. A big part of LA’s vibe comes from the creative people who live here. It’s normal to meet people with a day job who also have a side project in music, film, art, or performance like playing piano or dancing. LA attracts talent from everywhere, creating a special place where dreamers and artists come together, creating a pool of multitalented people to come in one place.
Los Angeles Is Very Diverse
Another great pro when it comes to living in Los Angeles is diversity. This comes in 2 flavors: diversity in cultures and nature. You will find people from all over the US here but not only. As one of the biggest metro cities in the US it is home to a melting pot of cultures including Asian, European, Hispanic and more! This makes Los Angeles an easy to fit city for people looking to move here. There is almost an international shop in every street. To add to the allure, people living in Los Angeles share interests of all kinds and it’s pretty easy to find people who share common hobbies.
Los Angeles is also naturally diverse. A quick 10-minute drive can take you from the busy city to stunning landscapes. While LA is a built-up desert—where palm trees, which are not native to the area, contribute to its appeal—there are plenty of scenic trails, pleasant neighborhoods, and lively streets to explore. You can discover a bit of everything here!
Lots Of Green Spaces
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Despite the iconic palm trees being the central theme of Los Angeles, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by a delightful abundance of green spaces. They’re practically everywhere! This beautiful combination of vibrant greenery, glorious sunny weather, charming walking paths, and stunning sandy beaches creates an incredibly lively atmosphere. It often seems like everyone is happily outside, either waiting for the sunset or enjoying the positive vibe of the city.
Perfect Weather
When asked about the reason for moving to Los Angeles a lot of people will say it’s the weather. It’s simply perfect. Los Angeles is famous for its sunny, Mediterranean climate that lasts all year.
Summer temperatures typically range from 60 to 85 degrees, while winter temperatures vary between 45 and 70 degrees. This pleasant weather allows residents to enjoy mountain hikes, beach outings, bike rides, and be out and about every day of the year.
Cons Of Living in Los Angeles
High Cost Of Living
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One of the biggest cons of living in Los Angeles is the high cost of living. The average rent in the area exceeds $2,700 per month, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the country, second only to New York and San Francisco. When you add in high fuel prices and the necessity of having a car to get around the city, expenses can quickly become overwhelming.
Remember the endless entertainment we mentioned as a pro of living in Los Angeles? It costs a lot! Dining out, cocktails, and entertainment costs, such as movie tickets, concerts, and events, are also on the higher side.
You’re probably wondering how much does it cost to live in Los Angeles? Here is a breakdown compared to the national average.
The cost of living in Los Angeles is 8% higher than the state average and a staggering 50% higher than the national average. Housing in Los Angeles is particularly expensive, costing 137% more than the average in the U.S., while utilities are roughly 12% higher than the national average.
If you assume that higher salaries make up for these costs, you might want to consider some of the other cons of living in Los Angeles that come along with it.
High Taxes
In addition to high housing costs and other living expenses, California also has some of the highest taxes in the country. In Los Angeles County, the combined sales tax rate is 10.25%. California has a base sales tax rate of 6% and a top income tax rate of 12.3%. The silver lining is that the state’s progressive income tax system means that lower earners face lower rates, which can help ease the financial burden.
Job Market Is Super Competitive
The sad news is that while there are many job opportunities in LA, the competition is intense. With so many people vying for the same well-paying positions, you often find yourself up against a pool of overqualified candidates.
Every major city has a competitive job market, but Los Angeles is one of the largest and most sought-after markets in the world. This California city hosts numerous high-profile companies that look great on a resume, leading to open positions attracting an overwhelming number of applicants, including many from prestigious schools across the country.
Bad Traffic, Bad Public Transport & Expensive Parking Tickets
Living in Los Angeles comes with the challenge of navigating the city’s infamous traffic, congestion, and lengthy commutes, coupled with a limited public transportation system. Stop-and-go traffic is a common experience during morning and evening rush hours.
A 2021 study by INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, ranked Los Angeles as the sixth most congested urban area in the country, highlighting that a section of Interstate 5 running through the city is the most congested travel corridor in the U.S.
The city is served by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates buses, light rail, and heavy rail services throughout the region. However, a significant majority of LA residents rely on their cars for commuting, which only adds to the already long travel times.
With a large percentage of the population in Los Angeles owning a car, finding parking can become a challenge. Almost everywhere you go, you’ll have to pay for parking, which can quickly add up. Additionally, gas prices are not cheap, making the overall cost of driving even higher.
Homelessness
Homelessness is a significant issue in Los Angeles, with the city being home to one of the largest homeless populations in the United States. Various factors contribute to this crisis, including high housing costs, a lack of affordable housing, and mental health challenges. The visible presence of homelessness can be a stark reality for residents and visitors alike, often impacting community perception and quality of life.
Moving in Los Angeles with Royalty Moving & Storage
In summary, Los Angeles is truly a one-of-a-kind city that showcases both extreme wealth and its unique challenges. It has its own form of beauty, as well as its own brand of struggles. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making the decision to move here.
For those in the creative fields, LA serves as an excellent stepping stone, filled with like-minded individuals and opportunities. The same holds true for young professionals seeking to advance their careers and immerse themselves in the vibrant West Coast culture. When you’re ready to make the move, be sure to contact Royalty Moving & Storage for all your relocation needs!
