Although it’s been said many times, in many ways, you just can’t beat it. 72 and sunny. You’ll never truly appreciate what it’s like to never be hindered by rain, snow, sleet, cold, or humidity until you live it. The occasional smoke-filled air and rattle and roll sure, but a weather-free existence surrounded by snow-capped mountains, swaying palm trees, and one glittering ocean is pretty amazing.

On the other hand, let's not kid ourselves about the struggles with traffic. Angelenos have come to accept it. It just is. Podcasts! Also, the Eastside people refuse to visit the Westside people and vice versa. It’s too much to ask. It takes at least 45 minutes to get anywhere and there’s quite a cultural divide -- the Eastside people think the Westside people are robots with 2.5 kids and a GoldenDoodle and the Westside people think the Eastside people are too scrappy. Figure out which tribe you want to join and burrow in. Sometimes as you’re navigating around Postmates robots and there’s nowhere to park your obligatory car, it feels like you’re living in Minority Report but the Rose Parade always goes off without a hitch. 




Seriously, Come for the Weather.

LookyLOO Review of Los Angeles

If you connect with Angelenos about their lifestyle you're going to get a lot of different answers. There are surfers, hipsters, artists, actors, and families all making a go of it here. On many things, they do agree. These include:

- LA has more to do on any given day than any city on the planet. With all due respect to NYC, London, Paris, and the other majors, if you take into consideration the outdoor lifestyle experiences available, nothing touches LA for how much is going on. There are amazing museums, art shows, festivals, 16+ pro sports teams, and beaches with temps around 70 degrees nearly every day of the year. [**The Getty**](https://www.getty.edu/)gets a lot of attention from the museum crowd, and it is well deserved, but [LACMA](https://www.lacma.org/) is also wonderful, as is [**The Broad**](https://www.thebroad.org/). Perhaps even cooler than the world-class museums, are the [**Griffith Observatory**](https://griffithobservatory.org/),  and [**Griffith Park**](https://griffithobservatory.org/explore/griffith-park/), the largest urban-wilderness public park in the United States.  

- The city is filled with creative class dreamers who create and experience world-class entertainment throughout the city every single day of the week. 

- The outdoor experiences are not to be believed. While the white, sandy beaches are rightfully celebrated, it's important to remember that in LA you are surrounded by mountains and national parks that offer some of the best biking, hiking, camping, and sightseeing on the planet. 

- It's a foodie paradise. LA has some amazing, upscale Michelin-starred restaurants, but more important to most of us are the amazing inexpensive options the city has for Mexican, Korean, Japanese, and more. For the naive, you might be surprised at the amazing Jewish delis, and the best hamburger scene, both gourmet and fast-food, of any city in the US. 

- The last thing we'll note about LA is that, unlike its nerdy sibling to the north, LA has a pretty nice work-life balance. People work hard here but the weather and outdoor lifestyle means that no one's missing a chance to hit the beach or a sunset walk with the doggo or an evening yoga class. 

You're going to struggle here with traffic and the unhoused population situation is at a crisis level but much of the LA lifestyle is very pleasant. One other common notion among locals is that it takes a while to get in the groove in LA. The city is vast and you need to be patient learning how it all works. 

Lifestyle

[LAUSD](https://www.lausd.org/domain/4) takes a lot of heat for the quality of the schools but it's the second largest district in the US (after NYC) so the collective criticism isn't that helpful. There are plenty of schools that rank low and plenty that rank high in standardized scoring systems and LAUSD comes in at a [**"B" rating on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/los-angeles-unified-school-district-ca/) across all schools which means there are plenty of "C's" and plenty of "A's" to choose from, depending on the individual school and neighborhood.  

The consensus for this and many California school districts is that at the elementary level, most families can find one in their area that works for their kiddos but as you hit middle and high school the quality can take a plunge. Areas surrounding LAUSD like El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, Culver City, Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and South Pasadena have the highest rankings so some will move there instead (assuming they can afford) or move once they hit middle school. Within the district, a couple of high-fliers include: [**Downtown Magnets High School**](https://www.downtownmagnets.org/) which scores an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/downtown-magnets-high-school-los-angeles-ca/?map), [**Girls Academic Leadership Academy**](https://www.niche.com/k12/girls-academic-leadership-academy-dr-michelle-king-school-for-stem-los-angeles-ca/?map), also an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/girls-academic-leadership-academy-dr-michelle-king-school-for-stem-los-angeles-ca/?map), and [**The Science Academy STEM Magnet**](https://scienceacademy.lausd.org/), another [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/the-science-academy-stem-magnet-north-hollywood-ca/?map).

If you stay in the district and demand high-ranking schools for your little ones throughout high school you're going to have to target living in neighborhoods with better high schools or commute to the charters or magnets. 



Schools

If you are in any kind of creatively driven business, you’ll be in good company. It seems like almost nobody has a 9 to 5 office job in L.A. Designers, writers, producers, artists, chefs, etc. flood the zone in L.A. Freelancers abound, and Type As are fairly uncommon -- there is a great deal of concern for work/life balance and healthy lifestyle, and between the outdoor space and all the Goop-friendly alternative offerings, these concerns are very much supported. And there really are taco trucks on every corner. They’re real and they’re delicious. 

If you elect to visit Los Angeles to check it out, we encourage you to stay local in a neighborhood home or apartment rather than a hotel. Get a feel for the place from the perspective of a local [**via a VRBO**](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/NXHhxjY). 

 The Creative Class

Why You Should Move Here Now? 

**whatinthecalifornia** / Living in LA / 1y ago
✭✭✭

Pros: Beaches you can take a train to, park for free or pay for certain amenities at a reasonable price.

Diversity.

International cuisine.

Ethnic markets.

Variety of dogs.

So many museums, some with free admission all the time or some days.

The weather, my skin feels so amazing.

Cons:

Everyone flocks to the San Gabriels and brings their car culture with them. Gotta go outside of LA county to get an immersive nature experience without hearing another person’s convo about peak bagging.

Being used to forested cover and streams. I miss that as well.

We pave waterways and don’t have nice trails along them (please no one suggest that one east of 605). For the size of the city and population we don’t have the correct amount of cyclist or public transit options (but there are some options).

Entitled negligent drivers.

Lots of shitty fast food options everywhere. Need better city planning of squares across the county.

Check out the [**review section**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/los-angeles/reviews) for more pov's from locals


Yup, it’s the gridlock traffic.

Local Reviews of Los Angeles

**The Best Thing About Los Angeles?** Seriously, it’s the weather.

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, you just can’t beat it. 72 and sunny. You’ll never truly appreciate what it’s like to never be hindered by rain or snow or sleet or cold or humidity until you live it. The occasional smoke filled air and rattle and roll sure, but a weather free existence surrounded by snow capped mountains, swaying palm trees and one glittering ocean is a pretty amazing one.

**The Worst Thing About Los Angeles?** Yup, it’s the gridlock traffic.

Angelenos have come to accept it. It just is. Podcasts! Also, the Eastside people refuse to visit the Westside people and vice versa. It’s too much to ask. It takes at least 45 minutes to get anywhere and there’s quite a cultural divide -- the Eastside people think the Westside people are robots with 2.5 kids and a GoldenDoodle and the Westside people think the Eastside people are too scrappy. Figure out which tribe you want to join and burrow in. Sometimes as you’re navigating around Postmates robots and there’s nowhere to park your obligatory car, it feels like you’re living in Minority Report but the Rose Parade always goes off without a hitch. 

**How You Living?** In your own reality.

Pioneers have commandeered far flung eastern locales -- Eagle Rock, Highland Park and environs well outside central Los Angeles. And, North -- Studio City/Sherman Oaks have almost lost their Valley status and merged with Los Angeles proper (almost) and the push through North Hollywood continues. All of these areas have been propped up by development of shops, cafes, and walk epicenters -- some indy, some corporate. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** The Creative Class

If you are in any kind of creatively driven business you’ll be in good company. It seems like almost nobody has a 9 to 5 office job in L.A. Designers, writers, producers, artists, chefs, etc flood the zone in L.A. Freelancers abound and Type As are fairly uncommon -- there is a great deal of concern for work/life balance and healthy lifestyle and between the outdoor space and all the Goop-friendly alternative offerings, these concerns are very much supported. And, there really are taco trucks on every corner. They’re real and they’re delicious. 


LA is filled with groovy neighborhoods that rise and fall in popularity among the young and young-at-heart professionals. Culver City, on the west side of LA, is a growing center of economic and social growth in recent years. Some of that popularity comes from the community vibe you get there. Lots of the creative class stick close to home(and the coffee shops) and WFH is driving people to live in neighborhoods with good, intimate commercial districts, walkable neighborhoods (yes, LA has them) and "reasonably" priced buying and renting options. Added bonus, Culver City is on the light rail line so you can walk to the station and then take the E line to Santa Monica and the beach. 
- Culver City
- Silver Lake
- Beverlywood
- Downtown


Young Professionals

Culver City

West Hollywood is one of the most influential cities in the country for its advocacy for LGBTQ+ issues and as a home for the community. More than 40% of the residents identify as LGBTQ+ and the neighborhood is host to big events including WeHo Pride, Lesbian and Queer Women Visibility Week, Bi-Visibility Week and Transgender Awareness Month. 

The area is also famous as a historical center for music, entertainment, fashion and culture and is filled with clubs, bars, music venues, comedy joints and pretty much everything else you could want to do in LA. Living here you're in the heart of the action.
- West Hollywood
- Silver Lake
- Venice
- Elysian Park 

LGBTQ+

West Hollywood

Other than New York, there are probably more "DINKs/SINKs" in Los Angeles than any city in the country (on the planet?). When peeps get tired of whatever crazy neighborhood they first live in Los Angeles and are ready for a bit more chill, but cool vibes they often pick Silver Lake for their next home. Picture people in hip Brooklyn neighborhoods but more sunny. 

What's so great about Silver Lake? Well, you have to start with the namesake body of water, Silver Lake Reservoir, where the local hipsters run, walk, roll and bike. When you're not soaking up the sun and water views you'll enjoy insanely good cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping all along Sunset Junction. When you're done grubbing and caffeinating you'll also enjoy a great music scene. The neighborhood has a mix of apartments, condos, rental bungalows and increasingly, young families who don't want to give up a walkable, fun area for the despair of suburbia. 
- Silver Lake
- Echo Park 

DINKs/SINKs

Silver Lake

Hard to go wrong picking Brentwood for your family. Another neighborhood on the westside, it sprawls across the hills and is filled with cool Mid-Century Modern ranches. The backyards often have beautiful views of the city. The neighborhood also has some fo the best private schools in the city like Brentwood School and The Archer School for Girls. Finally, and most importantly for some families, the neighborhood has great outdoor play options at Topanga State Park and tons of excellent and eclectic food choices in the neighborhood commercial district. 
- Brentwood
- Manhattan Beach/Redondo Beach
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista

Families

Brentwood

Los Angeles

**thebadsleepwell00** / Living in LA / Updated 3y ago
✭✭✭✭

**Does Anyone Actually Like Living in L.A. right now?**

I'd say with LA, it takes awhile to "break the ice" with the city. It's easy to see it as vapid, sprawling, etc. But if you dig a bit, you can find your niche. I've traveled a fair amount, and ultimately came to the conclusion that LA gives you access to almost anything compared to most other cities - diverse international cuisine (from street food to high end), the arts, hiking trails, music, etc. There are densely-populated more walkable neighborhoods and there are the quiet ones.

**whatinthecalifornia** / Living in LA / 1y ago
✭✭✭

Pros: Beaches you can take a train to, park for free or pay for certain amenities at a reasonable price.

Diversity.

International cuisine.

Ethnic markets.

Variety of dogs.

So many museums, some with free admission all the time or some days.

The weather, my skin feels so amazing.

Cons:

Everyone flocks to the San Gabriels and brings their car culture with them. Gotta go outside of LA county to get an immersive nature experience without hearing another person’s convo about peak bagging.

Being used to forested cover and streams. I miss that as well.

We pave waterways and don’t have nice trails along them (please no one suggest that one east of 605). For the size of the city and population we don’t have the correct amount of cyclist or public transit options (but there are some options).

Entitled negligent drivers.

Lots of shitty fast food options everywhere. Need better city planning of squares across the county.

**nicegh0st** / Living in LA / Updated 1y ago
✭✭✭✭

Pros:

cultural diversity, the excitement of being a global hub of arts, food, and lifestyles

I’ll say it again: food! We have an absolutely mind blowing food scene here

world class live entertainment as well as production

massive economy with opportunity in everything from conventional careers to niche entertainment jobs, arts, etc

blue skies most of the year

diverse geography. You can snowboard in the mountains, swim and sunbathe at the beach, visit the desert, camp in the forest, or see expansive farmland, all within a few hours drive of downtown

free health care for people with low income

great hiking, everywhere

Cons:

you get what you pay for. It’s expensive.

traffic can be frustrating if you don’t exercise patience

traffic can be dangerous because of crazy drivers that have no patience and/or are impaired

our public transit hasn’t caught up with NYC, and it’ll be a long time til it does. Still, the lines are efficient and they’re adding onto them like crazy. So that’s a pro and a con.

nepo babies sorta run everything

bad air quality (hence the intended switch to widespread electric cars over time, which is a good thing)

**Jupitereyed** / Living in LA / Updated 1y ago
✭✭

This is my subjective list of pros and cons, considering that I moved from Buffalo, NY and am neurodivergent (hence, some things are more stressful and noticeable for me than they may be to other people).

Cons: •Cost of living •You may likely never own real estate in LA proper •Unless you make 5-6k/month, have someone to cosign for you, or get very lucky, you will either have a studio or you will have roomates •Ridiculous amounts of traffic (my afternoon commute is 20-50 minutes for 2.5 miles) •Bad/dangerous driving that isn't penalized where it really should be w/traffic cams • A very visible homelessness problem (which is psychologically stressful, saddening, and sometimes dangerous; I've had some close calls) •Police helicopters circling around every day •Police/Fire sirens going off multiple times a day •A huge population packed into a too-small area •Cost of gasoline •General stores are now beginning to put their contents behind locked cabinets •LA may start going under water in our lifetime, but at least then you'll be happy you were never able to own real estate here •Parking can be a hassle: it's hard to find accessible for free or you have to pay for it •It can be dangerous to be a pedestrian (I've almost been hit multiple times by the impatient driving that ridiculous amounts of traffic creates) •The droughts (and all of the trickle down problems)

Pros: •The natural climate here is wonderful •Many beaches within 40-90 minutes driving time •The flora/fauna here are pretty damn cool •Reasonable access to all different kinds of activities (hiking, walking, skiing, swimming, surfing, etc.) •A focus on healthier eating/lifestyles that can rub off on you if you let it •A dizzying array of food options to choose from for dining out (LA has practically everything; not to say all of it is A+ though) •No shoveling multiple feet of snow or losing traction on black ice for me again •People who grew up here and generally very nice and down to earth •Hummingbirds and wild parrots :) •There are spots that cater to high-end fashion, there are spots that cater to "trendy" affordable fashion •Philz mint mojito iced coffee •PORTO'S •LA can turn into a ghost town on major holidays (especially Christmas)

**Living in Los Angeles 2022 | Pros and Cons after living in LA for almost 2 years**

Los Angeles, California

Bladerunner Meets The Rose Parade

Looklyloo Score: 91