Los Angeles is known around the world for its palm trees, beautiful beaches, warm weather and vibrant entertainment destinations. It’s no wonder it’s the second most populous city in the United States. People have flocked to Los Angeles for more than a century, and it remains one of the most diverse cities in the country. Living in LA is just as popular as ever; there’s a lot to love about the city, but it also faces a few unique challenges. We’ve highlighted the main pros and cons of living in the City of Angels.
Pros of Living in Los Angeles
On any given day, Los Angeles residents might find themselves sipping espresso on a sunny cafe patio, dining out at a world-class restaurant or enjoying the sunset glow over the Pacific at Santa Monica Beach. The city offers a trove of well-known parks, scenic spots, bustling downtown districts and laidback residential neighborhoods.
Pro: Thriving Entertainment Industry and Job Market
The iconic Hollywood sign that looks down on the city from Griffith Park says it all. The city is home to American cinema, which blossomed in the early 20th century. Those who work in the movie industry in LA continue to produce beloved films seen around the globe. Today, Los Angeles remains the moviemaking capital of the United States, and careers in film are a major job market for the city. The entertainment workforce in Los Angeles includes everything from celebrity actors and directors to film crews, musicians and writers.
Fortune 500 companies have also planted roots in Los Angeles and the surrounding metropolitan area. Some of the most notable companies include Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., Universal Pictures, SpaceX, Hulu and Trader Joe’s.
Pro: Near-Perfect Climate
Los Angeles is known for its sunny, Mediterranean climate that persists throughout the year, making it the perfect place for outdoor activities. Temperatures average between 60 and 85 degrees in the summertime and between 45 and 70 in the winter months. That means residents can enjoy mountain hikes, beach trips, bike rides and local parks all year round.
The bustling Venice Beach boardwalk attracts a mix of locals and tourists to its two-mile promenade, skate parks and colorful murals. Nearby, the scenic Santa Monica Pier offers stunning views, an old-timey carousel and a Ferris wheel that lights up the sky in the evening.
Griffith Park is in the city’s chaparral- and oak-covered mountains, with hiking trails that wind across steep slopes. The park is home to the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory and the historic Greek Theatre, an outdoor venue that hosts concerts and stage shows. More hiking and biking trails can be found in the rolling, forested hills of Topanga State Park and Angeles National Forest.
Pro: Culturally Diverse Food Scene
Los Angeles is known worldwide for its eclectic culinary delights. You’ll find everything from authentic street food served from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants where the cuisine borders on high art. Koreatown is a mecca for Korean barbecue, boba shops, East Asian comfort food and dimly lit dive bars. The city is also home to one of the largest Mexican populations in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that Mexican eateries of all stripes can be found here.
Neighborhoods like Hollywood, Highland Park, the Arts District and Downtown Los Angeles boast a wide range of upscale dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese, Italian, traditional French fare or contemporary cooking, there’s something for every palate. There are also plenty of independent and specialty markets across the city if you prefer to cook at home.
Pro: Location, Location, Location
When you live in Los Angeles, you’re within driving distance of beautiful beaches, scenic mountain ranges and other major metropolitan areas. Residents enjoy access to cities in Los Angeles County, including coastal towns like Santa Monica and Long Beach, as well as suburban spots like Beverly Hills, Glendale and Pasadena. Los Angeles also isn’t too far from other large cities in Southern California like San Diego, which is about 130 miles south. Palm Springs, an oasis that’s home to golf resorts, spas and scenic mountain views, is a little more than 100 miles away. Tech savvy San Francisco and Silicon Valley are about 400 miles north, or about a 6 ½-hour drive without traffic.
Pro: Shopping, Entertainment and Nightlife
Los Angeles is home to a mecca of nightlife, shopping and entertainment. Local landmarks like The Getty Center, The Broad and the Museum of Contemporary Art offer dazzling art collections, lush landscaping and distinctive architecture. Music lovers can watch a show at venues like The Hollywood Bowl, an outdoor concert hall that hosts everything from classical to country. Weekend evenings find people flocking to nightclubs, rooftop lounges and karaoke bars.
Upscale shopping can be found across the city. The upscale apparel boutiques on Robertson Boulevard are known to draw celebrities and paparazzi, while Melrose Avenue offers eclectic shops, vintage stores and cafes. The Original Farmer’s Market is a sprawling outdoor plaza where locals and visitors enjoy dozens of restaurants, vendors and independent grocers. Meanwhile, West Hollywood is known for the famous Sunset Strip and its ties to music, entertainment and culture.
Challenges of LA Living
Living in Los Angeles may not be for everyone. In addition to its many perks, there are some drawbacks, including its steep housing prices, frustrating traffic congestion and high taxes. It’s also at a moderate-to-high risk for wildfires, flooding and earthquakes. Angelenos also experience days where the air quality is subpar.
Con: High Cost of Living
Moving to Los Angeles comes with a staggering price tag, as the cost of living is far higher than the national average. A family of four living in the city making less than $100,000 a year is now considered low-income, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Housing costs are on the rise. The median price for a single-family home in Los Angeles is currently $1.2 million, according to Homes.com data. The average rent for an apartment comes in at $2,100 per month, which is about 39% higher than the national average, according to Apartments.com.
Con: Traffic, Congestion and Limited Public Transportation
Living in Los Angeles means dealing with the city’s notorious traffic, congestion, long commutes and a lack of public transit. Stop-and-go traffic is common during the morning and evening rush hours. A 2021 study by INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, found Los Angeles was the sixth most congested urban area in the country. It also reported that a section of Interstate 5, which passes through the city, is the most congested travel corridor in the U.S.
The city is served by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, a regional transit agency that operates buses, light rail and heavy rail throughout the area. Still, a sizable majority of Los Angeles residents travel by car, which contributes to longer commute times.
Con: Natural Disasters, Earthquakes and Wildfires
It’s not all sunny days and beach trips in LA. Residents should be aware the city is at an increased risk for natural disasters. Earthquakes are a reality, with the San Andreas fault running from north to south just outside the city limits.
Wildfires have become more frequent because of rising temperatures, strong winds and the area’s dry climate. Fires can devastate communities and envelope large swaths of the coast in dense smoke. Los Angeles also experiences occasional heavy rains that can lead to flash flooding. In 2023 and 2024, there were several major flooding events that caused damage to homes, property and infrastructure.
Con: Pollution and Air Quality
While progress has been made to improve the air quality in Los Angeles, it still ranks as one of most polluted cities in the country. Los Angeles has consistently received a poor grade from the American Lung Association for its air quality. Increasing rates of wildfires and car dependency are some of the primary causes of worsening air pollution.
LA is home to several of the busiest shipping ports in the United States. A steady stream of large container ships traveling to the area adds to the region’s poor air quality. State and local officials have made strides toward reducing air pollution over the last few decades, with electric vehicles and charging stations becoming a common sight across the city.
Con: California Has High Taxes
In addition to its high housing prices, living in Los Angeles means that you are subject to California’s high tax rates. California has nine state income tax brackets, with rates that vary from 1% to 12.3%. Further, if you make more than $1 million you will pay an additional 1% in state income tax.
Los Angeles also has one of the highest sales tax rates in the country, at 9.5%.
California State Income Tax Rates
| Tax Rate | Income (Single Filing Status) | Income (Joint Filing Status) |
| 1% | $0 – $10,412 | $0 – $20,824 |
| 2% | $10,412 – $24,684 | $20,824 – $49,368 |
| 4% | $24,684 – $38,959 | $49,368 – $77,918 |
| 6% | $38,959 – $54,081 | $77,918 – $108,162 |
| 8% | $54,081 – $68,350 | $108,162 – $136,700 |
| 9.3% | $68,350 – $349,137 | $136,700 – $698,274 |
| 10.3% | $349,137 – $418,961 | $698,274 – $837,922 |
| 11.3% | $418,961 – $698,271 | $837,922 – $1,396,542 |
| 12.3% | $698,271 or More | $1,396,542 or More |
What’s the Median Age in Los Angeles, CA?
According to the 2022 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age in Los Angeles, California, is 36.5 years old.
Education and College Graduates in Los Angeles, CA
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 38.2% of Los Angeles, California, residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Among those college graduates, 43% hold a degree in science, engineering or a related field. Degrees in arts and humanities, and business, are also popular areas of study for LA residents.
Is Los Angeles a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Los Angeles is a great place to live. You’ll need to be prepared for a few quirks, such as a high cost of living and some of the most congested traffic in the nation. However, LA is home to a booming entertainment industry, a thriving job market, scenic beaches, sprawling parks and Mediterranean weather. You’ll also enjoy a diverse dining scene, buzzy nightlife destinations and high-end and boutique shopping. If you’re considering a move to the City of Angels, check out Los Angeles homes for sale and contact a real estate agent to help you with your search.
Daniel Berti is an experienced journalist who has researched and written about hundreds of neighborhoods and communities across the United States. He is a former reporter for the Prince William Times, Fauquier Times and The Virginian-Pilot, where he wrote about local government, education and real estate. He has received several awards from the Virginia Press Association. Daniel earned a Bachelor of Arts in print and online journalism from Virginia Commonwealth University. He lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and their mercurial chihuahua, Lenny.
