Moving is a lot of fun, but when moving to such a world-renowned place like Los Angeles, there are some things you will want to know. Many people have made the move to LA with great success, while others have not been so lucky, so take our advice and use these top tips for moving to Los Angele. No matter what part of the country you are moving from, LA is exiting, so read on to find out how to make your move most successful.
Have Savings
California is an expensive city and Los Angeles is one of the most expensive places to live in this illustrious state. If you intend on moving to LA, save some money before you do. Where this may seem like a no brainer to anyone who has ever moved before, it is exceptionally important in Los Angeles because home and apartment prices are very expensive. Additionally, you will have to adjust to the other increased expenses such as vehicle insurance, repair needs, utility costs, and lots of other expenses you will want to consider. The best way to move into this city is to have at least 2 months worth of money set aside just in case you have trouble finding a job initially.
Possible Time Shift
When moving into a large city like Los Angeles, you may be thinking, you will be spending every night in the bars. This is perfectly fine, and you can truly find the nightlife scene to be a lot of fun, but time works a little differently here. Unlike areas that have all night bars or at the very least, clubs closing at 4am, LA is actually a little more conservative in this respect. Most nightlife spots close around 2am. The reason for this is that most residents of LA prefer to get a jump on their day instead of sleeping it away. Also, the atmosphere is a bit more laid back for appointments, so if you make a dinner date with an LA native, they will probably be at least fashionably late.
Dinner Parties are Huge Here
You may be moving from an area in which getting together with friends is just a simple backyard barbeque, you might be a bit out of your element in LA. In Los Angeles, get togethers that are most popular are known as dinner parties. Where this might sound a bit old fashioned for some, the fact that LA residents bring style and sophistication to the old school practice means you are not going to some out of date dinner party, but a fashion inspired mecca to see and be seen, so invest in nice evening attire.
Traffic is Serious
Large cities are known for their traffic problems, but generally speaking, residents tend to know when and where the traffic issues lie and avoid them when possible. You might be late for work, but it is likely, your co-workers are having the same problem, so sometimes the boss will give you a pass. In LA, the same scenario exists, but on a much higher level. Traffic concerns here are serious business and it is likely, when you do experience traffic woes, you will spend the first 10 minutes of work or social gatherings talking about it. You and your friends will regularly discuss what route you took and what traffic issues arose while on our way. You will get used to it and know when and where to avoid certain high traffic areas.
You Will Need a Storage Facility
Storing items in your basement or attic is an option in some areas of the country, but Los Angeles is not one of them. There are some homes with basements, but remember, you are going to be living very close to a fault line, so building a home with a basement is an easy way to limit the structural integrity of your foundation. Structural engineers can do a lot, but it is often best to simply rent a storage unit. Storage units in Los Angeles are relatively inexpensive and make your move more organized. You can move into your new home slowly without excess clutter taking over the space. It is also a great place to store those seasonal and valuable items securely.
You Will Love the Tacos
This might sound a bit odd to some, but those are the people who have yet to experience the authenticity of an LA taco. Taco trucks and Mexican eating establishments are everywhere in LA and if you love Mexican food, you will quickly learn that you are in the right spot for authenticity. Los Angeles residents regularly complain about the fact that they can not find a decent taco when they travel to other parts of the country. LA has the best and its ever growing Latino population intend to keep it that way.
Los Angeles has a lot to offer, but remember, it will likely be an adjustment as this city is unlike any other in the world. What draws people to this part of the country is endless job opportunities, the spectacular weather, and yes, the film industry. You will see your fair share of celebrities around every corner and even though LA is among the more expensive places to live, it has perks that other places simply cannot match. Enjoy your move.
