Moving to Los Angeles

Thinking about moving to Los Angeles, California? With over 100 neighborhoods to discover, find your perfect room in the city of the stars! Los Angeles is a trend-setting global metropolis with a fascinating history and a rich cultural heritage. And with 75 miles of sunny coastline, it’s no wonder LA is a top destination for people seeking to live here. In our Los Angeles City Guide, Roommates.com will take you through a few things to know about finding a room and living in Los Angeles. 

  • Things to know before moving to LA 

  • What it’s like living in LA 

  • The Pros and Cons of living in LA 

  • Moving to LA FAQ’s 

Things to Know Before Moving to Los Angeles

LA's cultural attractions are second to none, whether it’s the Space Shuttle Endeavour, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Getty Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Sign or art galleries, renowned museums, and urban art. From Transformers: The Ride-3D to legendary studios, thriving nightlife, Michelin-starred restaurants, professional sports teams, and renowned theatre productions, LA is truly the entertainment capital of the world. 


Ask any Angeleno what their favorite thing about living in the city is, and chances are, you’ll get a different response every time. Active Angelenos can explore 75 miles of coastline and hundreds of miles of bike and hiking trails. And if leisure is more your thing, enjoy shopping for everything from couture to vintage, or relax in one of LA’s world-class spas, or dine at a world-class restaurant or ethnic neighborhood.


It's no wonder Los Angeles is a top choice for people worldwide when deciding where to travel or live. From parks to beaches, museums to tours of Hollywood, and much more, there are always things to do in the Los Angeles area.

A look at a few neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Hollywood

Lights, camera, action! Welcome to world-famous Hollywood, aka Tinseltown and the "Entertainment Capital of the World." At Hollywood and Highland, you can tour the Dolby Theatre, the home of the Oscars. Find your favorite celebrities in the TCL Chinese Theatre's Forecourt of the Stars and along the Walk of Fame.

According to the Mapping L.A. project of the Los Angeles Times, Hollywood street boundaries are as follows:

  • North - Hollywood Boulevard from La Brea Avenue to the east boundary of Wattles Garden Park and Franklin Avenue between Bonita and Western Avenues

  • South - Melrose Avenue

  • East - Western Avenue

  • West - La Brea Avenue or the West Hollywood city line

The diverse neighborhood includes areas such as Franklin Village, Little Armenia, Spaulding Square, Thai Town and the Yucca Corridor.


West Hollywood

You're sure to see the entertainment industry's movers and shakers in West Hollywood, famous for its rooftop pools and the place where rock stars and legendary comedians got their big break.


Studio City

Studio City is the historic home of the stars, where you can drive by the Brady Bunch house, be part of a studio audience at CBS Studio Center, and hike through Fryman Canyon.


Sawtelle Japantown

Formerly known as Little Osaka, Sawtelle Japantown is a slice of Japanese culture on the Westside located minutes from UCLA, Santa Monica and Culver City. The historic neighborhood has become a foodie paradise.

Leimert Park

Once the home of Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald, Leimert Park was dubbed the "Black Greenwich Village" by filmmaker John Singleton. The World Stage and Kaos Network showcase jazz, hip-hop and poetry slams.


Silver Lake

Silver Lake is one of L.A.’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, home to a wide range of creatives and a majority Latino population. Its central hub is Sunset Junction, featuring vintage stores like Bar Keeper and the hip coffee house, Intelligentsia.


Sherman Oaks

Explore Sherman Oaks, a haven for shoppers and diners alike. Cruise down Ventura Boulevard, immortalized by Tom Petty and featured in movies like Crash and Transformers. Get in a game of mini golf in Sherman Oaks Castle Park.


Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is known as "The Pearl of L.A.'s South Bay" and was immortalized in the Beach Boys classic, "Surfin' U.S.A." Take a gander at the impressive beachfront real estate as you walk, run, bike, rollerblade or skateboard on The Strand.

Koreatown

Koreatown is one of L.A.'s most exciting neighborhoods. Located west of Downtown L.A. and south of Hollywood, "K-town" is a vibrant scene like nowhere else in L.A. Korean BBQ is a culinary staple of the area, with dive bars and speakeasies complementing the area's dining and drinking options.

Pros & Cons of Living in Los Angeles

If you're considering moving to Los Angeles, here are several key factors to weigh before making your decision:

Pros of Living in Los Angeles

Job Market

Los Angeles offers a diverse and dynamic job market, with opportunities in entertainment, tech, healthcare, and more.

Weather

Mild and sunny weather year-round, with generally pleasant conditions and access to outdoor activities.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

LA has a vibrant lifestyle with world-class entertainment, dining, beaches, and nightlife, plus a mix of cultural experiences.

Cultural Diversity

LA’s cultural diversity enriches daily life, offering exposure to many different cuisines, festivals, and cultural experiences.

Proximity to Nature

Close to beaches, mountains, and national parks, making it easy to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, from surfing to hiking.

Social Scene and Networking

For those in industries like entertainment or tech, LA’s social scene offers numerous networking opportunities and industry events.

Cons of Moving to Los Angeles

Cost of Living

The cost of living is high, with expensive rent, housing, and everyday expenses.

Housing Market

The housing market is competitive and expensive, making it challenging to find affordable places to live.

Traffic and Commute

LA’s traffic is notorious, with long commutes and heavy congestion being a daily reality for many residents.

Public Transportation

Public transportation options are limited, and many people rely on cars to get around due to the city’s sprawl.

Air Quality

Los Angeles struggles with smog and air pollution, particularly due to vehicle emissions and occasional wildfires.

Earthquake Preparedness

LA is located in an earthquake-prone area, requiring residents to be prepared for seismic activity.

Education and Schools

The quality of public schools can vary widely, so families may need to research districts or consider private schooling.

Homelessness Crisis

Homelessness is a significant issue, particularly in urban areas, and can affect daily life in certain parts of the city.

Neutral/Depends on Preference

Weather Neutral: While generally a pro, the heat can be a con for some people, especially in inland areas during summer. Social Scene and Networking Neutral: Networking and socializing in LA can be key to career growth, but the fast-paced and sometimes superficial social culture can feel overwhelming for some. This should give you a clear understanding of the pros and cons of moving to Los Angeles!

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Los Angeles

What is the cost of living in Los Angeles?

What are the best neighborhoods to live in LA?

How bad is the traffic, and how can I get around?

Is Los Angeles a good place to raise a family?

What is the job market like in Los Angeles?

What is the air quality like in Los Angeles?

What natural disasters should I be prepared for in LA?

Thinking About Moving to Los Angeles?

Roommates and rooms for rent in Los Angeles

For over 22 years, Roommates.com has been connecting people across the USA looking for someone to live with. You can easily find a roommate or browse our list of rooms for rent and in just a few steps and you’ve got a roommate.

There are lots of benefits in having a roommate including: having more money, more time and more friends. Roommates.com is fast and secure; we offer ID verification to let members prove to others they are a real, verified person. Sign up today and list your room for rent, browse rooms for rent, or find a roommate.