You may feel ready for something new. Perhaps you want a move to a beach or mountain community, but you also want to live in a major city. Los Angeles fits the bill for all three desires. You may want to pick up and go there now, but you should prepare first. Keep this information in mind if you’re thinking about moving to LA.
When to Move
Don’t move in summer because 60% of U.S. moves take place between May and August. That makes it tough to find good movers, drives prices up, and it’s harder to find places to rent or buy. Consider moving in a slower month, such as early winter. If you’re moving to LA, you won’t have to worry about snow or bad weather complicating your move. You’ll be able to move without the intense summer heat that California is known for, and you’ll avoid any winter dangers!
Prepare to House Hunt for a While
Put on your track shoes and work on your walking pace to visit as many open houses as possible. Plan your visits by neighborhood to exceed the average walking pace of 4 mph and enjoy the sunshine strolling between locations. This plan is ideal for exploring open houses a few blocks apart.
Los Angeles offers the second-largest city by land mass in the U.S. Only Oklahoma City has more land. You can easily walk in a single neighborhood, but walking from the Santa Monica mountains to Venice wouldn’t work. You probably won’t get the first house for which you make an offer. LA’s competitive housing market requires patience to navigate. Expect your hunt for a home to take a few months.
Choose a Hotel or Airbnb You Enjoy
You’ll need to live in a hotel or an Airbnb for a little while unless you can visit the city first to scout out a home. Choose wisely. A hotel with a kitchenette can help you stay on track for healthy eating. One that provides a free breakfast during your stay also helps to reduce costs.
Consider hostels if you need to visit the city a few times. Los Angeles hostels differ from those in many other cities. You can find hostels in Beverly Hills. Pick something in a safe neighborhood that’s centrally located.
Find a Job Before You Move to LA
Los Angeles has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S. To live on your own, you’ll need to be sure that you’re financially secure. If you find that living on your own may be too costly, consider finding a roommate. This can help you cut down on living costs while also giving you the opportunity to make a new friend in the city.
LA offers tons of jobs, so you can pursue any career you desire. For example, the house painting industry has entered a growth phase. House Grail reports a projected growth of 5% in the painting industry from 2020 to 2030. You’ll find every industry represented in Los Angeles, and today’s plethora of employment platforms makes it easy to apply for work in far-flung locations. Opt for Zoom interviews from any employer that offers them to save you money on travel.
With a little forward planning and saving, you can move to Los Angeles and enjoy the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. Soak up the sun at the beach, or enjoy gorgeous views at a winery. Whatever you like to do, you’re bound to find it in LA. This versatile location will offer you Prepare before you arrive, so once you move you can enjoy tons of beach days and mountain hikes.
