Anyone can move to Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It might seem like the perfect city for people who want to experience a big city lifestyle and a booming job market, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Residency restrictions, high cost of living, and limited job opportunities are just some of the factors that make relocating here much more complicated than other cities. But what does make it even more challenging? How do you relocate to Los Angeles the right way? Here are three important things you need to know before moving here.
Why is moving to Los Angeles so expensive?
Los Angeles is the most expensive city in the United States to live in. According to the cost of living calculator, Numbeo, the cost of living in LA is about 140% of the national average. This means that the same goods and services cost nearly 40 % more in LA on average. Moreover, since a lot of people from other parts of the country move to Los Angeles, the cost of living here is also influenced by the price of housing, which is significantly higher than in the rest of the country. There are also other costs that are much higher in the city, including healthcare and groceries.
Limit your job hunting before you arrive
Before you move to Los Angeles, limit the job hunting you do. This will help you save a lot of money, as hiring an out-of-town relocation company to find you a job will cost you a pretty penny. What you can do instead is network with your friends, family, and former colleagues. It’s a good idea to start a small, informal network before you move here. You never know when you might be able to help someone out, and it’s also a great way to make some new friends. You can also look for networking events online or in the Yellow Pages.
Don’t forget to network before you arrive
Networking is still an important part of life even in Los Angeles, but it doesn’t have to be the same way you did it in your hometown. Instead of just trying to sell yourself, try to sell others on your ideas and skills. Your network is the key to finding a job in Los Angeles, so don’t forget to start it early! Start a small network with your friends and family, and look for networking events online. Another important thing is to maintain your professional network once you’re in town. This will help you stay in touch with your connections and remind you of who you are working for. In order to do this, try to keep some kind of professional diary or journal. Update your professional diary with any new contacts, job opportunities, and skills you want to highlight. This will help you stay in contact with your network, and it will also help you keep track of your professional development.
Stay connected in your new city
When you’re finally in Los Angeles, don’t forget to stay connected to your friends, family, and colleagues back home. This will help you maintain your professional network and stay on track with your life in LA. It’s also a good idea to sign up for social media accounts and exchange emails with people back home. This way, you can stay connected to the people who supported you during your move here. Another tip when it comes to staying connected is to follow your professional network on social media accounts. This will help you stay up to date with the professional happenings in your network. This also applies to Instagram and Twitter accounts, as these are the most popular social media platforms.
Wrapping up
Moving to Los Angeles is a big decision, so make sure you’re prepared before you pack up and leave everything behind. This includes learning as much as you can about the city, the cost of living, and the job market. Keep in mind that you don’t have to relocate to Los Angeles immediately. You can first see if it’s the right fit for you, and you can also see if you can make it work in a different city. In order to make a good choice, you need to understand what it means to relocate here. So, next time you’re thinking about moving to Los Angeles, remember these three important things.