If you've never been to Los Angeles, and you're moving here: there are a few things that you have to know. Not only is it a massive city, but it's also densely populated and full of many people with a lot of personality. If you want to make this city your own and don't mind the learning curve, here's what you have to know.
New to LA? This is What You Need to Know
Public Transit Is Your Friend
There’s no such thing as good traffic in Los Angeles. Driving from one end of the city to the other can take up to two hours, which can be a migraine if you're trying to get to work. Instead of having to swerve through traffic and live in terror that someone's going to hit your car, public transit will take the stress off of your shoulders. Not only is it more affordable than paying for a vehicle, but you get to help the environment and enjoy your transit with some music playing on your headphones.
Everything Is Far More Expensive
If you were hoping to live in luxury the moment you got here: not even those who make $120,000 a year are living luxuriously in Los Angeles. This city is extraordinarily expensive, so it’s a good idea to shop around before picking any apartments for rent in Los Angeles. Take your time, seek out a good deal, and if you can't find one, try to find a roommate to share the expenses with instead.
You'll See Stars Just Living Their Normal Life.
A fun quirk about this city is that you'll see stars just living their ordinary lives. Sigourney Weaver getting coffee, or Tom Holland walking his dogs between takes, can be exciting the first few times. Once you get used to seeing famous people, it loses a little bit of its luster. Be friendly, get to know the locals, and avoid making anyone feel awkward by staring or taking pictures without permission.
You Can Relax and Be Yourself Here
If you're prone to feeling self-conscious, consider moving to Los Angeles. Although you may worry about not fitting in before you arrive, after you get there, you'll quickly see that nobody cares how you're dressed or what your hair looks like. After you've seen your third Elvis in spandex roller skating backward down the sidewalk, you'll come to realize that this city is full of strange and fun people, and it's okay to relax and breathe.
Earthquakes, Fires, Landslides, and Power Outages Call It Home
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is becoming well known for more than its star power and incredibly expensive houses. Nowadays, many people are discussing how prone to natural disasters it seems to be. Even when the Santa Anas aren’t blowing chaos into the city, there are earthquakes, landslides, fires, and power outages that seem to happen more frequently. When you buy or rent here, ensure that your home is safe and is built to withstand shaking or tumbling. Although few people get harmed in natural disasters in Los Angeles, it's good to be prepared for danger.
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