So hear me out. I grew up here, left for college, and came back 8 years ago. With a population of 3,857,897, the city has a {city_feel}. The suburbs vs city debate here is real. What's your experience been?
89 upvotes
17 Replies
Caleb Morgan
Haven't experienced that personally.
49 upvotes
Wesley T.
Renter's perspective: I think it's fair for the area. I'm in Eagle Rock and it's improving. Definitely shop around though.
47 upvotes
Julia H.
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If nightlife matters most, then yeah Los Angeles is great. But if you need public transit, might want to look at Mar Vista instead.
45 upvotes
Emma R.
Real talk.
35 upvotes
Jayden Flores
Great question. Here's my honest take after 7 years:
The good:
- Good parks and trails
- Strong local businesses
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Hard to date here
- Parking is a nightmare
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. I'd say for couples, Los Angeles is hit or miss.
35 upvotes
Jackson Nguyen
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Los Angeles guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Venice: best food in the city
- Eagle Rock: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Sherman Oaks: underrated and affordable
- Highland Park: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Los Angeles is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider New York.
Happy to answer questions.
32 upvotes
Zoey Ramos
Renter's perspective: I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. I'm in Eagle Rock and it's underrated. Definitely shop around though.
31 upvotes
Jean P.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Los Angeles guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Venice: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Culver City: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- West Hollywood: underrated and affordable
- Santa Monica: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Los Angeles is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Atlanta.
28 upvotes
Xavier Rogers
I'd highly recommend checking out Venice. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Plus the food options around there are pretty good.
21 upvotes
Melanie Gutierrez
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If career growth matters most, then yeah Los Angeles is great. But if you need mountain access, might want to look at Pasadena instead.
13 upvotes
Eli Flores
Glendale local here. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
11 upvotes
Wyatt Mendoza
I had the opposite experience.
11 upvotes
Zoey Gutierrez
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The city has shifted a lot.
8 upvotes
Luca Lewis
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If affordability matters most, then yeah Los Angeles is great. But if you need beach access, might want to look at Culver City instead.
4 upvotes
Isaiah Gutierrez
As a local, yes.
3 upvotes
Delilah Brooks
Great question. Here's my honest take after 1 years:
The good:
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Good schools in certain areas
- Pet-friendly city
The not-so-good:
- Pollen season is no joke
- Not much to do late at night
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. I'd say for families, Los Angeles is pretty good. Happy to answer questions.
2 upvotes
Ava
We pay /mo in Los Feliz for a 2-bed and I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.
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