LA is working on improving its public transit, but unless you work very close to your home you'll need a car.
Los Angeles is in a state of perpetual summer: it boasts an average of 284 sunny days per year and the temperature tends to stay in the 60s and 70s (Fahrenheit) regardless of season, although some areas do see much hotter weather.
This is a sprawling metropolitan area of 510 square miles and more than 13 million people. It has a wide range of geography to suit different lifestyles, from downtown urban living to beach towns to idyllic hideaways in the mountain ranges that surround the city and hem in its famous smog. You can go surfing, hiking, and skiing, all in the same day.
Much of what people refer to as "Los Angeles" isn't technically part of the city proper; Beverly Hills, Culver City, and Inglewood have their own cityhood and, in total, 88 cities fall within the boundaries of Los Angeles County.
Whereas the entertainment business has dominated most of LA's history, it's been enjoying a rebirth as a creative and technology hub. The region's many universities graduate more engineers than any other city in the United States. And hordes of artists, designers, and professionals from New York City and the San Francisco bay area are moving here for the lower cost of living, great weather, and growing tech scene. Tech and entertainment have merged as companies like Netflix and Hulu set up shop here.
This is a diverse city: over half the population is Latino, and there are vibrant Chinese, Persian, Korean, and Armenian communities. This diversity is reflected in the cuisine, ranging from taco stands on the side of the road to traditional French restaurants. And burger joints. Lots of 'em. Burgers are religion in this city.
Read on to learn about the basics (housing, transportation, internet, and more!) of moving to Los Angeles and to find the perfect neighborhood for you.
Moving to LA? Find the perfect neighborhood for you.
We all need a roof over our heads. Learn how to find one in Los Angeles.
Planes, trains, and automobiles. Learn how to get around Los Angeles.
Figure out which local bank is the right one for you and learn how to open an account.
"Los Angeles has something for everyone. When you fly in to LAX at night and look out the window at the endless lights, it seems like the city goes on forever. But like any city, you find the areas that really appeal to you and spend most of your time there. I love that the outdoors are so accessible: I can go to the beach, go hiking in the mountains, or even go skiing."
Learn about the phases of education, why school district boundaries are important, and different school options in LA.
Learn how to navigate healthcare, how to find a great doctor, and see the top LA hospitals.
Compare LA's main phone and internet service providers.
Learn which pets are welcome in LA, how to register them with the city, and how to keep them safe.