How to Handle Moving to Los Angeles

While many Californians have been moving out of the state to areas with a lower cost of living, Los Angeles County saw the highest number of people moving in from a different county during the last year of a pooled five-year sample by the US Census Bureau. At the same time, it had the greatest number of residents moving out - of course, there are likely to be many different reasons for that, but there are probably more than a few who found they just couldn't handle the transition.

If you just purchased one of the Los Angeles houses for sale, you probably don't want to turn around and go through the entire moving process soon after you get here. These tips can help you make handling the move a lot easier.

Make Connections

L.A. has a very eclectic, driven culture, and while it is a vibrant, exciting place to live, it can also be difficult to find friends. People tend to be smart and enterprising here, looking to network in order to achieve their goals, but not necessarily to create real relationships. That can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness particularly when trying to make an adjustment to a new city. 

To make friends, you'll have to really put yourself out there - you won't find them by sitting home binge-watching Netflix. If anyone invites you to anything go - and, if you don't get invitations, don't hesitate to invite others for coffee, lunch, a walk or what have you. Another option is to join something, anything - whatever hobby you enjoy there's probably a group for it (check MeetUp.com). Or, maybe take a group lesson to learn something new. Meeting like-minded people is one of the best ways to find new friends.

Be Flexible and Open-Minded

No matter where you're coming from, life in L.A. is probably going to be a lot different than what you're used to. While it's normal to get a little stressed out because things aren't the same, being flexible and open-minded helps help the transition and your life a whole lot easier. 

The Traffic

Sitting in traffic is something that comes with living in Los Angeles and you can expect to spend quite a bit of time in your car stuck on the 405, 101, 210 or any other roadway here. While the freeways are jammed during the weekday commute, there is little relief on the weekend. Generally, the best time to go anywhere here when driving is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., so whenever possible, plan your trips around that window. 

One important tip for dealing with the traffic is to install the Waze app which will help you avoid the busiest roadways by suggesting side streets that you can zigzag through more easily based on real-time conditions.

Find a Balance, Taking Time to De-Stress Among Nature

While the city may be a high-pressure place with countless people trying to make it to the top in their careers, it's important to find a balance by taking time to de-stress among nature. The hills and mountains that surround L.A. are ideal for hiking with miles and miles of scenic trails, and, of course, there are the beaches - not all are jam-packed with people. Take a drive along the coast and you're sure to find a tranquil stretch for enjoying peaceful contemplation with spectacular views.