Los Angeles is less a city than a collection of cities connected by freeways. Where you live shapes your daily life more than almost anywhere else in the US, mostly because of traffic. The best approach is simple: find your work or school on a map, then look at neighborhoods within a realistic 30-minute trip.
Neighborhoods by lifestyle
| Area | Good for | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Koreatown | Central, dense, great food | Metro D Line |
| Westwood / Palms | Near UCLA, students | Buses, E Line nearby |
| Silver Lake / Echo Park | Creative, hilly, cafés | Buses |
| Pasadena | Quieter, historic | Metro A Line |
| Long Beach | Coastal, more affordable | Metro A Line |
| Downtown | Lofts, nightlife, offices | Most Metro lines |
Getting around
LA Metro has several rail lines and a large bus network, paid with a TAP card. Rail is useful if you live and work near stations. Most people still drive for some trips, so check whether an apartment includes parking and how much street parking is available.
Costs
California has a progressive state income tax and LA rents are high. Utilities are usually lower than in cold cities, but AC in the Valley in summer adds up.
Earthquake readiness
Keep a kit with water, food, a flashlight and copies of your documents. Know how to turn off your gas. The state’s MyShake app gives early warnings.
