25 Things You Need to Know Before You Move to Los Angeles

1. Not Everyone is in the Entertainment Industry

Yes, that’s right, I said not everyone is in the entertainment industry, and if you thought I’d say the opposite, it’s probably because it is such a widely accepted stereotype that everyone in L.A. is involved in the “biz” in some way or another. That being said, chances are, your Angelino waiter is also an aspiring actor, model, screenplay writer, director, stunt-double, etc.

2. It’s All About Who You Know

Everyone always says “It is about who you know,” but in Los Angeles, this really is true. Even if you’re not in “the industry,” you’ll need to know somebody in Los Angeles, simply to know where to go. See, L.A. is a city of secrets—there are hidden gems all over the place. That rundown-looking warehouse at the end of the block? Could be the most happening night club in the city. The strip mall by your dentist’s office? It might hide the best tacos in the U.S. The thing is, you’d never know unless you had someone to tell you. On the plus side, this means there are constantly things to discover in L.A.

3. It’s All About the Burgers

And specifically, it’s all about Tommy’s Original World Famous Hamburgers. Sorry, In-N-Out,but Tommy’s takes the cake. Or buns, rather.

4. And the Bars

To call Villains Tavern a “bar” is doing it a disservice. It is designed in the theme of an old world circus tent, set next to the train tracks downtown, and as you’re enjoying your cocktail (which are delicious), you probably wouldn’t be all that surprised to see a fox wearing a royal crown. Why? Well, why not?

5. West Hollywood Is Not Hollywood

In fact, West Hollywood isn’t even technically part of the city of Los Angeles—it is an actual city, with its own mayor and City Hall, like Burbank, San Fernando, or Augora Hills. West Hollywood includes much fabulousness, like the Sunset Strip, the Sunset Plaza retail strip, some of the area’s best clubs, bars, and restaurants, the center of L.A.’s gay community, and the liveliest stretch of Santa Monica Blvd.
Of note: check out Bar Lubitsch. Great atmosphere, great people, plus they support local artists, comedians, and musicians with their back stage.

6. Hollywood Isn’t Even Hollywood Anymore

A lot of the big Hollywood studios of old have moved on to more spacious areas these days, like Burbank or the Westside. Though for those not looking to get into the industry, but merely observe in wonder, like one might an old record, or one of those “compact disc” things, Hollywood is still a bustling tourist hub, with attractions like the Chinese Theater, the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Blvd., and the Kodak Theater.

7. Hipsters Unite in Silver Lake

The Silver Lake and Echo Park area is filled with unique cafes, theaters, art galleries, music venues, boutiques, and in recent years, it has attracted Los Angelino hipsters like ironically facial-haired moths to a PBR-scented flame.
For a roaring good time, be sure to check out The Short Stop. It’s a lounge, it has dancefloors, pool tables, a photo booth– it is like a party in a perfectly wrapped package, plus an always appropriate stream of 90s hip hop and R&B.

8. If You Like the Beach…

You’ll want to check out the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica. There’s a huge pool with elaborate marble accents, volleyball courts, a cafe, event house, oh, and even a fitness center. Because in LA, when you’re relaxing by the beach, you’re working out.

9. Traffic Is Worse than You’ve Heard It Is

I know, I know, we’ve all heard of the infamously terrible traffic in Los Angeles—so why am I even bothering to put it on this list? Because it is that bad. In asking several Los Angeles natives and newbies alike what insider tips they had about moving to L.A., traffic was still their No. 1 need to know. Which is unfortunate, because…

10. You’ll Need a Car

Fun fact: Los Angeles has the second largest bus system in the U.S., behind New York City. This makes sense, seeing as though it’s the second largest city in the U.S. However, unlike New York’s subway system, which has a central “hub” (Manhattan), Los Angeles is a sprawling mass of neighborhoods, highways, suburbs, and even overlapping transit systems from other areas. So it’s not that L.A. doesn’t have public transit—it’s just that it’s complicated and the city is better designed for cars.

11. Which Brings Us to Smog

Don’t you just love it when things connect? Traffic + Need for a car = hazardous, photochemical smog! Yay! On the upside, though, even with the booming population, the air quality is getting better these days with more progressive air laws.

12. Well I’ll Be a Son of a Gun

If Son of a Gun does not have some of the best seafood in Los Angeles, or California in general. I don’t even like oysters and I… well, I ate theirs, and kept them down! And if you’re looking for something a bit meatier, check out their sister restaurant, Animal. It’s about ten minutes away, owned and operated by the same masterminds, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo.

13. Dinner Party It Up

Even though Los Angeles has more restaurant options than some countries do as a whole, Angelinos know that L.A. is a city for home-based dinner parties. The great thing about this—you’ll get to check out your richer friends’ swanky pads. The drawback? At some point, you might be expected to reciprocate.

14. They Have Amazing Produce

I don’t know how they do it, but somehow, Los Angeles has some of the biggest, brightest, juiciest, and sweetest produce I’ve ever tasted, For the best of the best, though, head to the Hollywood Farmers Market any Sunday morning.

15. Check out Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles? ‘Nuff said.

16. There Is Nature

Check out Runyon Canyon—one of the most popular hiking trails for mortals and celebrities alike. Fancy some yoga to break up your hike? Check out Runyon Canyon Yoga, with donation-based classes every day of the week.

17. Don’t Forget Fido

Los Angeles is a very dog-friendly city, from their numerous dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and yes, even doggy-hotels, boutiques, and day-care centers to their variety of dog parks and dog-friendly beaches. For the perfect pooch pampering day, check out Puppy Luv on Pico Blvd., then head down to the Downtown Arts District Dog Park.

18. Los Angeles Is a Healthy City

When it comes to health food stores, unique raw restaurants, vegan choices, smoothie places, gyms, CrossFit options, running trails, a lack of smoking, yoga classes, and oh my God, the list goes on—Los Angeles can’t be beat (sorry, Bay Area). Perhaps it has something to do with the ridiculous standard of beauty in L.A., but it seems as though no matter what you’re looking for, there is a healthier option there.

19. Business Casual Really Does Mean Business Casual

In fact, take what you think of as “business casual,” throw some cut-off jeans and flip flops into the mix, and you’ve got yourself an interview outfit. L.A. is a very informal business environment compared to most other places in the country, so keep it simple folks. Suit and tie need not apply.

20. It Has a Heart

There seems to be a stereotype, at least amongst people who have not lived in or visited L.A. that the city is this sprawling, one-dimensional, insincere, unintelligent, vapid city of wannabe actors and models. And while I love reinforcing a stereotype that is true, as much as the next guy, I just won’t stand for this one. L.A. has heart– it’s just a big city, so sometimes you have to look for it.

21. Learn the Lingo of the Road

Before moving to L.A. you’ll need to know how to talk like a native—i.e., sticking the word “The” in front of your freeways. The 405, the 101, the 170, the 5… Why do they do this? It’s just easier, brah. Also, those non-freeway streets? Call them surface streets.

22. Get to Know Your Seasons

Forget about summer, fall, winter, and spring—in Los Angeles, you have earthquake, fire, mudslide, and drought. If you’re thinking about moving to L.A., be sure to have a geological survey done of your area to make sure you don’t need additional insurance!

23. We Be Clubbin’

And that, I promise, is the only time I’ll ever say that. If you’re into the club scene, there is one in LA that should not be overlooked: Exchange LA. Or should I say, it really shouldn’t be… exchanged…? No?

24. El Chato for the Best Tacos

If you’re into good food, this is a must. The El Chato Taco Truck simply has the best tacos in
Los Angeles. Period.

25. And Don’t Forget to Laugh

Hands down, best improv troupe in Los Angeles, arguably in the U.S., arguably in the world: Assscat LA. These guys are a must-see and lucky for LA, they’ve landed at the UCB Theater on Saturdays and Sundays (Sunday shows are FREE!)