What you need to know before moving to Los Angeles

The West Coast is a great place to live but relocating might not be easy. Every city has its own unique set of quirks. If you follow our advice though, moving to Los Angeles will involve far fewer problems than if you were to just pack up and go without proper preparation. Let’s set you up with our tips for moving to L.A.

The weather is great (most of the time)

If all your impressions of Los Angeles come from movies and TV, you probably think the weather here is perfect. And it actually is… most of the time. It’s sunny for quite a large part of the year, and the heat usually isn’t stifling because the humidity remains at a reasonable level. When the sun sets, the nights are breezy and cool, so you won’t be tossing and turning, unable to sleep because of the heat. According to U.S. Climate Data, in July, expect the average high temperature to be around 77° F, while in winter the average low tends to be around 55° F. You’ll see the sun’s rays for 3,246 hours per year, compared to Boston, where you get roughly 2,644 hours of sunshine annually.

However, that doesn’t mean it never rains in the City of Angels. During the winter months, it can get rainy and even cooler during the nights. Make sure to pack some slightly warmer clothes along with your tank tops, shorts, and sandals. Additionally, the air in L.A. isn’t all that fresh. As one of the most densely populated major urban areas in the United States, a lot of daily pollution is being generated. While work is being done to attempt to reduce pollution (like making the city far more bike-friendly), be prepared to see foggy clouds that are not weather-related.

Los Angeles is expensive

Los Angeles is an expensive city – it’s an objective fact. It might not be the most expensive in the entire country, but the cost of living is 43% higher than the national average. So, you need to be prepared. First of all, make sure you have some money saved up before moving to Los Angeles, especially if you don’t have a job already lined up. You’ll need cash to cover rent and other basic necessities. Also, since renting isn’t cheap, and it’s a competitive market, it might take time to find a place to live. If you’re having difficulties doing things solo, consider finding a cosigner to vouch for you. You also need to learn your tenant rights so that no landlord can take advantage of you. 

Another option is to turn to a reputable and experienced rental company like Blueground. They have beautiful apartments in the very best neighborhoods. Every single one comes fully furnished, equipped, and serviced. Forget about packing up boxes and furniture. Just show up with a suitcase and start living! Whether you want a space for a few months while you’re building a forever home or you’re ready to settle down for years in a space right away – Blueground can help. If you’re getting into furnished living for the first time, you may be interested in storing some belongings in self-storage nearby whether that’s for the length of your lease or for the long term. So, before moving to Los Angeles, make sure you have enough money saved to last at least a few months without an income. 

Visit before moving

If you can help it, it’s best not to move anywhere sight unseen. You certainly shouldn’t rely on the media to inform your opinion of a city. So, before moving to Los Angeles, make sure to visit the city first because it’s the only way to determine if you’ll actually like it enough to live here. Plus, it’s also the only real way to pick a neighborhood. Yes, you’ll find plenty of advice online. However, every person is different, and you might not agree with the recommendations. Some areas might be too loud, and others too quiet. That’s precisely why you should immerse yourself in the city and check each area yourself. When renting a Blueground apartment, the flexible lease terms offer guests the opportunity to explore various neighborhoods and stay in multiple apartments on one contract. That way, you can take the time to find your favorite corner of the city. 

When you’re here to scope out the city, try to see as much as possible. Yes, there are a lot of museums in the area and exciting entertainment options. However, also focus on the practical things that you’ll need as a resident. All in all, there are a billion amazing things about Los Angeles, but there are also plenty of downsides that are part of reality. That’s the kind of thing to try and familiarize yourself with ahead of time. For instance, try driving on the freeway when it’s really busy in the morning or when everyone is heading home at the end of the workday. Walk around Downtown on a day when the air quality is especially poor. These kinds of local experiences are the only way to really get to know the city and decide whether or not it’s the right fit for you. 

Get to networking

One of the best ways to find a great job in Los Angeles is to network. In this city, it’s as much about who you know as what you know. Many people have found that their resumes can only get them so far, regardless of how experienced they are. It’s best to learn how to efficiently network as soon as possible. The good news is that thanks to social media, you can start building your network way before moving to Los Angeles. Once you get to the city, make sure to sign up for organizations and clubs that could help you gain access to your field of choice. Make sure to get to know your neighbors too. You never know who could help you land your dream job. Networking won’t just help you with finding a job, either. It’s always a good idea to try to get to know some locals before moving because they can provide you with much-needed advice and wisdom about your future. Tap on the shoulders of friends of friends to have made the move to Los Angeles recently to get the most relevant tips.

Traffic is terrible (but you still need a car)

Traffic in L.A. is horrible. It’s something locals just accept because there’s not much that can be done about it. So, be prepared to spend quite a bit of time in your car. Unfortunately, though, you do need a car because Los Angeles is huge. It’s really spread out and the public transit system only goes so far. You can use it, but it most likely won’t be enough, if you have a long commute or really want to explore. One way to cut down on the time you spend on the way to and from work is to find a place to live that’s close by. Finding a place within walking or biking distance of your job is the dream!