Firstly why Los-Angeles, California?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Los-Angeles
- State: California
- Population: 3,980,404 people
- Los-Angeles’s quick summary would be The entertainment capital of the world, famous for Hollywood, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 300,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 120,000 annually
- Net Migration: 180000 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 50,000
- Number of Homeless people: 60,000
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it a major metropolitan area with vast job opportunities attracting diverse populations
Perk #1: Los-Angeles Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $76,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Los-Angeles is $85,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $9000 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Los-Angeles’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 200 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $5,694
- Property Tax %: 1.22%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,800
- Rent for an average house: $4,000
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Bel Air
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Los-Angeles, Hollywood, Westwood, Silver-Lake, and probably could include Koreatown
- Avg. Age of Homes in Los-Angeles: 74 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3.5%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Los-Angeles’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Los-Angeles are Entertainment, Manufacturing, and Technology
- Los-Angeles Job Scene: diverse job market with opportunities in many sectors
- The General Tech Scene: global tech and entertainment center with a diverse range of technology industries , ,
- Los-Angeles Resident’s pay $3,000 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Los-Angeles: 10.25%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 1,000 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 126
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Los-Angeles
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $200 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-10 and I-5 are major interstates running through Los Angeles
- Commute Time: 35 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on Sunset Boulevard
- Transportation Score: 79 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Los-Angeles: 2,000,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.5
- No. of Car Washes: 30 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Los-Angeles: dmv.ca.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 74 of 100
- Local Airport: Los Angeles International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Los-Angeles’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
- General Weather in Los-Angeles is best described as has mild winters with cool temperatures and warm dry summers with occasional heat waves
- Winter Weather in Los-Angeles i’d describe as mild with sunny weather
- Spring Weather in Los-Angeles can be described as mild and dry
- Summer’s in Los-Angeles are mostly warm and sunny
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Los-Angeles is usually warm and sunny
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 26 days in summer
- Days in a row in Los-Angeles below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 15 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by heavy traffic
- Los-Angeles Winter Air poor air quality often due to heavy traffic and industrial activity
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Los-Angeles Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Los-Angeles 162
- While the number of trade schools inside Los-Angeless’s city limits are 38
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Los Angeles Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Los-Angeles Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Los-Angeles only Doctors is about 8,500
- Local Hospitals here is 103
- Full-time Los-Angeles only Police Officers is about 18,000
- Crime Rate Index: 70/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Los-Angeles’s Monthly utility bill average is $250
- Los-Angeles’s Monthly Gym Membership: $90
- Los-Angeles’s Water Quality Score: 60
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Los-Angeles
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 25 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: big city with a rich cultural landscape and diversity
- You might enjoy live shows at the Hollywood Bowl
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Los-Angeles features an unparalleled nightlife with diverse clubs bars and artistic venues offering endless experiences
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Los-Angeles
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a vast range of international dining experiences and trendy eateries
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 3,000 scattered around Los-Angeles
- The Popular Sports Team is Los Angeles Lakers
- Top Level Political Climate in Los-Angeles can be described as diverse and progressive city with a focus on social issues
- Los-Angeles’s Longer standing religious establishment is Hollywood United Methodist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Los-Angeles Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Los-Angeles has 100 Parks?
- Griffith Park is Los-Angeles’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Los Angeles Farmers Market normally open Wednesday & Saturday 9am-9pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, hiking, and outdoor dining
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Los-Angeles Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Los-Angeles can be described as rapid pace of life driven by diversity and entertainment
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Los-Angeles going to museums attending concerts beach outings
- The Cities people commute to from Los-Angeles are Burbank 12 miles away Glendale 9 miles away Long-Beach 20 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Los-Angeles or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: backups on Sunset Boulevard. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Los-Angeles’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Bel Air is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Los-Angeles are Burbank 12 miles away Glendale 9 miles away Long-Beach 20 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 70 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Los-Angeles has 0 days in a row below freezing and 26 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Los-Angeles people have an average (positive or negative) $9000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
60,000 homeless people living in Los-Angeles. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general diverse and progressive city with a focus on social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Los-Angeles.
Retiree & Senior Life in Los-Angeles
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access income tax credits easing the financial impact of taxes
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is Genesis Home Most
- Los Angeles Senior Center provides a variety of programs resources and social engagements for seniors
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Los-Angeles, California?
If Los-Angeles, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Los-Angeles, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!