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Isn’t it everyone’s dream, at one point or another, to move to the West Coast and “make it big?” While some people change their mind for one reason or another, many move to big cities like Los Angeles for opportunity and excitement. If you’re considering veering onto a new path in life and looking at Los Angeles as your next destination, here are some pros and cons you need to know about moving to this iconic city.

Pro: Activities

One of the biggest reasons to move to Los Angeles is because you’ll never be short on things to do and to see. Whether you’re into sports, music, art, or exploring the outdoors, LA has something for you. You’re just a spit away from the coast, where you can enjoy sunny days on the beach soaking in the sun. Take a hike up to the Hollywood sign, where you can see the city from a whole new angle. You’ll have access to some of the best shopping in the world, incredible live entertainment, and a variety of cuisines that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. What’s not to love?

Pro: Weather

Another reason many head to LA is because of the incredible weather. If you’re ready to escape the winter snow, Los Angeles is the perfect place for you. Humidity is low here, as well, which means even the hot summer days aren’t as difficult to handle as places with a more moist climate. Once you start experiencing winter weather in the 60’s, you’ll never want to go back.

Pro: Opportunity

If you’re moving west for job opportunities, you’ll find plenty of them in Los Angeles. You may not get your dream job as an actor or musician right off the bat, but there are an incredible amount of lower level jobs in your industry available right now. While it may be difficult to “make it big,” there is no shortage of jobs in entertainment that can get your foot in the door. If you’re not moving to LA to break into the Hollywood scene, there are still plenty of jobs here in marketing, sales, technology, and more. And, if you end up waiting tables or bartending to make ends meet, you can be sure your paychecks will be much larger than they would be in a small Midwestern town or suburban East Coast area.

Con: Transportation

One of the perks of living in a city is using public transit and saving money on gas and the maintenance of your vehicle. In LA, you do not have this luxury. While the transportation system has been improving over the years, it’s still far from perfect. And, unless you live right next to your job, you’ll likely have to make some sort of commute during your day, as the city is fairly spread out. This means driving along the infamous LA highways that are always full of bumper-to-bumper traffic. At least you will have time to listen to your favorite podcast on the way to work!

Con: Cost

While it may not be as expensive as you think, it’s still fairly pricey to live in LA, especially if you’re coming from a small, suburban town. Before choosing a neighborhood to live in, start by researching the cost of houses for sale in Los Angeles and see which parts look more affordable and in your price range. There are plenty of decently priced areas, such as Lakeview Terrace or Crenshaw, where you will not only save on the price of your living arrangements, but also on groceries and your morning cup of coffee.