Los Angeles (LA) is the second-largest city in the US — and one of the most popular destinations for expats. With close to four million people living in Los Angeles, the city has a very diverse demographic. LA is home to a large Hispanic population (close to 50%) — which means that having a good command of Spanish (in addition to English) can be useful. It may be a good idea to take some language classes as you are getting ready for your move or take a course in either English or Spanish once you arrive in the city. While in LA, you will have a chance to get acquainted with many different cultures: simply take a stroll through the city's diverse enclaves l
Here are a few tips for adapting to life in Los Angeles.
Master the transportation system in Los Angeles
In LA, driving and using public transport have pros and cons, and it's good to have a sense of when each of them can serve you. LA is a sprawling city, and not all suburbs are connected via public transport. At the same time, the traffic can be terrible! LA's Metro Rail comprises six lines with 80 stations serving over 360,000 commuters daily. Familiarize yourself with these lines as well as the freeway system. The most important freeways you should acquaint yourself with first are 101, 405, and 10. You must also study road and street networks and learn shortcuts and diversions to use during rush hours. Google Maps or a good car navigation system is a must; driving in LA without one as a new resident can be terrifying.
Food and wellness in Los Angeles
As one of the best food cities in the world, LA abounds with healthy food choices and a wide variety of dishes. From vegan restaurants to raw food, paleo, and international delicacies, you can rest assured there's always something good to eat in LA. Given the concentration of restaurants across the city, you are always close to a good dining spot. Food culture is a big part of life in LA, but so is wellness and health. Whether you're into yoga, pilates, bouldering, cycling, martial arts, or aerial silks, there will be a studio for it. Hiking on trails around LA is also popular, with some great local spots. Spas and wellness centres abound for treatments, with all the latest in wellness and beauty to be explored. This is a celebrity enclave, after all!
Sports and outdoor activities in Los Angeles
Get familiar with the sports and fitness opportunities that are popular in your neighbourhood.
LA is home to a vibrant sports scene with several major teams that expats should know about. The Los Angeles Lakers, a dominant force in the NBA, have a rich history with numerous championships and iconic players like Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of MLB's oldest franchises, calls Dodger Stadium home and has a passionate fan base. The NFL is represented by the Los Angeles Rams, who returned to the city in 2016, and the Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium with the Rams. LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) are prominent in the MLS, while the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks are the city's NHL teams, both with strong followings. These teams collectively form a significant part of the cultural fabric of Los Angeles, offering expats exciting opportunities to immerse themselves in the city's sports culture and connect with fellow fans.
Embrace diversity in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Be open to interacting with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages. Celebrate diversity, and you'll find that it's one of the city's greatest strengths. Be aware of cultural sensitivities, especially when discussing topics like race, ethnicity, and religion. Respect diverse perspectives and engage in conversations with an open mind. Part of this diversity is a diversity of language, and in addition to this, LA has its own set of local terms and phrases. Familiarize yourself with some of the local slang and idioms to help you feel more at home and connect with locals.
Arts and entertainment in Los Angeles
LA is famously a hub for the entertainment industry. Attend concerts, theatre productions, film festivals, and art exhibitions to experience the city's creative side. Don't forget to explore Hollywood and visit the Walk of Fame.
Connect with other expats in Los Angeles
Finally, if you feel a bit intimidated by LA in your first few months in the city, reaching out to local expat communities and groups can be of great help. Run a search for expat groups in your area on Meetup.com or on your social media networks, or you can use Expat.com to connect with other people who share your cultural background.
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