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So you are breaking out and moving on to a new place, and you have chosen Los Angeles. Moving to a new place can be extremely exciting, but it can be coupled with some intimidation and fear as well, but no need to worry. Here are the most important things you need to know about living in Los Angeles from why you need to buy a car to avoiding three hour traffic jams. You will be living like a local in no time.
Everything Takes 20 Minutes to Get to in Los Angeles
Have you ever heard that saying? Whoever told you that was lying through their teeth. Traffic can be an absolute nightmare in Los Angeles, and if you value your time at all you will try to stay off the roads completely between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to I’m Moving to L.A. Rush hour in Los Angeles is unlike any kind of traffic jam or gridlock you have ever seen in your life, and you certainly do not want to experience it now.
Know When and Where to Park
Because everyone is driving everywhere in this massive city, parking can be another hassle. You absolutely have to read the signs around you when you park your car if you want to avoid paying a ticket. Some areas have restrictions on what days and or times you can park in a particular location and these rules are enforced, and tickets start around $60 a pop. It is best not to tempt fate and to just take the time to double check all posted signs when you park jus to be safe. On the same note, you should have your parallel parking skills mastered if you are going to live in L.A.
This Is Not Your Average City, You Need a Car
One of the biggest mistakes new residents make when they move into L.A. is mistaking it for another city like New York where a car is an optional item—it’s not. Ask any local and they will tell you that the public transportation system in the city is inadequate at best, according to About Los Angeles. Also, remember, especially if you are from the east coast, that there are different etiquettes and customs to driving in L.A. that you may want to familiarize yourself with before setting out. For example, the far right lane on the freeway is considered the exit lane; this lane is for cars getting off and on the freeway only so don’t drive in it thinking it is the slow lane. If you are moving into town from another city where you didn’t own a vehicle, you are going to want to find car dealerships in Los Angeles right away because not owning a car is not an option.
Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure; do not be intimidated by the change in culture or scenery. Just put yourself out there and immerse yourself in all Los Angeles has to offer.
Mike has been a lifelong resident of Los Angeles who was born and raised in the “city of angels.” He enjoys doing some writing in his spare time when he is away from the office.
