Let me start this by saying, I grew up in Los Angeles and lived in different parts from one year old until 25 years old, so I might be slightly biased. But nonetheless there is something in this city for everyone. LA is the city that crushes your soul and brings it back to life better than ever.
1. The Weather
75 and sunny... okay maybe it is more like 90 and sunny. But being right next to the beach and having it cool down at night; can it get much better? You will get a month in the summer where it is overwhelmingly hot and humid and a month in the winter where it rains. Other than that you have outdoor weather all year round. Sometimes you miss having "seasons" but then you drive 2 hours east and you'll find some snow.
2. The Food Scene
In the past 5 years the food scene in LA has grown exponentially. Every well known chef has something in LA. And although we don't have Michelin stars, we don't need that to prove our passion for food. We have the best hidden restaurants, the freshest food trucks, and everything in between. Japanese? Yep. Chinese? Of course. Italian? Omg the pizza! Mexican? Just wait to read below. Are you Vegan? Vegetarian? GF? The LA food scene is your oyster if that is the case. Of course that was only a few types of cuisines but you get the point.
3. The Diversity
LA has so many different areas. The valley, the beach, posh areas, super grungy areas, places for families, artsy, everything. If you are visiting for the first time you definitely need to research where to go, because it is hard to see it all. But when you appreciate the diversity of it all it is truly beautiful.
4. The Lifestyle
This isn't something I truly appreciated until I left LA but you have the ability to have an incredible lifestyle while living in LA. You may hustle and work your ass off, but it is so worth it because you can explore and do so many things! Surf before work, hike to see the sunset, brunch on a Monday? Theme park on a Tuesday? Soak up everything there is! And if you want to see something GO FOR IT!
5. The Landscape
City life, beach life, mountains, dessert, snow, you have it all. You just have to make an effort to see it all.
Oh and driving up PCH is a dream! DO IT! If you know... you know.
6. The Traffic
I might be the only one to tell you that the traffic is one of my favorite parts of LA but listen; LA traffic is consistent. You KNOW that is is going to take you 45 minutes to go 10 miles. You KNOW it will take you an hour and a half to get from the Valley to Santa Monica. And consistency is key! Plus with the weather all you need is your newest playlist, windows down, and boy am I chilling!
7. The Hiking
The mountains of California are incredible. You have them by the beach, in the mountains, in the dessert, and in the city. When you get to the top you will have the most incredible view of all of it! Plus with so many hikes surrounding you there is no excuse to get bored with your work out routine. If you are looking to visit LA, you will not be disappointed by the tourist hikes. I live there and I will hike Runyon and still smile at the view every time I get to the top. My only advice is to bring proper exercise wear. Don't think that because it is a tourist hike that you won't be tired and sweaty.
8. Days of the Week Don't Matter
With the majority of LA being musicians, actors, influencers, etc. It doesn't matter if it is Friday or Saturday. Your Wednesday afternoon lunch spot at 2PM will be poppin'. Monday nights at your favorite club... packed! That is the type of energy you want from a city, and you'll get that in LA.
9. The People
The people of LA can be difficult.... real difficult. But you will meet the coolest people here! They have a tough shell to crack but it'll be worth it once you hear their story. You will learn not to take what people say so harsh but that is a great skill to have. Everyone is a character. And once you find your core group of friends there is no stopping where you'll go in LA.
10. The Concert Scene
When was the last time you saw your favorite artist's tour dates and there wasn't a LA date? Or a Southern California date? NEVER. Artists of all size come to LA. Probably the thing I miss the most. I love exploring and finding new bands, you don't get that unless you are in LA.
11. MEXICAN FOOD
If you haven't eaten Mexican food from the back of a van underneath the 5 freeway... have you ever truly experienced Mexican food? On every corner you find tacos, quesadillas, burritos, guacamole. And let me tell you California avocados are the BEST in the world. Don't be fooled by the plastic tables, the white truck with no name, and the parking lot you might be sitting in, you'll have the best tacos of your life.
12. Networking
Everyone in LA is someone. Or at least thinks they are someone. But think about it; LA is the land of Hollywood, the land of dreams. Everyone has moved out to LA to be something or someone. They all have connections to the "industry." Whatever that industry may be for you: hospitality, movies, fashion, music, influencing, we've got it. We might not be known to be the nicest people in the world but hey; be brave, start conversations with people and get to know them... if they let you.
13. Creativity and Art
From the artists you meet, to the graffiti on the buildings, and the inspirational quotes painted on the ground, you are surrounded by art. By people expressing their feelings about the world. It gives life to the city. Life to the people who live there. And life to your Instagram feed that will soon be smothered with pink walls and hipster art. You can't help it. You can feel the soul in the city.
14. Pop Culture
Around every corner in LA you are surrounded by billboards, movie posters, influencers. It is hard not to know the newest of everything that is going on in the world. LA is where trends begin. The world looks at LA through their lenses. And as easy as it might be to scoff at the things you will see in LA, deep down you know it's the dopest thing to be in the heart of pop culture.
15. Anything goes!
Duct tape outfits? Fishnet leggings? Non binary genders? Cats on a leash? Stores to pamper your pup? Filming Tik Toks at the top of Runyon? Vloggers? Matte pink land rovers? Listen when I tell you: you will become numb to weirdness. And when you leave you will crave it.
I am not living there now, I will always call it home. And I know deep down, I will always move back to LA babbyyyyy.
If you are ever visiting LA and need help reach out. The city can be overwhelming and if you have a limited amount of time you want to spend it wisely.
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