5 Tips for Living in Los Angeles

Moving to Los Angeles as an Expat

One expat in Los Angeles wrote that Los Angeles is "very diverse, and very accepting of differences," and advised other people that might want to live in L.A. to "take the plunge and swim [and] don't give up, because this city is amazing."

In terms of work, the expat also wrote that jobs in "entertainment, finance, print, health, oil, IT, and restaurants" are available, and that "all industries are well represented in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world."

Expats in Los Angeles will find a variety of types of towns, small cities, and areas within them, to live. This is because Los Angeles is actually a sprawling area that is a collection of 88 small towns and cities more than one "city." In fact, when people refer to "Los Angeles," this for the most part means Los Angeles County.

Expats should know that Los Angeles is an expensive place to call home.

Here are some Los Angeles neighborhoods/cities to consider:

• Santa Monica is right on the ocean by Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, among other cities/areas. (Santa Monica Official Site).
• Beverly Hills - Very upscale community with great schools, facilities and more. If you can afford it. The city was made famous by Beverly Hills Cop, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Beverly Hills 90210. Okay, Rodeo Drive might have had something to do with it, too. Not bad for what used to be an old lima bean farm! (Beverly Hills Official Site).
• City of Los Angeles - If you're looking for a traditional urban environment in L.A., this is it. To get it, you will have to sacrifice some of California scenery and outdoor activities. Plenty going on downtown, however, especially within the Los Angeles arts community.
• Pasadena is considered a small city and is a great place to live whether you are married or not. Famous for the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade. (Pasadena Official Site)

Find More Safe and Affordable Towns in Los Angeles

Transportation in Los Angeles

It is difficult to get by with a car AND without a car in Los Angeles. The famous traffic jams are still a reality of daily life, and yet not having a car makes it challenging to get by.

Buying a car in the U.S.A. can be tricky. California is particularly challenging.

Registering a car from another state or country in California is more difficult than in other states for a variety of reasons.

Also, note that when you say the name of a highway, Californians put the word "the" in front of the number. So you should say "THE 5," not "5" or "Interstate 5." "The 101," not "101" or "Interstate 101."

Mass transit options, such as Metro, are available. TAP, which stands for Transit Access Pass, makes paying fares easier than in the past.

International Schools in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County has several international schools to choose from.

International Schools Middle Years Curriculum

California Association of IB World Schools

Lycée International de Los Angeles

Goethe International Charter School

Dating in Los Angeles

Dating in Los Angeles is an adventure and can be a challenge, according to one expat. She reported that:

"In both countries where I [have lived] it is not easy to meet quality single people. In Los Angeles it is more difficult than it was in New York City. People are less social in Los Angeles and mostly stick to their own community. I feel more lonely here than in New York. I am divorced, no children, a 50+ female. I am considering retirement to Uruguay in seven years."

Things to do in Los Angeles

Enjoy the healthy and delicious food! The food in Los Angeles is typical of the food found in the Western United States, more specifically the cuisine of California.

Los Angeles Restaurants offer a wide variety of world class cuisine. But don't just go to the restaurants, also make it a priority to find the best Los Angeles Food Trucks.

Enjoy Brit Week in Los Angeles.

Have a pint at Ye Olde Kings Head.