Whether you are making the move from another part of the States or from even further afield, I can offer some tips for turning the dream into a reality. My family and I moved to Los Angeles from London, and while these two cities are very different, they also have some particular similarities. They are both international cities, full of vibrant people, stimulating ideas, and are incredibly entrepreneurial.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it can be to streamline the move from one place to another.
Visit as often as you can.
Drive the routes from your potential new home to work/school/friends/family.
Tour the schools.
Find an agent who you like and trust.
If you are moving here from the colder climates, you might miss certain things, like the four seasons . . . and your coat. It sounds a bit strange, even to me, but I really missed old stone houses and buildings when I first arrived in Los Angeles. The trade was a good one, however, as this city is filled with wonderful natural light, tree-lined streets, beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle and plenty of outdoor space.
Almost every house (and lot) feels genuinely unique here. Whether you are up in the hills, on the edge of the canyons or on the flats, the variety is refreshing.
Mid-century modern architecture is iconic. These homes create the indoor/outdoor feel with walls of glass and their post and beam construction, allowing you to take in the canyon or ocean views from almost every room. Other popular styles are Cape Cod, Contemporary, Ranch, Mediterranean and Spanish.
Hollywood, the film industry's capital, is a testament to the importance of natural light and it is one of the primary reasons why major motion picture studios chose to set up here originally. For the photographers and Instagrammers of today, the much sought after “golden hour” is easily found and in abundance here.
Real estate agent, and LA local Danny Brown says, “Where else can you wake up and surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon on the same day? There’s a never-ending depth and diversity of activities, food, culture, neighborhoods, and entertainment options. It’s not cheap to live here, but there’s a reason for that.”
Los Angeles food blog Eat Drink LA shares, “Begin your day with your hands in the snow of the Angeles National Forest north of Glendale, and just a few hours later have your feet in the waters of the Pacific Ocean off the beaches of Malibu.”
Sports fans will feel right at home in LA. Home to the seven-time World Series winners, the Dodgers, two football teams, the LA Rams and LA Chargers, two basketball teams, the LA Clippers, and the championship-winning team LA Lakers competitive sports do not lack here. In addition to having iconic sports teams, you’ll also find plenty of live shows at Griffith Park, Crypto.com Arena, or the LA Memorial Coliseum.
LA travel guide Los Angeles Things says, “The Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to many entertainment options, concerts, sports, theme parks, museums, and shopping destinations. These world-famous attractions and events cater to celebrities, tourists, and locals alike and provide a wide range of continuous and exciting options that you will not find anywhere else. You’re basically guaranteed to always find new activities or fun things to do.”
Travel blogger, Dave’s Travel Corner shares the impact of the various communities, “There is an overwhelming number of reasons to move to Los Angeles, the attitude, the inspiring creativity of passionate artists, and the cutting edge work of brilliant scientists and engineers. The city also has a unique cultural diversity where you often have the largest populations living outside of their home countries.”
Tasty Itinerary, a travel food blog, and Los Angeles local remarks, “The diversity of Los Angeles’s food scene makes LA a great place to live. There are so many different cuisines represented here of such high quality. I recommend visiting the Grand Central Market and Little Tokyo, your local farmer’s markets and taco stands, and finally the San Gabriel Valley for some of the best Asian eateries.”
Greater Los Angeles is made up of five metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and Ventura County. So whether you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment, you’ll have numerous areas to choose from, all with unique architecture, plenty of work opportunities, and the best schools.
A luxury real estate group in LA, Roger Perry Group, sums it up, “Los Angeles is one of the most amazing cities in the world. There are so many great areas within Los Angeles or just on the outskirts. From the world-famous city of Beverly Hills to Santa Monica, Malibu, Hollywood, Hancock Park, and Downtown LA, the city offers so many wonderful neighborhoods with great schools, restaurants, parks, theaters, hiking trails, etc. Moreover, the variety of architecture gives any homebuyer a vast selection almost unparalleled by any other city in the world. There is certainly a reason Angelenos pay a premium to live here. It’s worth it.”
It’s obvious why millions of people call Los Angeles home with its welcoming climate, inclusive culture, and many opportunities. Angelenos have a deep appreciation for living, and no matter if you’re living in the heart of LA or one of the many Los Angeles suburbs, there is no shortage of things to experience.
Buying and selling homes can be both an exhilarating and a stressful time. Catherine particularly enjoys getting to know her clients, working with them to navigate the process, and helping them to achieve their goals.