1. Celebrity Sighting? Must Be A Day That Ends In Y
Angelenos pride themselves on staying cool around celebrities. They’re not likely to ask for an autograph or photo every time they see Paris out shopping. But they do save up their celebrity sighting stories like currency, and they’re always ready to exchange an anecdote for some cool points at a party.
2. There’s An Art To Ordering In-And-Out Burger
Always make your order “animal style” like the locals. You won’t regret it.
3. Below Sixty Degrees = Time To Break Out The Winter Coat
Angelenos are so used to beautiful weather that the slightest breeze has them bundling up. You can still rock your t-shirt and jeans as an out-of-towner—it just might make it more apparent that you’re not from here.
4. You’ll Spend Half Your Life Sitting In Traffic
The horrible traffic in LA is not exaggerated. Find a favorite radio station, make a good playlist, and pack some snacks because your morning commute is going to come to a standstill.
5. No One Visits The Beach As Much As You’d Think From Watching Movies
Sure, Angelenos love the beach, and they go as much as they can. But, you know, most people have jobs. Plus, there’s the traffic and parking to consider.
6. But Venice Beach Is Every Bit As Weird And Wonderful As It Looks On Screen
Venice Beach is not for the prude or the faint of heart. The boardwalk is expensive and kitschy, but undeniably charming. Plus, the nearby residential areas boast some of the prettiest houses in the city.
7. If You Ask A Los Angeleno For Directions, You’ll Get More Results Than On Google Maps
They’ll give you at least six ways to get to where you’re going, and they’ll tell you exactly how many minutes (not miles) it will take to get there. If you approach a group of Angelenos, you may even spark a passionate debate about the best route.
8. The Metrolink Is Basically Useless
In a city as spread out as Los Angeles, a car is really the way to go. The bus system isn’t bad, but you won’t find many Angelenos who take the Metrolink every day.
9. A Friend With A Vacation House In Cabo Is A Friend For Life
Cabo San Lucas is a popular weekend trip spot for Los Angeles’ wealthier residents. It never hurts to buddy up to someone who has property there.
10. Everyone Is Working On A Screenplay
Okay, so not literally everyone. But odds are, if you aren’t working on one you know someone who is. The entertainment industry is huge in Los Angeles, and the city’s transplants have big dreams.
11. Sí, Yo Hablo Español
Nearly 44% of Angelenos speak Spanish. If you want to make your life and your job hunt easier, pick up as much as you can.
12. Parking Tickets Are Just A Fact Of Life
City parking laws are ridiculous. As an out-of-towner, it’s even harder to navigate the numerous signs and restrictions. Park with extreme caution, or be prepared to pay the price.
13. If You’re In LA, You’ve Probably Met A Scientologist
Scientology is big in Los Angeles, and not just with the rich and famous. Folks from other parts of the country may not be used to the major presence, but for Angelenos it’s an everyday thing.
14. Each Neighborhood Has Its Own Thing Going On
LA isn’t just golden boulevards and designer stores. Neighborhoods like Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Los Feliz all have their own unique feel and are just as worth exploring.
15. If You’re Not From The Valley, You’ll Never Go To The Valley
San Fernando Valley is at least ten degrees hotter than the rest of LA at all times. It’s also a bit of a commute for residents who are more centrally located. Basically, say goodbye to any friends who move there.
16. The Transplants VS Native Angelenos Is A Battle For The Ages
There’s a reason everyone wants to move to Los Angeles. It’s a city where the American Dream is very much alive. But some native Angelenos aren’t always so keen on sharing their city.
17. Everyone Has A Favorite Taco Truck
Leo’s Tacos, Tacos Arizas, and TacoZone are local favorites—but there are dozens more to choose from. Every local has a favorite truck and a favorite order.
18. No One Drives When It’s Raining
Or at least they don’t drive very well. Just when you think the traffic couldn’t get any worse, the rain proves you wrong.
19. Don’t Believe What You’ve Heard—LA Has Tons Of Culture
Some people (cough, New Yorkers, cough) claim Los Angeles doesn’t have any culture. Don’t believe the myth. Not only is LA the entertainment capital, it’s also chock-full of independent playhouses, art galleries, music venues, and comedy clubs.
20. Los Angeles Has The Best Sushi Outside Of Japan
Little Tokyo in Los Angeles is the birthplace of the California Roll, but the locals’ orders are generally much more adventurous than that.
21. Biking In Los Angeles Is An Extreme Sport
Cars very much rule the road in LA. If you bike in the city, be prepared for a few nasty comments from drivers and horn honking… a lot of horn honking.
22. Angelenos Are Super Book Worms
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the Poets & Writers Lit Crawl, Skylight Books, and tons of tiny live literature events around the city make Los Angeles a book lover’s heaven.
23. Angelenos Are In Touch With Their Spiritual Side
You’ll hear the phrase “spiritual but not religious” quite a few times in this city. People take up meditation the same way the rest of the country takes up knitting.
24. But The Getty Museum Will Satisfy Your Artsy Side
The Getty has some of the best art in the country, but the architecture of the building and gardens are what truly set the museum apart.
25. Have You Ever Seen The Movie “The Fog”?
Don’t bother. Just look outside in LA. You’ll get the idea.
26. Taking A Road Trip Means Going To Vegas
It’s a right of passage for every Angeleno. Once you’ve been on your road trip to Las Vegas, you’re officially one of the clan.
27. The Best Place To Hike Is Runyon Canyon
Run… flirt… same thing. As an added bonus, it’s one of the best places to collect those celebrity sighting stories.
28. Yeah, Angelenos Complain About Too Many Palm Trees. So What?
As an out-of-towner you may be astonished when an Angeleno says, “Ugh, I’m so sick of palm trees.” There’s really no explaining this phenomenon, except by accepting the old cliché—the grass (or trees) are always greener on the other side.
29. Everyone Has “Chronic Migraines”
California is pretty lax with their medical marijuana laws. Los Angeles is full of people with chronic migraines or writers cramp. It’s also full of people with cannabis cards.
30. In The End, Angelenos Defies All Stereotypes
A lot has been said about Los Angeles, and for every example that proves those things right, there are dozens of examples that contradict the stereotypes. Out-of-towners will quickly realize that the city is just too diverse to easily categorize.
What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about Los Angeles? Tell us in the comments below!
