{"id":1006,"date":"2022-11-30T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ssdcmoving.local\/?p=1006"},"modified":"2025-07-23T15:26:33","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T15:26:33","slug":"20-things-to-know-before-moving-to-los-angeles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selfstorage.com\/blog\/20-things-to-know-before-moving-to-los-angeles\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning a Move to Los Angeles? Here’s What to Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Los Angeles At-A-Glance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014championships included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, we can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A City with a Diverse Culture and Community<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Los Angeles is one of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2014before the pandemic, Los Angeles put on over 1,500 theatrical productions each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re down for a home-cooked meal, you\u2019ll be able to experience authentic culture cuisines and fine dining throughout the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Competitive Job Market with a Rising Tech Industry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s largest manufacturing base and largest international trade industry, and is a world leader in aerospace, fashion, and healthcare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>, the unemployment rate in the Los Angeles metro area was 4 percent, down from 7 percent the year before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the Least Affordable Housing Markets in the U.S.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on who you ask, and the data points considered, the least affordable housing market in the U.S. varies\u2014but you can bet that Los Angeles is somewhere in their top five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the average home sale price<\/a> well over $900,000, Los Angeles isn\u2019t for everyone. While the housing market is in a cooldown, the homes in the city are still high\u2014that and the increase in mortgage rate<\/a> is hindering buyers and sellers alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your heart is still set on the City of Angels, your best bet is to check out its eclectic neighborhoods<\/a> to see which one offers what you need at the most affordable cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eclectic Neighborhoods Feature Something for Everyone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With the county of Los Angeles being made up of 88 cities and over 400 neighborhoods, it\u2019s obvious why such a diverse group of people have been drawn to and made their home here. Whether you\u2019re looking for dog-friendly neighborhoods for you and your family, or you\u2019re an up-and-coming tech junkie looking for the right opportunity, you\u2019ll find something that fits your vibe in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few of highly recommended neighborhoods in Los Angeles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEST HOLLYWOOD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for great restaurants, a solid nightlife, upscale shopping, and a sense of community, West Hollywood\u2014or WeHo\u2014delivers. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CULVER CITY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SANTA MONICA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Santa<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Being close to the beach can be costly, but many families love Santa Monica anyway. You\u2019ll find great shopping, museums, and of course the beach. Santa Monica-Malibu School District is among the best in California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOS FELIZ<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just south of Griffith Park, Los Feliz is appealing for its village-like atmosphere and relaxed, walkable lifestyle. It\u2019s also considered to be one of the safer neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with cheaper rents than neighborhoods like Hollywood, Culver City, and Santa Monica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VENICE BEACH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other neighborhoods to include in your Los Angeles home search:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n