Thinking about taking a leap and moving to Los Angeles? There is a lot you want to know. The prospect can be a little overwhelming if you’re not familiar with all the neighborhoods and the many cultures. It may be hard to sift through all the hype about LA and find the actual reality. No worries, as a local LA mover, we have some tips to pass on before you get moving to Los Angeles.
Moving to Los Angeles – 10 Tips:
1. Moving to Los Angeles Delivers A Lot Of Sunshine
It is generally sunny and warm most of the time, however it does get cold during winter (temperatures 60°F and under) and hot during summer (temperatures 80°F and over). So if you are moving to Los Angeles, move the thermals to storage and stock up on the flip flops.
2. Earthquakes Get LA Moving
It’s Southern California; things will always be moving and shaking in LA. However, more often than not, you won’t feel anything. The trick about moving to Los Angeles is to know your earthquake preparedness tips and be ready.
3. Out-Of-The-Box Neighborhoods
In moving to Los Angeles, you will find that the city is made up of many communities with their own distinct cultures and characteristics. Take your time and choose your neighborhood. You may want to stay with friends, find a short-term lease, or try Airbnb so you can move to a LA location where you feel the most comfortable.
4. Moving Around After Moving To Los Angeles
Do not expect to get anywhere quickly during rush hour (6am-10am or 3pm-7pm). The good news is, you may no longer need a car. Depending on your living location, you can try the Metro system (light rail or bus) or the popular Uber or Lyft car ride services. There are also bike or electric scooter (Bird, Lime) ride share programs. After moving to Los Angeles areas such as Fairfax/Wilshire, Santa Monica, Venice, Hollywood, etc., you may even be able to walk to work.
5. Amazing Food To Pack Your Tummy
LA is a foodie’s paradise. With dining options of down-home coffee shops, the exploding food truck phenomenon (that started in LA), small eateries to fancier cuisine at high-end restaurants – you are sure to find foods to excite your palate after moving to Los Angeles. And with so many farmers markets selling fresh, locally-produced goods, you can also make your own healthy meals and save some money – not to mention, help the environment .
6. Museums To Fuel Your Mind
From the Hammer and the two Getty locations on the westside, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Petersen Automotive Museum in Wilshire/Fairfax, the Natural History Museum and California Science Center near USC, Musuem of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and The Broad in Downtown LA, to the Norton Simon in Pasadena – museums in LA offer a wide array of exposure to art, history and culture.
7. Pack Up And Head To The Beach
You will always be within an hour or so of a beach. Going north to Malibu or south to Laguna, and all the beaches in between, there are a great variety of coastal locales where you can enjoy a picnic, surf or just play in the sand. Explore along Pacific Coast Highway to find the best beach for you after moving to Los Angeles. Be sure to apply a good SPF sunblock – even when it is overcast.
8. Get Your Move On And Get Hiking
There is always something to do outside in LA, but hiking is an easily-accessible outdoor activity that many people enjoy. After moving to Los Angeles, try hiking Griffith Park, dog-friendly Runyon Canyon, Culver City Stairs, Switzer Falls, and the Santa Monica and San Bernardino mountains. Even in the urban jungle of Downtown LA, you can hike up and down Bunker Hill and Angels Flight.
9. Wrap Yourself Up In A Great Music Scene
No matter what kind of music you are into, there is always some kind of live audio event to attend. LA boasts some of the best venues; there is The Forum, Staples Center, Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the smaller John Anson Ford and Greek Theatres. There are also more intimate settings such as The Mint, The Viper Room, Whisky-A-Go-Go, Largo, Troubadour and The Fonda Theatre. At any place, it will all be music to your ears.
10. Load Up With Great Shopping
Los Angeles is not just about Rodeo Drive or closed-in malls anymore. Now there are highly popular outdoor retail destinations such as Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Westfield Century City, The Commons at Calabasas, The Beverly Center or The Grove LA in the Wilshire/Fairfax district. There also the premium fashion and specialty goods shopping outlets nearby such as The Citadel in Commerce, Ontario Mills, Cabazon Outlets and Camarillo Premium Outlets.
Keep in mind, there is a lot more to Los Angeles than how it is portrayed in film, television shows, books, news and social media. This vibrant city is overflowing with diversified, remarkable Angelenos who you will meet and will enhance your life. And although celebrity sightings do occur on occasion, do not expect to bump into one on every corner (however if you wish for a “star experience” when moving to Los Angeles, NorthStar Moving Company can move you in style.). So ready yourself for a new adventure, make sure to pack up a lot of sunscreen, and get moving to Los Angeles.
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Have you recently moved to LA? What helped you to adapt and feel at home? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your tips for moving to Los Angeles below.