Moving to Los Angeles

Moving to Los Angeles

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.

My Tips Before Making The Move

  1. Visit as often as you can.

  2. Drive the routes from your potential new home to work/school/friends/family.

  3. Tour the schools.

  4. Find an agent who you like and trust.

You Might Miss Brick . . . But Chances Are Only For A While

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. 

Each Property Feels Unique

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.

The Natural Light Here Is A Tonic

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.

8 Reasons to Move to Los Angeles by Marissa Crum

Thinking about moving to the City of Angels? With 12 million people calling the greater Los Angeles area home, it’s been one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States for decades. It also has one of the most diverse populations in the country, attracting people from all over the world to pursue their dreams and this thrilling lifestyle.
 
So, if you’re considering buying a house or renting an apartment in LA, you’re probably wondering if you’re making the right decision. Well, we’re here to help. We reached out to LA experts and locals for their top reasons for moving to Los Angeles – here’s what they had to say.
main

1. The weather in Los Angeles is incredible

Although California is called the Golden State for its discovery of gold in 1848, people may think it’s because of its sunshine and year-round warm weather. Local Anchor, a media company based in South Bay, says, “The great weather is one of the biggest perks of living in LA – you can enjoy sunny days all year round. There’s always something to do in LA, whether you want to explore the beautiful outdoors, head to the beach, attend an event, or visit one of our many museums. Los Angeles is the ideal spot to live if you’re seeking a location with wonderful weather and many things to do.”

2. Location, Location, Location

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.”

3. You’ll have entertainment and attractions at your fingertips

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.”

main

4. LA represents American diversity

Locals and travelers can spend time exploring LA landmarks like Olvera Street, Little Armenia, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, Koreatown, Thai Town, and many more. Living in Los Angeles provides the perfect opportunity to explore different cultures and an incredible variety of cuisines. But the diversity doesn’t stop there. LA is home to many creatives and entertainers. You can indulge in a diverse creative scene from the best museums, special events, and top performances all right at home.

5. The city is bursting with creative communities

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.”

6. The access to a diverse food scene that is unmatched

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.”

7. In LA you’ll have the freedom to be yourself

Los Angeles real estate agent and local, Catherine Ross shares, “From the dreary skies of London, I used to dream of a bright future under the blue skies of Los Angeles. My family and I made the move a few years ago, and this city continues to inspire me on a daily basis. It’s not just the weather, as the real draw of life in Los Angeles is the sheer freedom it provides. Freedom to be yourself. There is an entrepreneurial spirit here, stimulating ideas and creative people. An international city, by the beach, with so much space, to think and create – cities like this are few and far between.”

 

8. Most importantly, you can set down roots here

Starting your family in Los Angeles means access to the best schools, healthy living, and plenty of adventures. Los Angeles mommy blogger, MomsLA says, “Los Angeles is a wonderful place to raise a family. For starters, the terrific weather in Southern California means you can get out and do things with your kids year-round. Plus, the huge number of festivals, museums, parks, beaches, and so much more available here means you’ll never run out of ideas for family fun. Come join us here in LA.”

 

What does living in LA mean for homebuyers and renters?

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.”

main

Experience Los Angeles for yourself

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.

Contact Catherine

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.