28 Tips for Living and Surviving in LA

Living in Los Angeles is exciting, but it’s even better when you know what to do here. So, I thought about 30 tips that might be helpful while living in LA. However, I could only come up with 28. Don’t hold it against me.

Here’s the list of 29 things to keep in mind:

1. Rejection is normal – Whether you’ve been turned down for that dream apartment or didn’t hear back from a job interview, don’t worry. You’re in one of the world’s largest cities, and competition is fierce. Keep going, and you’ll eventually find a place to live and a job. Persistence is the name of the game in LA!

2. Understand the city layout – Spend some time on Google Maps to understand LA’s layout. Get familiar with highways like the 101, 405, and 10, and major roads like Santa Monica Blvd, Olympic Blvd, Pico Blvd, Sepulveda, and Wilshire Blvd. They crisscross Los Angeles and can help you avoid traffic jams.

3. Goldstar & Groupon – If you’re trying to save money, these websites can help you find great deals for events and restaurants in LA.

4. Try to avoid driving between 4pm-7pm – Traffic tends to be worse during these times every day of the week.

5. Citizen App – This free app can help you stay safe and keep you informed about crimes or other major events near you in LA.

6. Beware of parking tickets – LA has weekly street sweeping, so make sure to read the signs before you park. Tickets start at $75, so don’t forget to feed the meter.

7. Runyon Canyon – This popular hiking trail offers great exercise and scenic views of the city, and you might even spot a celebrity.

8. Dressing business casual – LA is more casual than other cities, so don’t feel like you need to dress formally for job interviews or going to upscale restaurants.

9. Take a class – UCLA and other institutions offer many courses on various subjects. You can learn something new and meet people with similar interests.

10. DMV – It’s not fun, but get it done as soon as you can. And if you’re smart, schedule an appointment to save time. 

11. Exercise – With over 300 sunny days a year, there’s no excuse not to get out and be active. There are plenty of parks that offer free exercise equipment.

12. Ask for advice – You can learn a lot from other people’s experiences.

13. Don’t stress – Moving to a new place can be tough, but remember, most people in LA were once new to the city too.

14. Get some sleep – LA isn’t as 24/7 as NYC. Clubs close at 2am and the streets quiet down around 10pm most nights.

15. Living in “The Valley” – This area of LA is hotter temperature wise but rent is typically at least 20% less expensive than other parts like the Westside of LA.

16. Be resourceful – Being able to think on your feet and solve problems can be really helpful in LA.

17. Attend Free TV Show Tapings- LA being the hub of the American entertainment industry, offers opportunities to be a part of the studio audience for TV shows. It’s a fun, free experience, and you might get to see your favorite celebrities.

18. Surround yourself with positivity – Having a positive attitude and being around positive people can make your LA experience much better. Check out Meetup to find a solid friend group with similar interests. 

19. Live in a safe area – Do your research before moving to a new neighborhood. Things can get a little tricky if you’re not familiar with your neighborhood.

20. Get a job – Even if it means having two jobs, having a steady income is important in LA. With Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and TaskRabbit you can generate income in no time. 

21. Visit Farmers Markets – They’re a great place to find fresh produce at good prices.

22. Venice Drum Circle – A unique and fun experience at Venice Beach. At the end of Brooks Ave. on the beach, hundreds of people come together with their drums, shakers, congas, and other percussion instruments. 

23. Visit Lake Shrine- Escape the busy life of LA and visit Lake Shrine. It features a beautiful lakeside Meditation Garden with shrines and waterfalls, a Temple on the hill for weekly services and meditations, a quiet retreat, and a monks’ ashram. Entry is free but remember to book ahead.

24. Take trips outside LA – Southern California has many beautiful places to visit when you need a break from the city. Big Bear, San Diego, Long Beach and Santa Barbara offer great escapes from LA. 

25. Be careful with credit – It’s not a good idea to rely on loans or credit cards for living expenses. Having bad credit will things much harder for you especially when it comes to finding an apartment. 

26. Shop at 99 cents Only Stores – A great way to save money in LA.

27. Trader Joe’s – Trader Joe’s is a great spot if you’re watching your wallet. They sell top-notch stuff without the hefty price tag. Plus, they’ve got loads of their own brand items that are usually cheaper than the rest.

28. Learn from experience – Stop consuming information and start gaining experience. If you want to make it in LA, you have to dive in and learn from your mistakes.