If you are thinking of packing up all of your things and relocating to the City of Angels, there are a few things you should know before making the jump. We prepared a comprehensive moving to Los Angeles guide. Make sure you consult it before you start planning the move – and you’ll adjust to the new city in no time.
Pros of Moving to Los Angeles
If you’re thinking about relocating to Los Angeles, you’re certainly not alone. After all, LA is one of the most popular destinations for people relocating from all over the world. But why move to Los Angeles? Here are just a few of the many reasons to move:
- The weather is (almost) always perfect – whether you’re hitting the beach, hiking through Griffith Park, or taking a leisurely stroll down Rodeo Drive, you’ll always be able to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather.
- There’s something for everyone – no matter what your interests are, you’ll find plenty of things to keep you entertained.
- The people are incredibly diverse – with residents hailing from all over the world, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life while living here. Whether you’re looking to make new friends or find a potential business or romantic partner, you’re sure to find a diverse group of people after the move.
- The opportunities are endless – as one of the largest cities in the country and a major center for business and entertainment, LA is brimming with opportunities for those who are willing to seize them.
- It’s a great place to raise a family – with its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods, LA is a great place if you plan to move with kids. Plus, with so many family-friendly attractions and activities available, the young ones will never get bored.
As you can see, there are plenty of relocation benefits you’ll be able to enjoy after the move. You’re sure to find your place in this vibrant city, so don’t hesitate to notify others about the move, get professional long-distance moving services, and make this city your new home.
LA Has Seemingly Countless Neighborhoods – But Which Ones Are the Best?
If you’re ready to pack your relocation essentials and move to the City of Angels, you should find an area whose vibes match your own. Here is our moving-to-Los-Angeles advice considering LA neighborhoods:
Westwood - for young professionals
Most people associate Westwood with the University of California, Los Angeles, or UCLA, which is located there. The typical age in this neighborhood is merely 27 years old, which is why this area is filled with students and young professionals. It ranks among LA’s safest neighborhoods but is also one of the areas where there is always something going on. Besides amazing entertainment options and a nightlife scene, there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants where you can relax and unwind. No matter what your idea of fun is, you’ll be able to find it in Westwood.
Silver Lake - for the community
Silver Lake is known to be one of the hippest parts of LA. You’ll be shocked to learn that despite the neighborhood’s abundance of stores and restaurants, no major chains are present since locals strive to support mom-and-pop shops and small, local restaurants rather than the large, internationally famous chains. However, if you decide you want more, keep in mind that Downtown is about 50 minutes away via public transportation or 30 minutes away via car.
Playa del Rey - for the small-town feel
Playa del Rey is a small beach neighborhood with a close-knit community that comes together for annual events, so you’ll never find yourself feeling isolated or alone in Playa del Rey. Still, this location is less expensive than Santa Monica, for example, because of the students and the closeness to the airport. The small-town and peaceful atmosphere this area offers can feel like a welcome break from the hectic pace of LA.
LA Will Provide You With Great Employment Opportunities
Whether you want to get a job fresh out of college or you’re a professional looking for a change of scenery, know that LA is a city with a lot to offer. The job market in LA is strong. In fact, the unemployment rate in Los Angeles County is currently 4.9%, and the average salary is higher than the national average – according to ZipRecruiter, it is around $67,000 as of October 2022.
Of course, when planning a move to the big city, there will always be high competition for jobs. But don’t let that deter you—there are plenty of employers looking for talented candidates. With a little effort and perseverance (and a well-written CV and cover letter), you should be able to find a great job.
Where to Look for a Job After the Move?
What industries are booming in LA? The entertainment industry is obviously a big one. If you’re looking for a job in film, television, or music, there are plenty of options. Some of the biggest employers in the entertainment industry include CBS Corporation, Disney ABC Television Group, and Warner Bros Studios.
LA is also home to the booming tech industry. Companies like Tinder and SpaceX all have their headquarters in LA or its metropolitan area. If you’re looking for a job in tech, these are some great companies to start your search with. Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities in fashion design, marketing, or retail. Some of the biggest fashion employers in LA include Forever 21, Guess, and American Apparel. There are also opportunities in other fields, such as healthcare or finance.
Finding a job with little to no experience will also be possible after the move. Take a look at the video below for some valuable tips:
LA’s Infamous for Its High Cost of Living
Relocating to a new city alone or with family is an exciting endeavor. Still, before getting packing services and preparing your household goods, it’s important to do your research and find out what the cost of living is like in your new city. If it becomes one of the things you forget to do, you might end up in a bit of financial hot water.
Should I move to LA, you ask? If you’re thinking about relocating here, you’ve probably heard that the cost of living is high. Let’s start with one of the biggest expenses you’ll have to account for – housing. According to PayScale, the median home price in this city is around $910,000. It is a lot more than the national average – 129%, to be precise. It’s one of the reasons you’ll probably have to move to a smaller home than your current one.
On the other hand, if you wish to rent an apartment, keep in mind that median rent is as high as $2,800. Instead of living on your own, our advice is to save some money by getting a roommate.
As for other living expenses, such as utilities and groceries, note that they are also more expensive than the national average. Take a look at the table below to find out more about the cost of living in LA:
| Expenses | Prices |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities | $140 |
| Apartment (one-bedroom) Outside of Center | $1,900 |
| Apartment (one-bedroom) in City Center | $2,520 |
| Preschool (or Kindergarten) Monthly for one Child | $1,360 |
At the same time, keep in mind that LA is a huge city, which means your transportation costs are likely to be higher than they would be in a smaller town or suburb. Also, if you plan on owning a car, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas, as well as the price of parking (which can be quite steep in some areas).
LA Has Bad Traffic, but Good Roads
LA has a pretty extensive bus system run by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). There are over 200 bus lines crisscrossing all over LA County, so chances are there’s a route that goes near where you want to go. However, the buses can be pretty unreliable. They’re often late, and sometimes they don’t show up at all. In addition, they can get pretty crowded during rush hour.
For everyday life in LA, having a car is the best option, so don’t hesitate to get car shipping services when organizing a move to a new state. Still, note that LA is notorious for its traffic. The city is home to millions of people and thousands of businesses, which means that the roads are always congested. But it’s not all bad news! The condition of the roads themselves is actually quite good.
Packing Services
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Corporate Relocation
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LA Schools Are Highly Rated
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is one of the largest and most well-funded school districts in the country. This means that students have access to more resources and opportunities than they would in other parts of the country – and that reflects in their results.
Another big reason why LA schools are so highly rated is because of the diverse range of educational options that are available. In addition to traditional public schools, there are also a number of highly respected charter schools and private schools to choose from. No matter what your child’s unique needs or interests are, you’re sure to find a school that’s right for them.
This City Offers Quality Higher Education as Well
Relocating to college in LA means you’ll have access to some of the best schools in the country. UCLA, USC, and Caltech are all located here or in close proximity. LA is also a great place to be if you’re looking for a diverse educational experience. There are plenty of community colleges and vocational schools located here, so you can find the right fit for your needs. However, on the downside, attending college in LA can be expensive. The cost of living is high, and tuition prices at some schools can be pricey.
LA Is a Mecca When It Comes to Entertainment Options
LA is a particularly tricky city to get to know. With its vast size and a seemingly endless array of things to do, it can be overwhelming for newcomers. We’re here to help with a list of the best entertainment options – at least for a start. You can:
- Catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl – this historic venue has been hosting visitors from all over the world since 1922, and its summer concert series is not to be missed. With performances ranging from classical music to today’s hottest pop acts, there’s something for everyone at the Hollywood Bowl.
- Explore the Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits – this unique museum is located atop one of the world’s largest deposits of tar, which has preserved the remains of ancient plants and animals for millennia. Visitors can see real Ice Age fossils on display, as well as take part in hands-on activities like mock excavations.
- Wander through Rodeo Drive – a world-famous shopping street, Rodeo Drive is home to designer boutiques, luxury cars, and some of the most expensive real estate in the city. Even if you don’t plan on spending any money, Rodeo Drive is definitely worth a visit for people-watching and window-shopping alone.
- Visit the Getty Center – this renowned art museum sits atop a hill in Brentwood and houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more. Best of all, admission is free!
For more amazing things to do in LA, check the video below:
FAQ
Are people moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Some people may be drawn to LA’s warmer climate and entertainment industry opportunities, while others may prefer the cultural diversity and tech industry of San Francisco. That is why you may see many people relocating to LA from San Francisco but also quite a few of those choosing a long-distance moving company for relocation in the opposite direction.
Are people moving from San Diego to Los Angeles?
Some people may choose to move from San Diego to Los Angeles for career opportunities or a change in lifestyle. However, many also prefer to stay in San Diego for its quality of life. It ultimately depends on the individual and their personal preferences and circumstances.
Are people moving from Seattle to Los Angeles?
LA and its incredible weather and laid-back lifestyle can make many decide to hire movers from Seattle to California. However, it is notable that the population of Seattle has been steadily increasing over the past decade. This suggests that there are many people willing to get movers from California to Seattle as well and make Emerald City their home.
How to Move to Los Angeles? Get Help From the Best Cross-Country Movers
If you’ve decided that the answer to the question “Should I move to Los Angeles” is a firm yes, then you should find out how to move to LA smoothly. If you wish to move efficiently, your safest bet is to get professional long-distance movers. That is why you should place hiring a cross-country moving company on your to-do list, research for the best movers near you, book your move on time, and enjoy a stress-free relocation.
