RonDawg
Contributor
...I'd have to point out some major issues that affect living in LA:
1. Traffic. LA is a city built largely around the automobile, and as a result we have lots and lots of traffic. We're one of the few cities where a freeway interchange can be gridlocked in all 4 directions simultaneously, and there are several that are like that on a regular basis. Being from NYC this will probably not bother you, but another issue will, and that's the relative lack of public transportation. LA used to have a wonderful transportation system called the "Red Car" but it was ripped up in the 1950's. They are just recently starting to replace some of the lines, but it's nowhere near what it used to be, and probably never will. Which means getting around LA in an efficient manner means a car is an absolute must, which leads to the gridlock. Especially since the city is so spread out. Also, one complaint I hear from backeasters who come to LA is our unpredictable "rush hour"; on some freeways like the I-405 (San Diego Freeway) traffic jams start as 5 AM and last well into the evening.
2. Also, LA is different from most major cities (esp. back east) in that nothing is centrally located, and our downtown is absolutely devoid of any life after 6 PM and on weekends. With the exception of an area just south of the financial center, where the garment and jewelry districts are located, but these are not the best parts of town to be in, especially after dark.
3. You mentioned what's it's like here around Jan/Feb and I can say it's one of my favorite times of year, especially after the mountains behind us get snowed in. What's not my favorite time of year is July/Aug/Sept. LA may not get cold, but it does get hot, especially if you have to live inland due to the price of housing. That's also when LA's infamous smog comes out to play.
4. Housing is very expensive, and for that reason the average Angeleno commutes 30 miles each way to work, with 60 miles becoming increasingly common. Again the overwhelming majority of these people drive into work that distance.
Don't get me wrong, LA has its wonderful side too as has already been pointed out. But before you move "lock stock and barrel" to the opposite side of the country make sure you know about the disadvantages of living in LA as well.
1. Traffic. LA is a city built largely around the automobile, and as a result we have lots and lots of traffic. We're one of the few cities where a freeway interchange can be gridlocked in all 4 directions simultaneously, and there are several that are like that on a regular basis. Being from NYC this will probably not bother you, but another issue will, and that's the relative lack of public transportation. LA used to have a wonderful transportation system called the "Red Car" but it was ripped up in the 1950's. They are just recently starting to replace some of the lines, but it's nowhere near what it used to be, and probably never will. Which means getting around LA in an efficient manner means a car is an absolute must, which leads to the gridlock. Especially since the city is so spread out. Also, one complaint I hear from backeasters who come to LA is our unpredictable "rush hour"; on some freeways like the I-405 (San Diego Freeway) traffic jams start as 5 AM and last well into the evening.
2. Also, LA is different from most major cities (esp. back east) in that nothing is centrally located, and our downtown is absolutely devoid of any life after 6 PM and on weekends. With the exception of an area just south of the financial center, where the garment and jewelry districts are located, but these are not the best parts of town to be in, especially after dark.
3. You mentioned what's it's like here around Jan/Feb and I can say it's one of my favorite times of year, especially after the mountains behind us get snowed in. What's not my favorite time of year is July/Aug/Sept. LA may not get cold, but it does get hot, especially if you have to live inland due to the price of housing. That's also when LA's infamous smog comes out to play.
4. Housing is very expensive, and for that reason the average Angeleno commutes 30 miles each way to work, with 60 miles becoming increasingly common. Again the overwhelming majority of these people drive into work that distance.
Don't get me wrong, LA has its wonderful side too as has already been pointed out. But before you move "lock stock and barrel" to the opposite side of the country make sure you know about the disadvantages of living in LA as well.
