Navigation Jump Links
- Los Angeles at-a-glance
- What it’s like to live in Los Angeles
- Economy and job outlook in Los Angeles
- Real estate, cost of living in Los Angeles
- The top neighborhoods in Los Angeles
- How to get around in Los Angeles
- School and education snapshot
- Weather and climate in Los Angeles
- 10 can’t miss things to do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles At-A-Glance
As the American capital of the entertainment industry and a global leader in the film and television industries, Los Angeles is known worldwide as the home of the stars. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, with hot stops including Hollywood, the Walk of Fame, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the popular Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards.
What many may not realize is that this so-called City of Angels is also home to more museums than any other U.S. city (including New York!), a trendsetting culinary scene, and 10 professional major league sports teams—championships included.
Of course, we can’t forget another appealing aspect of the city: the beaches. If you like amazing weather, sand between your toes, and surfing the waves, Los Angeles may be your perfect place.
A City with a Diverse Culture and Community
Los Angeles is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities. Residents come from over 140 countries and speak 224 different languages, creating a community full of unique perspectives, experiences, and offerings.
Angelenos are in an epicenter of arts and culture, with access to world-class art and science museums, acclaimed architecture and gardens, and of course theaters—before the pandemic, Los Angeles put on over 1,500 theatrical productions each year.
The city is also home to some of the most dynamic and diverse culinary offerings one could wish for in one place. Whether you want to dine at a Michelin-star restaurant or you’re down for a home-cooked meal, you’ll be able to experience authentic culture cuisines and fine dining throughout the city.
A Competitive Job Market with a Rising Tech Industry
While we may all think of the glitz and glam of Hollywood when we hear someone is moving to Los Angeles, the city is a hub of innovation and a home for several major industries. In addition to being a known media center worldwide, Los Angeles is also the nation’s largest manufacturing base and largest international trade industry, and is a world leader in aerospace, fashion, and healthcare.
In recent years, Los Angeles has also become home to over 500 tech companies and startups, with major players such as Google, Hulu, Headspace, and Snapchat having offices in the city. As of September 2022, the unemployment rate in the Los Angeles metro area was 4 percent, down from 7 percent the year before.
One of the Least Affordable Housing Markets in the U.S.
Depending on who you ask, and the data points considered, the least affordable housing market in the U.S. varies—but you can bet that Los Angeles is somewhere in their top five.
With the average home sale price well over $900,000, Los Angeles isn’t for everyone. While the housing market is in a cooldown, the homes in the city are still high—that and the increase in mortgage rate is hindering buyers and sellers alike.
Rents are also up 3.6 percent over this time last year, although they have increased at a slower rate than the rest of California, as well as the national average of 5.7 percent. As of November 2022, rents in Los Angeles are starting to come back down, with the median rent for a one-bedroom being $1,670, and a two-bedroom nabbing $2,205.
Despite those downward trends, Realtor.com estimates that only 8.3 percent of middle-class residents are able to afford their own home in Los Angeles. According to the 2020 census, the median household incomes in Los Angeles county vary significantly, with the Los Angeles metro at just $65,290, while residents of nearby Santa Monica pulled in a median household income of $98,300. Some recruiting sites, such as ZipRecruiter, indicate that these median incomes may have increased in the couple of years since the census, but not much.
If your heart is still set on the City of Angels, your best bet is to check out its eclectic neighborhoods to see which one offers what you need at the most affordable cost.
Eclectic Neighborhoods Feature Something for Everyone
With the county of Los Angeles being made up of 88 cities and over 400 neighborhoods, it’s obvious why such a diverse group of people have been drawn to and made their home here. Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly neighborhoods for you and your family, or you’re an up-and-coming tech junkie looking for the right opportunity, you’ll find something that fits your vibe in Los Angeles.
Here are a few of highly recommended neighborhoods in Los Angeles:
WEST HOLLYWOOD
If you’re looking for great restaurants, a solid nightlife, upscale shopping, and a sense of community, West Hollywood—or WeHo—delivers. This neighborhood also boasts a thriving LGBTQIA+ community with plenty of rainbows and pride flags flying down Santa Monica Boulevard. Just expect a competitive real estate market if you want in on the fun.
CULVER CITY
Home to Sony Pictures, Culver City is still a historic part of the Los Angeles television and film world, but young professionals are actually rehoming to this area due to its recent influx of big tech. This city-within-a-city is also popular among families as it has beautiful tree-lined streets, historic buildings, galleries, and some of the best schools in LA.
SANTA MONICA
Being close to the beach can be costly, but many families love Santa Monica anyway. You’ll find great shopping, museums, and of course the beach. Santa Monica-Malibu School District is among the best in California.
LOS FELIZ
Just south of Griffith Park, Los Feliz is appealing for its village-like atmosphere and relaxed, walkable lifestyle. It’s also considered to be one of the safer neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with cheaper rents than neighborhoods like Hollywood, Culver City, and Santa Monica.
VENICE BEACH
There’s more to Venice Beach than its famous boardwalk. This bohemian neighborhood features a beautiful canal district, trendy restaurants, and great shopping. More affordable housing can be found in some of the older buildings, as tech offices take up the big offices on the water.
Other neighborhoods to include in your Los Angeles home search:
- Glendale
- Burbank
- Pasadena
- Eagle Rock
- San Marino
A City Famous for its Bad Traffic
If Hollywood isn’t the first thing you think of when you hear “Los Angeles,” then our second guess is the horrible traffic.
With a rising population and heavy urbanization, it’s not surprising that in 2021 Los Angeles was ranked #2 for worst traffic in the United States. The good news is that folks living in Los Angeles can find a bus stop on just about every street, with Metro Express, Metro Rapid, and Metro Local options available. The Light Rail is also available and features the Metro Red and Metro Blue lines. Riders for the bus or rail can grab a 1-way trip for under $2, a day pass for $3.50, or a 7-day pass for only $12.50.
The city is also planning to increase rails, bike trails, and more to keep improving transportation options for residents and visitors.
A Hub of Nationally Ranked Universities in the U.S.
For those looking to further their education, Los Angeles is home to some of the top universities in the country, including the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Southern California (USC).
Still have kids at home or looking to start a family? While the quality and cost of education can vary greatly throughout the county, parents looking to relocate their families will have plenty to choose from living in Los Angeles. Although private schools have earned a better reputation, public schools have been improving in recent years to reduce dropout rates and lower test scores. For those who want alternatives to the strictly private or public school systems, there are also plenty of charter, magnet, and international schools to choose from.
Get More Time Outdoors in the Los Angeles Sunshine
When Los Angeles made its 2024 Olympic bid it did so with the accompanying motto, “Follow the sun.”
That’s exactly what you’ll have a chance to do in Los Angeles, where residents enjoy year-round mild to hot dry weather. Part of California’s Mediterranean climate, the city only has two seasons instead of four, with a wet season from November through March, and a dry season from April to October. Unfortunately, the dry climate has also left Los Angeles, like the rest of California, in a drought—so be prepared to conserve water if you move here.
Smog is also a concern, with Los Angeles being in a low basin surrounded by mountains. Due to the city being an industrial hub and the high amount of traffic, smog is a real issue and those with breathing disorders may want to consider moving elsewhere.
Average daily temperatures are between the upper 60s and lower 70s. The hottest temperatures reach the mid- to high-80s in August, and the coldest days in December tend to bring an average overnight temperature in the high 40s and low 60s during the day.
10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Los Angeles
If you love film, then there’s plenty for you to do in Los Angeles. But beyond Hollywood, the city also boasts beautiful beaches, a great nightlife, and plenty of other fun things to keep you busy. Here are 10 must-dos in Los Angeles:
- Hike up to the Hollywood sign for a classic photo opportunity and an amazing view of the city.
- Speaking of Hollywood—an LA experience is incomplete without exploring your favorite movie studios and finding names you know on the Walk of Fame.
- Grab a bite, visit the shops, and take a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
- Take the kids (or the kids-at-heart) to Disneyland or Universal Studios.
- Shop the stalls of the Original Farmers Market, a favorite destination in LA featuring an eclectic array of shops, delicious cuisine from around the world, seasonal produce, and more.
- Pretend you’re the star of your own film as you take a drive down the iconic Sunset Boulevard to grab a bite at the Rainbow Bar and Grill.
- Hike through the urban wilderness in Runyon Canyon Park, a 160-acre park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Whether you’re window shopping or looking for fashion icons, there’s no better place than the upscale shopping of Rodeo Drive, featuring two miles of expensive designer brands.
Movie lovers will have to make their way to the Academy Museum to experience the history of filmmaking and view recognizable movie memorabilia such as “Bruce,” the shark from Jaws, and the dress from Midsommar.
