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 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:
-- 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:
Coming from outside the U.S.:
Neighborhood/history/Census/Demographics/crime:
-- history, census, weather and other info about L.A.
-- neighborhood demographics and crime rates
-- Rules and laws on noise, building, code enforcement, etc.
-- WTCLA has compiled data and resources for each of the 88 cities located in LA County
City services, gas, DWP, internet:
-- Contacts and social media for every city department and agency
-- find your utilities and city services for your address or neighborhood
- -Request a city service
Health & Disaster Preparedness
Local Governments:
Police, Fire & Medical:
Childcare Resources
Mental Health Resources:
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?
-- For Those Currently Living out of their Vehicles
Schools (not college):
-- 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 can also assist with many DMV transactions
-- dial 511, the CHP FSP is like AAA for emergencies.
-- shows you the area you can reach with public transport from any point in a given time.
-- public transport trip planner
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:
Where to do your banking/Credit unions:
Best web sites to look for rentals?
- new listings under $5K every Monday for all of L.A. County
Find Things To Do Once You're here:
-- 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.
