Considering a move to Los Angeles? The City of Angels has incredible career opportunities in entertainment and a vibrant culture, but also a high cost of living and traffic. Here are all of the pros and cons of living in Los Angeles to help you decide if this West Coast city is right for you.
Pros of Living in Los Angeles
From the beautiful weather and outdoor recreation to the endless activities for creatives, sports fans, and families, LA has a lot to love. Check out these nine pros of living in Los Angeles.
Pro: Exceptional Warm Weather
Los Angeles residents enjoy a year-round Mediterranean climate, making every day an invitation for indoor-outdoor living. With abundant sunshine and average temperatures ranging from roughly 50°F to 85°F with little to no rain, it’s the perfect setting for a wide array of activities. Dine al fresco any evening, or take a California coast road trip by motorcycle or RV and know the elements will rarely cancel your plans. When days are warm, stroll to a nearby beach and cool off in the Pacific Ocean, which stays refreshingly crisp all year long.
Pro: Natural Beauty Everywhere
Los Angeles is surrounded by beautiful nature, from the mountains to the ocean—so go explore it! Kayak among sea lions or go fishing at Redondo Beach. Hit the waves for a surf session or play a game of volleyball at El Porto Beach, Venice Beach, or Will Rogers State Beach. Spot a whale, kayak, or paddleboard at Marina Del Rey. Enjoy a scenic hike on one of the many trails in Griffith Park, like Runyon Canyon or the Ferndell Nature Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for ducks swimming along the Venice Canals. Cycle along The Strand Manhattan Beach. Or venture out to Santa Monica Pier to take in a stunning sunset over the Pacific.
Pro: Higher Education Opportunities
The availability of colleges in Los Angeles make this city great for those furthering their education! Enroll at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which often ranks as the top public university in the country. Pick a program from the 23 schools that make up California State University (USC), like the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and be part of an institution that provides upward economic mobility for its students. Learn to be a filmmaker in directing, producing, screenwriting, and more in the Conservatory MFA program at American Film Institute. Or commute just 20 minutes to nearby Caltech, one of the best undergraduate research universities in the country, to study aerospace, chemical engineering, geological and planetary sciences, and more.
Pro: Lots to Do for the Whole Family
The fun isn’t just for adults in Los Angeles—all ages can enjoy the city’s magic! Check out exhibits like Dinosaur Hall, the Nature Garden, and Age of Mammals, or attend the annual Dino Fest at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Enjoy live shows like Signs of Life from the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, see films and speaking events at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, or observe the sky at the most-visited public observatory in the world, Griffith Observatory. Take a short drive to Pasadena to run around Muddy Boot Farm, race at the Trike Tracks, or learn something new in the Physics Forest at Kidspace Children’s Museum. Tour Diagon Alley, enjoy the WaterWorld stunt show, or get an adrenaline rush on the transformer thrill ride at Universal Studios in Hollywood, just 20 minutes away. Let the kids hug their favorite characters, explore Adventureland, and ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland Park, about 30 minutes away in Anaheim. Or take a day trip to Carlsbad to visit LEGOLAND, featuring over 50 attractions, including Pirate Reef, Explorer Island, and Coastersaurus, all set within an interactive world of life-size LEGO bricks—just an hour and a half away from LA.
Pro: One of the Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities
Los Angeles stands out as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the United States, with a rich history of activism within the LGBTQ community. Neighborhoods like West Hollywood (WeHo) and Silver Lake are known for their welcoming communities, social activism, inclusive businesses, and vibrant nightlife. Institutions like The Los Angeles LGBT Center provide wellness services, advocacy groups, and support for queer artists to help foster a welcoming and empowering place for LGBTQ individuals to live and thrive. And everyone loves getting together to celebrate who they are at LA Pride.
Pro: It’s a Sports Destination
Living in Los Angeles means access to a playground of professional sports. Catch a Lakers (NBA) game at Crypto.com Arena, where the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) and the LA Kings (NHL) also play. Cheer on the LA Galaxy (MLS) at Dignity Health Sports Park or the Los Angeles Football Club (MLS) at BMO Stadium. Watch the LA Rams (NFL) and the Chargers (NFL) at SoFi Stadium. See the eight-time World Series champion, the Dodgers (MLB), at Dodger Stadium. Or get tickets to a Clippers (NBA) game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
Pro: Diverse Culinary Scene
Los Angeles truly shines as a melting pot of cultures, creating an incredibly diverse food scene full of hidden gems. Start your day with a breakfast burrito at Dialog Cafe, an almond croissant at Pitchon, or Skirt Steak + Eggs at Moonlarks Dinette. Explore inventive Japanese fare, like Daikokuya‘s Spicy Miso Ramen in Little Tokyo or the sushi and quick eats in the bustling streets of Sawtelle Japantown. Sample gourmet tacos, bao buns, or spicy Korean street food from the food trucks scattered throughout the city. Settle onto a breezy patio for sizzling fajitas and creative masa dishes at one of LA’s oldest Mexican bars, El Paseo Inn. And for special occasions, indulge in dinner for two at one of the hundreds of Michelin Star restaurants in LA.
Pro: Endless Entertainment Options
There are plenty of fun things to do in Los Angeles, day or night. Immerse yourself in culture at local art museums like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and The Broad. Catch a comedy show at famed spots like the Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store. Enjoy a picnic before watching celebrated acts like the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Diana Ross, and Alabama Shakes at the historic Hollywood Bowl. Dance the night away at renowned nightclubs in LA like Avalon, Sound, and Academy LA. Or follow the beat of up-and-coming and established musicians at iconic music venues like the Troubadour, The Viper Room, and Whisky a Go Go in nearby West Hollywood.
Pro: Hub for Creatives
Moving to Los Angeles is a powerful draw if you want to be part of the entertainment industry or any of the buzzing creative hubs like fine arts, fashion, architecture, or design. This California city has more working artists than any other U.S. metro, so it’s easy to find entrepreneurial opportunities and networking possibilities. Creatives in LA can grow and connect with one another through dedicated groups, like the Los Angeles Artists and Creatives Meetup and Creative Lunch Club, or within coworking spaces like NeueHouse and Secret Spot DTLA.
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Cons of Living in Los Angeles
While there’s plenty to appreciate about living in La La Land, there are also some downsides to consider before moving. Here are five cons of living in Los Angeles.
Con: High Cost of Living
Los Angeles is undeniably one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., but many residents would argue LA’s prices are worth it for the rich opportunities, culture, and climate the city offers. Housing costs in LA are substantially higher than the national average, and the overall cost of living in Los Angeles can be 72% above what you might find elsewhere. This means groceries, transportation, and many other daily expenses require a bit more budgeting. This financial pressure has also contributed to high rates of homelessness in the city. However, this higher cost of living often translates into access to world-class amenities, a thriving job market with competitive salaries in many industries, and a quality of life that’s perfect for those who value sunshine, diverse culture, and being in a trend-setting hub.
Con: High Temperatures & Natural Disasters
While the Los Angeles basin doesn’t get as hot as the San Fernando Valley, temperatures can still be dangerous. This warm weather, plus the lack of rainfall and its proximity to the San Andreas Fault, make it a hotbed for natural disasters—like earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides. However, California’s natural disasters are met with an overwhelming spirit of preparedness and resilience. Residents of Los Angeles experience state-of-the-art building codes, advanced warning systems, and robust public education for a proactive culture surrounding emergencies. And community cooling centers offer a great way to beat the summer heat!
Con: Lack of Public Transit
Given that Los Angeles is very spread out and lacks the extensive long-rail network found in other major cities, relying solely on public transport in LA can be challenging. While rideshares are available, their cost can add up quickly. However, it is possible to live in Los Angeles without a car, if that’s your preference. Los Angeles is expanding its public transportation network, actively working to reduce its reliance on cars. The LA Metro has major projects in the works, including the D Line Subway Extension and the Purple Line Extension to UCLA. Alongside these rail developments, LA Metro is improving the bus service through its NextGen Bus Plan.
Con: Traffic Congestion & Smog
Because cars remain the predominant mode of transportation in the LA metro, it takes longer to get where you want to go. If you move to LA from a city with less traffic, you’ll need to be flexible with your schedule and plan for increased travel times. Also, due to the number of vehicles and their contribution to pollution, the air quality in Los Angeles is another challenge for residents. Of course, there are multiple ways you can combat the LA smog, including keeping your windows up on the freeway and using an air purifier in your home.
Con: Crime Rates
Like other major metropolitan areas, crime rates in Los Angeles are a concern for those considering a move here. While they’re 61% higher than the national average, you can still find plenty of safe neighborhoods and suburbs in LA. Encino, Playa Vista, Porter Ranch, and other nearby locations offer tight-knit communities and a greater sense of security. To address further concerns, the LAPD’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP) initiative works to build trust and reduce crime through relationship-based policing. The Mayor’s Office also partners with organizations like the Urban Peace Institute (UPI) and the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Coalition (LAVIC) on community-led strategies that have significantly reduced gang-related activity.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
