Moving to Los Angeles: The Complete Guide

1. Educate Yourself on the Market

Being such an incredible city, there are millions of other people that are interested in moving to LA at some point in the next year. Because of that, it’s always important to know how the current real estate market is trending in the city.

Be sure to look at the real estate market report for LA to educate yourself on the place that you will soon call home.

This can help educate you on the price points, current inventory, listings, selling rates, and things to know about neighborhoods you’re looking at.

The firmer grasp you have on the current LA real estate market, the more you’ll understand which options are right for you. For example, you might consider a single-family home or condominium based on price and availability.

2. Familiarize Yourself With the Layout

No matter what city you’re moving from, Los Angeles’s layout will be unlike any other that you’ve seen before. The entire city spans over an eye-opening 500 square miles.

This is why everyone elects to drive everywhere, and why the infamous Los Angeles traffic occurs at all hours of the day. But don’t let that deter you! Ask any LA resident and they’ll tell you that, like anything else, it’s an adjustment you’ll make with time.

It’s important to understand the layout of LA to pinpoint where you should move to Los Angeles County.

For example, if you’re moving because you’ve recently accepted a job in San Pedro, then you’ll want to look for a living situation somewhere in the South Bay area.

If you’re wanting to start anew in Venice, then you could find a spot somewhere in Westside such as Marina del Ray, Brentwood, Santa Monica, or (of course) Venice itself.

It’s also smart to familiarize yourself with the rougher areas of LA, such as Boyle Heights, Watts, and the Wholesale District (AKA “Skid Row”).

3. Understand the Cost of Living

It’s no secret that the cost of living in Los Angeles isn’t cheap. It will be quite the adjustment for you and your family (if applicable) at first. However, like anything else, you’ll find a rhythm in time.

Knowing the general aspects of LA’s cost of living before moving there is always in your best interest. For one, you can save up money before moving. Secondly, it will help you manage your finances once you’re there.

With rent, you might average anywhere around $2,350 for a one-bedroom apartment or around $3,350 for a two-bedroom. Fortunately, the cost of food is on par with the national average. Expect to spend around 15% of your budget on it.

Taxes in the city of Los Angeles are the biggest differences to most others. Expect to pay between 8-percent and 10-percent of your take-home pay.

You’ll also want to consider the cost of transportation. Gas in the state of California is among the highest in the entire nation. Make sure to account for it in your living arrangements.

Depending on where you have to go every day for work, you might consider taking the local bus route to save on weekly spending.

4. Be Prepared to Work

Of course, Los Angeles is home to some of the richest people in the world, but the average city resident has to find other ways to make ends meet.

Los Angeles residents are hard workers that are willing to go beyond the traditional 9 to 5 to provide for themselves and their families. This leads to many having unconventional side gigs and multiple jobs.

After you move to LA, you might find that there are times you need to get creative with ways to make more money.

It’s not a chore in LA, it’s a way of life! LA’s residents embrace the grind, soaking in the beautiful sun and perfect weather all the while.

5. There’s Never a Dull Moment

Las Vegas is technically deemed the “entertainment capital of the world”, but most of its entertainment is located on the Strip, a place Vegas residents rarely go.

In Los Angeles, entertainment s located all around you. Wanting to catch a ball game? LA has multiple teams in almost every sport.

For baseball, they have the Dodgers and Angels. For football, they have the Rams and Chargers, for basketball, they have the Clippers and Lakers. Choose your allegiance to one team in each sport and rep their colors proudly!

Do you enjoy the entertainment industry? Sit live in a TV audience. Walk around downtown and notice the celebrities all around you. There’s never a dull moment in LA. Residents work hard and play harder in the City of Angels.