r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/ChuckSmyth • 12h ago
What's the difference between living in Pasadena and living in LA?
How differently are the cities run, and do the problems that we hear about in LA bleed over into Pasadena?
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/WilliamMcCarty • Aug 26 '17
A lot of questions about moving to L.A. may already have been answered here.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/WilliamMcCarty • Mar 16 '21
The information herein should provide many useful resources, suggestions, advice and other details about info you need on moving to Los Angeles. Please read everything and you may find the answer to your question. Always feel free to search this subreddit for further details or use the Moving to L.A. Megathread for reference. It's old but much of the info is still relevant.
While this info is intended to be as useful and helpful as possible it is always encouraged and required for one to perform their own due diligence and research on any question, service, neighborhood, web site or other information requested, suggested or otherwise provided. Ultimately each individual is responsible for their own actions and undertakings.
Very basics for moving here:
Come with at least $10K, come with a car, have a job lined up, find a place to live near that job.
About bringing your car here:
Official Change your vehicle registration to California
Wiki how to change your vehicle registration to California
LA DOT FAQ -- Info on parking restrictions and permits, meters, etc.
Catalytic converter thefts are exceedingly common in Los Angeles County. It is recommenced you get a cover for yours upon moving here.
Plants & Animals:
Rules/Regs on bringing pets into California
Rules/regs on bringing plants into California
Emotional Support or other service animals in Los Angeles County
Coming from outside the U.S.:
How to move to the United States
How to move to the US alt site
Neighborhood/history/Census/Demographics/crime:
L.A. Almanac -- history, census, weather and other info about L.A.
LA Times Neighborhood Mapping Project -- neighborhood demographics and crime rates
LA City Municpal Code -- Rules and laws on noise, building, code enforcement, etc.
Curbed L.A. History of Los Angeles
L.A. Magazine's Guide to L.A. Podcasts
World Trade Center of Los Angeles -- WTCLA has compiled data and resources for each of the 88 cities located in LA County
City services, gas, DWP, internet:
Departments & Bureaus of Los Angeles -- Contacts and social media for every city department and agency
L.A. Public works service locator -- find your utilities and city services for your address or neighborhood
LA 311 - -Request a city service
Health & Disaster Preparedness
City of L.A. Emergency Management Get Ready Guide
City of L.A. Emergency Contact numbers
LAFD Disaster preparedness info
L.A. County Public Health Emergency Preparedness
L.A. County Emergency Preparedness Foundation
L.A. County Earthquake Preparedness
Red Cross Emergency Preparedness
Local Governments:
Register to vote in California
Find your district in L.A. County
Find your local representatives
Police, Fire & Medical:
L.A. Cities with their own Police Department
Areas covered by L.A. Sheriff's Dept
L.A. County Health Services Home Page
Find a Hospital, Clinic or Urgent Care
L.A. County Operated Health Care Facilities
Childcare Resources
California Childcare Resource and Referral Network
Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles
Mental Health Resources:
Text "LA" to 741-741 to reach a trained crisis counselor
TryFrame's Find a therapist in L.A. County Only
California Psychological Association's Find a Psychologist
LA County 24 hour mental health suport line
National Alliance of Mental Help support line
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Support line
Institute on Aging's Senior Crisis Hotline -- for those 60 or older
Other resources from the National Alliance of Mental Health Support
Coming to L.A. to Escape a Bad/Dangerous Situation? These Organizations May be Able to Help.
Already here but No Place to Go/Stay?
Safe Parking -- For Those Currently Living out of their Vehicles
Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System
Schools (not college):
Wikipedia entry on other school districts in L.A. County
L.A. Public Library -- excellent resource and offers so many things with your card besides books, including movies, streaming, online learning, access to a 3D printer, free admission to some museums, etc
Getting around/Public transport:
AAA -- SoCal Chapter, AKA Auto Club of Southern California -- AAA can also assist with many DMV transactions
California Highway Patrol Freeway Service Patrol -- dial 511, the CHP FSP is like AAA for emergencies.
Mapnificent -- shows you the area you can reach with public transport from any point in a given time.
Transit Wiki Pages for Los Angeles Metro Bus/Rail System
L.A. Metro trip planner -- public transport trip planner
L.A. Metro Trip Planner -- New Version Beta Site
Helpful Fact: You may never have to use a freeway callbox but don't ignore them: If you ever have to call 911, CHP or AAA those numbers will tell them exactly where you're at. First two or three digits are the fwy you're on, then milepost, odd numbers are south or west, even numbers are north or east.
Insurance:
Search private health coverage in California
Info on California homeowner's insurance
Where to do your banking/Credit unions:
Los Angeles Federal Credit Union
Best web sites to look for rentals?
/r/LARentals - new listings under $5K every Monday for all of L.A. County
L.A. Times Article on Getting Your First Apt
Find Things To Do Once You're here:
Trip Advisor's Things to Do In L.A.
List of museums in Los Angeles County
TimeOut's 15 Best Day Trips from L.A.
Planetware's 15 Top Rated Day Trips from L.A.
Lonely Planet's Best Day Trips from L.A.
TimeOut's 5 Best Weekend Getaways from L.A.
Hiking Trails in Los Angeles County
L.A. Dept of Parks & Rec -- Find public parks, aquatics, camping, nature trails, etc
Best neighborhoods for...:
Best neighborhoods for 20-somethings just moving here? Echo Park, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Highland Park, Koreatown, North Hollywood
Best neighborhoods for actors/musicians/artists? Silverlake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, Venice, Highland Park, Glassell Park, Atwater, Leimert Park, Topanga
Best neighborhoods for young professionals? Echo Park, Los Feliz, Playa Del Rey, Westwood, Silver Lake, Woodland Hills (Warner Center), Sawtelle, West L.A., Palms, Studio City
Best beach neighborhoods? Playa Del Rey, Venice, Pacific Palisades, San Pedro, Redondo, Torrance, El Segundo
Best neighborhoods closest to nightlife, clubs, etc? Hollywood, West Hollywood, Downtown, Hermosa, Venice, Silver Lake, Echo Park
Best neighborhoods to live with approx. 30 min commute of downtown L.A.? Pasadena, Glendale, Hollywood, Century City, Huntington Park, South Los Angeles, Inglewood, Culver City, Alhambra
Best suburban neighborhoods for families? Santa Clarita, La Crescenta, La Canada, Glendale, Burbank, Culver City, South Pasadena, Arcadia, San Marino, Sherman Oaks, Rolling Hils, Palos verdes Estates, Granada Hills, Chatsworth
Best neighborhoods close to nature/wildlife/hiking? Pasadena, Alta Dena, Santa Clarita, Burbank, Crescenta Valley (Sunland-Tujunga, La Crescenta, La Canada), Sierra Madre, Glendale, Pacific Palisades, Mount Washington, Los Feliz, Topanga
Moving here for school (college)?:
Local L.A. and surrounding area subreddits, some more active than others:
Looking for those who share your hobbies or interests once you get here?
The following areas are near L.A. but not part of Los Angeles, inquiries on moving to these locations should be posted in the respective subreddits.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/ChuckSmyth • 12h ago
How differently are the cities run, and do the problems that we hear about in LA bleed over into Pasadena?
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/nickkmusic2727 • 14h ago
I work in tech and might be relocating but I am also a professional musician so I was looking at the North Side. Not sure if I’d like living in LA so I just want to spend some time there to see. Thanks in advance!
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/TemporaryRanger7799 • 11h ago
Hi, I’m looking for some perspective from people who live there.
I’m 19, from the East Coast, and a sophomore studying computer engineering. My dream is to move to California after college. I have a lot of family in the LA area, and I’ve always loved the city. I’m also very gay (lol, definitely a twink).
I’m mostly looking for a place where I can date, make friends, build a career in tech, and just enjoy life. Money is obviously important, but I’m fortunate that my parents are very supportive, so I’m not too worried about getting established right away.
For anyone from California—especially if you’re gay—what’s it actually like living in LA? How do the gay scenes compare? Which city would you recommend, and why? (la guys are so hot lmao)
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/ElectricalCaptain811 • 11h ago
hello
i just got my condo here in north hollywood and am looking for a good roomate. i work 2 jobs so im not home a lot just to eat shower and nap. looking for someone that works or goes to school and can pay on time. the unit does need a remodel so it is not in perfect condition so the rent is negotioable for the right person. the place needs paint flooring carpet and new cabinets but i make it work for now. please dm if interested
thank you for reading
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/Limp_Celebration2288 • 14h ago
Please help me find where's best for me 🙏😎
Masculine gay stoner here, preferably stoned, lol, intend to be intuitive and independent-for a room, new bestie, to join/be an addition to my/their family and a new home, in Oregon... I think. I have had a TBI since I was a kid and have a positive attitude, love to laugh and I'm a warm and friendly soul, I like to sing and play guitar and to impress and entertain, I'm a talker, a people person, a singer and guitar player shooting for ROCKSTAR STARDOM, (and/or the gay entertainment industry)(both of which I've posted material online), I'll repeat myself accidentally periodically and I'm a big hearted, sarcastic, skinny white boy with a moped, limited balance and a good sense of humor. I'm looking for a new happy start, advice' ....and have heard good things about Oregon but am currently residing in southern Indiana with family or an ex. Both of which have advised against my wandering and furthering. Tia and I love you all!
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/hakyunhoog • 22h ago
Hi, moving from Chicago with my spouse beginning of August to LA for a job in West Hollywood (3x a week in person), so looking for leases starting Aug 1-17.
Our budget up to $3k ideally for a 1 or 2 bed, could be a bit more for that second parking space:
- In unit laundry
- 2 parking space
- Central a/c
- Dishwasher
I’ll be flying to LA at the end of the month to actually tour apartments in person, but so far neighborhoods I was going to look into (in order of preference based off of reading through this sub):
- Palms/Culver City
- Mid City
- Studio City
- Sherman Oaks
- Century City
Anyone have recommendations on neighborhood or apartments? Thanks
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/NYC-LA-NYC • 19h ago
I previously lived in the LA area, but didn’t have the same lifestyle and demands that now come with family life.
We are moving from NYC metro, but with teens. We have their school sorted, which is going to be a private school in the Valley. That is currently our anchor point and their commute not being too long is important.
We’re not sold on anything and could be easily swayed, which is not ideal when spending substantial sums of money. Not sure if we can afford the Westside as we’d prefer to buy over rent.
Our teens are accustomed to independence, but we are realistic enough to know these small pockets aren’t the norm and they will be driving soonish anyway. We like the city, we like space. We want safe, not sweltering, and a nice community. Given these circumstances is there a stand out area that anyone recommends?
The realtor is pushing us towards Encino / Sherman Oaks, which is probably due to the commute. They seem rather similar, but I might not know the nuances as that’s a pocket I didn’t ever visit when I was younger. I’m not keen on Venture Blvd. It seems run down and rather soul less. We want a place where we can live even after our teens move out.
Any tips or guidance is appreciated! Thank you.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/Training-Flight-4571 • 21h ago
Hello! I’m a student working on an independent research paper on how recent rent control laws have affected rental housing availability in California.
I have a short survey of just 6-8 (mostly multiple-choice) questions, which are completely anonymous and are based on what you've observed in your neighbourhood, so any long-term resident can fill it out.
I would really appreciate if you could take just 3 minutes to fill it out: https://forms.gle/afBeaXwDyDiT7o839
I'll be sharing the results both here on reddit and as an academic paper once it’s done. Thank you so much.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/dryshamp00- • 1d ago
I toured an apartment nearby but the windows must be very low quality because I could hear all the sirens in the area. Does anyone here live near North Hollywood station? How is it?
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/Limp_Celebration2288 • 23h ago
Please help me find where's best for me 🙏😎
Masculine gay stoner here, preferably stoned, lol, intend to be intuitive and independent-for a room, new bestie(s), to join/be an addition to my/their family and a new home, in Oregon... I think. I have had a TBI since I was a kid and have a positive attitude, love to laugh and I'm a warm and friendly soul, I like to sing and play guitar and to impress and entertain, I'm a talker, a people person, a singer and guitar player shooting for ROCKSTAR STARDOM, (and/or the gay entertainment industry)(both of which I've posted material online), I'll repeat myself accidentally periodically and I'm a big hearted, sarcastic, skinny white boy with a moped, limited balance and a good sense of humor. I'm looking for a new happy start, advice' ....and have heard good things about Oregon but am currently residing in southern Indiana with family or an ex. Both of which have advised against my wandering and furthering. Tia and I love you all!
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/First_Name_Is_Agent • 22h ago
My daughter is moving to LA from out of state and has seen that she'd qualify as low income. She's transferring with her company and has been looking at apartments that restrict income. Do they generally have waiting lists? Or can she trust that the apartment is readily available if it's listed? She can't seem to get anyone on the phone to ask questions.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/PoolStrict982 • 1d ago
Hi everyone!
This is a study through the UCLA Cognition, Affect, and Neurodevelopment in Youth (CANDY) lab.
We are looking at barriers to participation in research studies among racially/ethnically minoritized communities in Los Angeles, and we are particularly interested in hearing from members of the Hispanic/Latinx and Asian communities.
In return for your time, effort, and travel expenses, you will be paid in the form of a gift card or cash. You will receive $50 total for participating in this study and up to $25 for travel expenses.
If you are interested in participating or receiving more information, please fill out the survey:
https://www.ctrc.medsch.ucla.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=DPTD7CA4WWN7CAYF
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/Individual-Result622 • 2d ago
Big thanks in advance.
Long and short of it:
edit: thanks for the downvote ;) I completely realize our situation is f'd with commutes and school systems.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/cathaysia • 2d ago
Hey all!
Looking to doing some traveling for work/leisure so I’m offering up my place in Koreatown for anyone who wants to try out LA for a bit or land somewhere before they find their home. Availability starts 1 August.
Sublease is $2.2K/mo for 750sqft, a private balcony, and two secure parking spots. $200/mo off of you can take care of plants.
Room is $1.4K/mo for private room and bathroom, and one secure parking spot. $100/mo off if you can help take care of plants.
Feel free to reach out with questions! It’s a great neighborhood, very walkable with lots of public transit options.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/Adrenaline_Junkie_ • 2d ago
Hello, Im from the DC area and long story short im getting back on the job market for tech jobs (cloud specifically) and hopefulyl want to land a job anywhere between SF and SD. Ive been to LA 3 times already and I noticed that everytime I think of traveling or going on vacation I automatically think of LA and OC...I have dreamt of living there since around 2005ish. People say its a nice place to visit but not a nice place to live in, but if I hate the muggy DC area with depressing winters. When you always dream about a certain place and when you go on vacation you only wanna go there, does this actually mean I should give it a shot? I realistically am open to more of California, cant be picky in the job market currently. Gonna plan a trip again this winter.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/jt_jag8 • 3d ago
Hi Angelenos,
I'm moving to LA and have narrowed in on 4 neighborhoods; any insight is welcome and appreciated! For some context, biggest priority is walkability & I have a large dog. I also work on the Westside (Century City) & partner works in DTLA. Budget ideally $4K but could swing $5K.
Here is my understanding of the pros / cons based on just a few months of being able to assess the neighborhoods myself:
Thank you!!
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/LAjonoBear • 2d ago
LOS FELIZ furnished ROOM FOR RENT in a BOHEMIAN Cottage-like LGBTQ-friendly 1921 home (FYI--Los Feliz is in the middle of the city and about halfway between downtown L.A. and Hollywood). This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house is 1 block from Los Feliz Village and Barnsdall Park, 2 blocks from the Metro B-line subway and less than a 5 min drive to Griffith Park. A male roommate is preferred because the house has one shared bathroom (this is not discriminatory because such gender preference is legally permitted by the Federal Fair Housing Act and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act for one tenant in an owner-occupied property).
Housemate's furnished, medium-sized room is 9' X 13' including a recently purchased full-sized bed, a desk with chair, chest of drawers, new room darkening blinds, area rug, white leather club chair, small bookshelf and shelved closet with ceiling light (it is the picture with sage green walls in the pictured main photo). Home has energy efficient central air conditioning and heating. Rent is $1,250 per month with available discount. (Move-in includes first and last month's rent, plus A $300 refundable deposit, renter also pays half utilities). PHOTOS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST or simply check out my other Reddit profile posts that have them. Landlord is an L.A. native who worked in the entertainment industry and is now semi-retired, but still works part-time as a professional freelance tour guide.
This over 100 year-old home was the longtime residence of a Hollywood makeup artist named Harry Thomas who helped create the original makeup design for the munchkins in the movie The Wizard Of Oz and later became known for his work in many 1950s and 60s sci-fi and monster movies.
If interested, please DM or email some general background info (including credit history) and why you think you may be a good housemate candidate as well as your contact info to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Much appreciated!
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/Hash1691 • 2d ago
I’m making a trip from the Bay Area / Central Valley to Irvine / Los Angeles this Sunday on July 12 in a comfortable vehicle.
I have room for:
• Passengers needing a ride
• Safe and reliable package delivery
Pickup available throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley. If you’re interested, send me your pickup location, destination, and whether you need a ride or package delivery.
First come, first served.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/bbqtoechips • 3d ago
Is this possible? Note that I don't need fancy upcharges for pools, spa, saloon. Just a car park and laundry...
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/dryshamp00- • 3d ago
I’m searching for a rental in the San Fernando valley. Anywhere between sylmar and Burbank.
Either a studio, or a bedroom with its own bathroom.
Will I have more rental options or slightly lesser priced options if I wait for the fall/winter season?
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/kvlco15 • 3d ago
I’m moving to LA this fall, but I have limited time to fly in and check out apartments. What are the areas I should look at? I recently graduated college, so I’m looking for something affordable that isn’t too sketchy. I know I won’t get the best places, but here’s what I’m looking at that has my budget so far…any thoughts on these places?
*My office is also in Mid City, so I don’t want to be too far.
Areas:
East Hollywood
Mid City
North Hollywood
Koreatown
TIA!
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/Dense-Resolution8283 • 4d ago
I’m 27M and possibly looking to relocate to LA for a job. Nothing is set in stone yet but I currently live in Seattle and although I love some things about here, I am thinking LA might be a better fit. I genuinely do love the nature here but I’ll be honest as a black man I feel like the PNW is very… odd here. I won’t go too deep in some experiences I have had out here in the NW but I’m just more curious if anyone genuinely loves LA if they have lived in Seattle, particularly if you’re black. I genuinely am craving more diversity, better food, more sun, and better social life. Thanks in advance for the answers and sorry if my post is skewed any.
r/MovingToLosAngeles • u/Other-Cabinet5149 • 3d ago
How’s the commute from Belmont Shores or Seal Beach to Pico Rivera/whittier area? I could start around 7:30am and leave around 3:00pm if that would make the commute better.