Moving to Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the ‘City of Angels’: think Hollywood and beautiful beaches.
Los Angeles – affectionately known as LA - sits on the west coast of the United States, at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It is home to a very diverse population from approximately 140 countries and the area is a well known cultural centre with outstanding museums, theatres, dance companies and music venues. It is also the location of Hollywood - the centre of the entertainment industry and home to many celebrities.
Amusement parks such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Knott's Berry Farm lure you with their offerings.
The weather in LA is generally warm, and the sandy beaches and palm trees tempt many to abandon their responsibilities. But living in Los Angeles is not for the faint of heart; the city is subject to earthquakes because of its location in the Pacific's ‘Ring of Fire’. Los Angeles is above major volcanic fault lines - one of which is the San Andreas Fault - which cause approximately 10,000 earthquakes every year. But don’t let this put you off moving to California; varying in duration and strength you’ll barely notice them and your day-to-day life shouldn’t be affected.
English is the local language, but there is a strong Spanish influence throughout Southern California. This is evident in the people, language, street names (Loz Feliz Boulevard) and the foods (tacos, enchiladas, burritos, etc). Altogether, the various groups in the city speak approximately 96 different languages.
Living in the city
LA is a very large geographic area. Single family detached homes are available for rent or purchase, as well as apartments, condos, and townhouses. If you plan to rent a property when you move to LA then be prepared for the rental management company representatives to perform a credit check when you make a rental application. This does not usually present a problem for expats coming to the area.
Neighbourhood characteristics, amenities, proximity to public transport, schools, work, shops, cinemas, places of worship and types of accommodation will all play a role in your decision about where to be based. You should consider talking to someone who is knowledgeable about the areas you're interested in. It is not difficult to find housing - as long as you are willing to pay for it.
Most expats rent for at least the first year and, depending on the length of stay, buy a house after getting to know the area. For the most part, people live on the outskirts of Los Angeles as the city itself is mostly made up of business and commercial properties and is not conducive to family living.
If you’re moving to LA with children your choice of public school will depend on the city you're living in as city boundaries determine which schools children can attend. Private schools are also chosen according to living arrangements. Schools for expats are located throughout California but not in every city, therefore it is wise to do research on both homes and schools at the same time.
Doctors and hospitals in the U.S. are well equipped and dependable. In Los Angeles, there are many good hospitals, medical facilities and private practices available to you. Your insurance provider should be able to give you details of medical facilities in your area or you can also find extensive listings in your local yellow pages.
Getting around
Generally speaking, having your own vehicle is the most convenient option for travelling around LA, but it isn't always required. Depending on your destination, public transportation is available and includes everything from taxis to buses, as well as a limited metro system. You can purchase tickets from bus drivers and at local train and metro stations.
A U.S. driver's license and driver liability insurance are required to operate a vehicle in LA. The legal age for drivers is 18 years old, but a learner's permit can be obtained at age 16. For all drivers, be aware that seat belts must always be worn by both drivers and passengers. And don’t forget, in Los Angeles you will drive on the right.