1. This Really Is The City Of Dreams
It’s true that a lot of people with big dreams come to
Los Angeles in hopes of making them come true. The upside is that L.A.’s a culturally diverse melting pot filled with infinite possibility. The downside is that means a lot of people are always moving here. The even bigger downside is that most of those dreams never really come to fruition.
2. Don’t Expect The L.A. You See On Television
If you come to L.A. expecting everywhere to look like
Beverly Hills, you’re in for quite the disappointment.
3. However Expensive You Thought Los Angeles Would Be, Triple It
Money goes fast when you live in Los Angeles, even in the cheaper neighborhoods. Not only is the average home price in L.A. hefty at $470,000—compared to the California average of $383,900 and the national average of just $181,400—but the cost of living index for the City of Angels is a whopping 46 percent higher than the nation as a whole. In short, before you move here, it’s a good idea to check that your finances are able to support it.
4. Los Angeles Is Massive
New York City is massive too, but Los Angeles is an entirely different beast. Don’t think of coming here with no car to get around and don’t assume that having a friend in
Santa Monica means having a friend right around the corner. There are a lot of neighborhoods here and traffic makes the commute that much longer. You can take public transportation or bike to get around if you choose to, but it’s not as easy as other cities.
5. Speaking Of Traffic...
Just avoid driving from, say, 4 o’clock to 8 o’clock p.m. Take a helicopter instead. And if you’re like the other 9,999,999 people who don’t have a helicopter to take, well, then crank up the tunes and find your happy place because you’re going to be faced with a lot of brake lights.
6. Get The DMV Thing Over As Soon As Possible
If your doctor ever tells you that you have six weeks to live, just come to a DMV in L.A. and your life will be magically extended by years. Everything takes longer here. I know DMVs are just universally horrible places but Los Angeles DMVs are their own special circle of hell. Get it over with right away so that you can avoid coming up against any deadlines that might coincide with lengthy hurdles.
7. Very Few Things Just Reveal Themselves In L.A.
If you’re used to cities where you can explore and find amazing things, Los Angeles will kind of disappoint you. But don’t worry, there is plenty to love here, you’re just exploring wrong. The city is spread out and there are a lot of wide roads and highways and things are just hidden here. If you know someone, ask! And if you don’t, then do a lot of research online. You’ll be an L.A. pro in no time.
8. Spend Time Decorating Your Pad
In other cities comparable to the size of Los Angeles, most people don’t really spend that much time entertaining at their homes. That’s because living spaces are usually pretty small, cramped, and there are just better ways of hanging out at restaurants, bars, and the like. But in Los Angeles, your home will be a primary source of entertainment. Dinner parties, drinks, backyard barbecues… be prepared for it all. So turn on HGTV and get decorating.
9. Don’t Judge A Restaurant By Its Strip Mall
Some of the
best Los Angeles restaurants are located in not-so-aesthetically pleasing strip malls. It’s just a fact.
10. L.A. Time Is Very Different And Everyone Will Be Late To Your Party
Especially if you’re coming from somewhere other than the west coast, getting used to Los Angeles and west coast time schedules will take a while. Things seem to close up a lot earlier here than in other cities but parties start later. Also, everyone is late for every social gathering here. Late is on-time. Late-late is casually late. If you come when the last person is gone, only then are you actually late.
11. The Beach Is Not In Your Back Yard
It’s close enough. But don’t believe everything you see on television. Getting to the beach takes a half hour on a good day.
12. You Will Eat Healthier
Moving to Los Angeles doesn’t mean that you’ll instantly become a health nut or turn vegetarian or vegan, but you will eat those kinds of dishes much more regularly than you would in almost any other city. Farmer’s markets are superior to grocery stores, too.
13. You Will Own Dodgers Gear (Whether You Like Baseball Or Not)
Most of the people who live in Los Angeles are transplants which results in a lot of lukewarm sports fans. They’ll come out in masses when the teams are doing well, but not so much when they’re not. Everyone owns a Dodgers snapback, though. And you will, too.
14. Los Angeles Really Does Exist In A Weather Bubble
If you’re used to East Coast summers and humidity, L.A. summers can sometimes feel downright chilly. And it’s true that it rarely rains. And if it does rain for more than 10 minutes, everyone will act like they’re about to melt. This will also spark very passionate debates about the California drought issue which isn’t getting any better. That also leads me to…
15. Watch Your Water Usage, Lest You Be Drought Shamed
Drought shaming is a real thing because the drought is a real and super serious problem. Be mindful of your water usage instead of being part of the problem.
16. Keep An Eye On Your Pets
Even if they’re in your fenced-in back yard. Coyotes are way more local to Los Angeles than you are and they’re not shy about carrying away small pets.
17. Believe The In-N-Out Hype
In-N-Out Burger is probably the simplest fast food menu in the country, and yet far superior in every single way. It’s also the one inexpensive thing about L.A.
18. Hiking In The City? You Bet!
When your friends ask if you want to go for a hike up the hills, the only answer to this question is yes!
19. You’ll Know About Fad Diets And Workouts Before Everyone Else
Piloxing has been a huge workout in the city for at least five years now. Meanwhile, the East Coast is just breaking out their Jane Fonda tapes.
20. Your West Coast Pride Is Inevitable
Living in Los Angeles definitely takes some getting used to and you will inevitably experience many growing pains. But it won’t be long before you feel at home and all of the perks to living here outweigh the cons. Welcome to the West Coast, otherwise known as the Best Coast.
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