Los Angeles or BUST???

To move or not to move, that is the question for people wanting to forge a career in music to picture. Surely in this age of zoom meets and hyper fast upload speeds geography is no longer a consideration... Or is it? Christian Henson puts this (old fashioned?) idea through it's paces. What do you think. Old hat or still a must-do?

[@RJ1J]

I lived in LA for three years. It's a great place if you know people, and you're willing to go to events every week - the networking never ends but they know how to have fun. You do have to drive a lot if you want to live somewhere nice. It's amazing how many great people are based there, but they are all hidden away in the amazing Palisades and Bel-Air. Some venture down to Venice or Santa Monica, which is my favourite spot.

[@trirobert]

Ditto. 4 years in LA for me. Very similar experiences and takeaways. I’m in the pacific northwest now, and doing more consistent paid composing work than I did in LA. You’re right though, Angelinos definitely know how to have a good time. 😊

[@Heirarc]

Out of interest, why drive a lot? Is public transport not a viable option?

[@sub-jec-tiv]

@@Heirarc Oil companies lobbied against and destroyed plans for public transit back in the early days of LA, on purpose. And now it’s too spread out for the system to work in the same way it can work in a place like NY or London. It simply can’t. LA just is a driving town. It’s deeply unfortunate. But LA is in many ways quintessentially American. Including the way corporate profit ruins the everyday lives of citizens, without a second thought.

[@user-qi8kn3fi7i]

First and foremost: I probably leave a comment on KZbin once every four years, so basically never. But you, Christian, have managed to get me to do it-simply because your videos exude so much honesty, knowledge, and motivation for younger musicians, which all together creates immense value. Thank you for your insights, your empathy, and everything you do. Even though I (unfortunately) don’t own any TCHC plugins yet, I’m so excited that this company exists because it reflects those exact values. Please never stop what you’re doing-I appreciate it more than words can express

[@eylam9690]

Christian Is the GOAT

[@KevinDePreeMusic]

Nice post! I moved to LA two weeks before the pandemic started. Still here. Very glad to have moved and slowly began to find more opportunities to composer and produce music.

[@AmateurSynthusiast]

I live in SD since 2018 also love LA, people that hate are just jealous

[@novachord1]

Excellent, Christian. Thanks for doing this one! I visited LA 40 years ago for the same purpose (or almost; wanted to break into session work; scoring cane a few years later), and quickly realized I did not want to raise my family there. The following I began a long career in keyboard retail; loved it, the best job ever. Eventually left for media composition living in my home state, and still not moving to LA. Very happy!

[@awpMusic1]

Great video. You're really back on top form in this one. Great to see.

[@JeanLoupRSmith]

I could never move to the states. My wife is from there, California even, and every time I go there, I feel I landed in a completely alien world which happens to have english-speaking denizens. Everything is too big, too loud, too confusing, too far away... That probably means my own composing career, if it ever gets off the ground, will never go very far but then so be it. Also, I can't stand the heat either

[@nosysknows]

I grew up in the Minneapolis/St Paul area in Minnesota and ended up in Colorado for a few years. My wife and I had to make a decision at one point between Austin, TX and Los Angeles. We knew people in both places but there ended up being more reasons we wanted to be here throughout the year. The jobs I got were directly because of moving to Austin. I wouldn't have made them if I hadn't been here. I don't know what would be different if we'd moved to LA. In some cases it would be better and in some cases it would be worse. on top of proximity, it was important to be around people who were "Doing the thing." In Colorado, we knew a bunch of people who TALKED about wanting to make film, but when we moved to Austin, we were suddenly immersed in a community of people who actually WERE and that changed everything.

[@antsteep]

I will add that LA is a place where so many creatives have move to and experienced failure and learned to push through it. It is the common experience that everyone shares and that is why people will always try and lift you up and help you on your path. It's also a place full of people who were too good for their home town.

[@WooCashM]

Having watched a zillion of Christian's videos, I must say that he will go down in history as both a media composer and a philosopher of music composition 😉

[@anonymoussmith9619]

this video couldn't have come at a better time for me, I'm a young composer from London and have lived in LA for 2 years now, about to make the move back to London for an opportunity, but very indecisive about the move. it feels like I'm giving up that opportunity to tap into ones full potential and go for the big stuff but also I feel the quality of life on the whole is better in London. a tough one but great to hear another perspective.

[@bluepixeldoom]

Right on time to enjoy the heat wave. Welcome to LA.

[@JusticeConstantine]

I look forward to the interviews with the other library composers. Thank you for this video Christian.

[@antsteep]

In LA you can talk about earthquakes.

[@MarkPetrieMusic]

There are nice, less insanely expensive areas in greater LA that are close enough to drive in for a meeting, but far enough that the air is better, beaches are cleaner and there’s less overall crappiness. Ventura County and Orange County come to mind (or even San Diego or Santa Barbara counties if you don’t mind a two hour drive). I’ve been in the LA area for 20 years, and for sure don’t need to be here anymore largely due to the fact that I do mostly library and trailer work, which can be done from almost anywhere. There are some occasional benefits to being here - catching up with colleagues and friends, meetings don’t require a plane trip etc. But I actually like it here - my wife and I constantly look around, think about where we might move to (to save money, live a more relaxed lifestyle). But nothing really tops the weather and combination of beaches, medical care, schools, restaurants and overall convenience that Orange County has. And I can get up to Santa Monica or Burbank within about an hour and 20 minutes or less. I think the main issue for Christian is he doesn’t drive. LA is a nightmare if you can’t drive. The best parts of greater LA (and beyond) are a long drive away, and public transport is still a bit dodgy. Every other reason he gave was IMO an excuse covering up the fact that he wouldn’t be driving in a massively sprawling metro area built around the car.

[@88bsides]

Spot on Video. Composer/producer here. Been in l.a. since 2003. Its hard, and you will fail coming here but thats part of the process, though. Its so much luck, but you still gotta play if you want to win.

[@DallasCrane]

I think that if you want to move to LA, you have to really love the LA sound. And not just from the last 3 years, or even 20 years, and not just the usual film stuff. You have to dream about that sound more than any other approach. Hopefully will run into you sometime soon!

[@petel1201]

intriguing comment, @dallascrane.... what characterizes the "LA sound" for you? what are some examples?

[@DallasCrane]

@@petel1201 3 historical roots: local Chicano dance rhythms, jazz orchestrators, and European classical composers. The MGM orchestra was a great example of that sound in its most potent form. Jerry Goldsmith had the sound, so did Korngold, Williams, etc

[@sigurdthemusicdude]

I work in games, and trailers. Make a great living. And live in Scandinavia. But I’m sure to do movies, you absolutely need to move. You shouldn’t need to, but you have to. But not even all the biggest film gigs in the world, could make me move to LA..

[@ezpkns69]

You have to drive, because, as you say, the weather is always the same; our small talk is about traffic. I moved here from Vancouver at 25, didn't get a driver's license till I was 30, didn't own a car till I was 40… that's just not how things are done. I'm kidding, but only a little; it's hard to put into words the role that cars play in Los Angeles. And get a hat! For you, I recommend a white bucket hat or a straw boater.

[@davidhighammusic]

Every one of your videos brings with it a wonderful grittiness, truthfulness, honesty, and that wistful melancholy I often miss as a Brit living in the States, yet always there is a deep rooted optimism brought through your own experience and wisdom that always inspires me. I'll always enjoy that moment I sit down to watch another video from this channel. Cheers to you, Christian. Oh and completely agree on the southern Californian weather... Christ almighty, "perfect" weather is fucking tiresome.

[@foupax]

A good lesson about culture. Thank You

[@arthurchanson5345]

Pure value, so grateful for everything you give !! Thank you

[@jeffconrad8259]

Oh my gosh - I would not move. I lived there for 18 years and it was great but now have a family and couldn't imagine living there now with the traffic and the cost of living.

[@ScottMcDavid-Music]

I moved to San Diego instead of LA, as I knew people here and figured I could schlep up to LA frequently to "sell" myself into the biz. That's what I've been doing since 2013, though since the pandemic things have changed. I'm getting (not really enough) work but very little of it comes from LA. The bulk of it is either local or from Atlanta and Birmingham, where I moved from. And where were these people while I was living there? I figure they got wind of my move and created rumors over cocktails that I had become a "Hollywood" composer, which so far is not the case (Ssshhh, don't tell anyone). And, I will also say that, I will not live in LA without having some steady work there FIRST. I'll suffer the drive and the traffic (ugh!) when needed, but living there for now is off the list. I did some work for composer Tom Holkenborg, and he kept saying in was NOT necessary to live in LA to get work, but I may disagree... not sure. Good post CH!

[@westhave]

Well Tom moved from The Netherlands to LA so I would say it helped him :D

[@joegrado]

He’s talking about Benjamin Wallfisch who co-scored BR2049.

[@WhateverFarleyGNA]

Thank you. 4 the video 📼 🙏😊

[@jasonjamesbradshaw]

As a brit singers/songwriter living in LA for the last 14 years i couldnt have explained it any better that what youve said in this video! The only difference is i love it here. LA will give you anything you wish for (or strive for) , or will let you be homeless in a heartbeat too

[@Sound_Designer-px8de]

Fun tip: Don't wear black under the sun, white would deflect sun rays and help one stay cool.

[@Tubetart]

Great post Christian, thanks so much for your insights x

[@michaelgehringmusic8440]

Born and raised in the greater LA/Hollywood world so it always intrigues me to see my world through other people's lens. To me it is all so normal but I realize for though transplanting in it can be anything but normal.

[@JulianHamlin]

So interesting! I'm 54, and have a 25 year career (so far) in screen composition. I spent 2 years in LA (Pasadena)... man it was HOT in August! ... Actually I loved my life there (though it could be lonely at times). But it's an entirely different cultural working-space than London. Chalk and cheese... and brutal in parts. LOVED the weather though. As a Yorkshireman the thrill of going out without a jacket (for months at a time) never left me. :)

[@michaelbishop.]

Is the success of Brits in LA due to them adopting the industry’s mores , or the welcome difference brought by outside influences? Great thought piece Christian 👍

[@cjthomasmusic]

I almost moved to LA but instead chose to move to San Diego. So glad I did. I’m only a 2 hour (ish) drive from LA but don’t have to live in a place that I too can’t stand. Just a couple weeks ago I drove to Hollywood for a meeting with a director and was home for dinner. On another note, I love London for the reasons you laid out and the would wind up there if I ever leave the US.

[@ScotPeacock]

Hey Christian, I moved to LA from Scotland six years ago. Don’t move back here, buddy. It’s too expensive, too hot (I’m also a ginger), too everything. Oh, and car insurance people are pulling out of California or hiking their prices because of all the maniac drivers on the freeways. Having said that, the tacos are great. Stick with Edinburgh, pal x

[@marchesi8]

Another name ALWAYS comes up in a success story, it's impossible to make it alone.

[@triumphaudio]

Still here in LA area after coming to learn how to score for film and tv at USC. My move here was the best move I ever made. Period.

[@sigurdov]

Mulholland Drive was a documentary.

[@2112ZOZ]

Fatastic vid, Christian! I can see you were in my neighborhood. I wouldn't loved to have bumped into you. That would've been an helluva celebrity sighting for me. Cheers!

[@ChrisCadenhead]

Nice one!! I moved to LA 2013 and it was the only way I arrived at the top of the food chain in the music performance arena (and meet cool celebs who I admired as a kid haha)

[@tyerac]

Moved from Essex to Arizona, with a view to using as a stop gap to get my bearings in the US (Would i want to live here?), and then planned on a final move to L.A a few years later. That was 20 years ago and once I visited L.A (As nice as it is) I just didn't want to live there, so stayed in Arizona. Working on some nice low budget indie movies here allows me to have a tiny fraction of the composer/post mixer pie. Happy with my choices, and if i ever need to get to L.A for anything (Which I have had to do many times) it's an hour flight for a few hundred bucks or a 6 hr drive and i can even do a return leg it in a day easily if i want. I love the heat lol... so thats definitely a factor.

[@mosstet]

I moved to Latvia from London at the beginning of the pandemic. It's been incredible to grow here as a composer after leaving my job as a session musician. But finding opportunities here has been mostly luck and otherwise impossible. Everything only through outreach abroad. I'd love to become an assistant but would likely need to move back to London which barely appeals. I've built some good relationships via zoom, but still think you're right. Nothing beats the real thing. I'm considering cycling to Sweden for the premiere of a film I scored across a couple of years. It will be the first time I meet the director in person! 😂

[@MikeLindup42]

Thanks for sharing your experiences of the differences in culture. I too love to visit LA (it’s been way too long) and have had some great times working there, but I wouldn’t live there if I had the choice.

[@JoeKataldo]

This video could have ended at “I don’t drive” lol joking aside, very good analysis. All my work comes from my friends. We have pleasure spending time together going out as much as working together.

[@walkensauce]

Would love to know more about that big company f**k up!

[@alvarorodriguezfilmmusic]

I believe the location issue remains unchanged primarily due to fears associated with the new era of technology. Even today, there is still a prevailing belief that human connections are best built in person, despite the availability of infrastructure that could enhance and accelerate that process. This reminds me of the dating scene in the early 2000s. Although the Internet had already made it possible to vastly increase dating prospects, society wasn’t culturally prepared for such a change. It took about 20 years for online dating to become mainstream. A similar situation occurred with Kodak during the advent of digital technology, eBooks, and other innovations. If we learn from these past experiences, it becomes clear that eventually, location will no longer be a significant factor.

[@katoi-]

I don’t know why, but this video just steered me into a totally unexpected, existential epiphany! #VisualThinker 🙏

[@arcadestudio]

The Best Of Luck.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Excited for you brother. If you’re going to do outdoor content, wear a hat! Your skin is not going to take that sun well. Speaking from experience. Keep rocking!

[@aaronnewberry]

Needed this today

[@stevejcurtis]

Brilliant video. Hope the blisters didn't materialise. Hat???

[@sebazvideo]

Just keep one thing in mind. In this country we drive on the correct side of the street. 🤣

[@LucVanAcker]

Bowie once said he had to become a better businessman in order to grow as an artist. Finding that balance between networking and creativity is not for everyone especially in big cities.

[@MrSmithworks]

Your rants are excellent. Best wishes.

[@MyJamesthomas]

interesting take. Good stuff.

[@SawTomorrow]

Doh! I'm born and raised in LA but I'm going to Liverpool for Beatleweek. And!, my gf is taking us to Fringe Fest for a couple days. Will you be hosting a walk during Fringe? or Will you be in LA? Ha! Love you Chris. My latest record is chalk full of Spitfire. (Produced and mixed by Andrew Scheps, if you're interested.) :) Keep rocking man! Scotland, or LA, you still got a fan here. Gracias para todo, Señor

[@christianokami2220]

Welcome to the coast 👐🏽

[@lc-b352]

Hope you'll do a video about the moog muse soon Christian. Love the new artistic direction of the channel even if I miss modular Mondays...

[@TheCrowHillCo]

I'll have to buy one first!!! Pretty pricey!

[@Eimost]

@@TheCrowHillCo A lot cheaper than your modular though...😃

[@RJ1J]

@@TheCrowHillCo Sounds like a Prophet 6 and a Sub 37 squished together

[@anitahamlin2411]

I have lived here in LA for 30 years. I love this place, but I now want to find a nice place in California with fewer people. I have had enough of the traffic and the fact that there are so many people. I would like to walk out my door and not have them in my face. The weather is about as good as is possible in the continental US and I love the lack of weather. You get used to the earthquakes. Much easier to deal with them than "hurricane season".

[@marklholloway]

Atlanta is the new Hollywood. It’s now bigger than Hollywood in every aspect of the industry.

[@m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n]

i just love LA cuz when you talk about your goals here people are really happy for you instead of it just making them feel bad about themselves

[@frankbonarrigo6086]

Ive always thought Brits have a hard time in America cause its close but not close enough to home

[@jimrogers7425]

I love this video because, Christian, you take your Scottish hilltop rant to LA! It really feels like you’re back in a much bigger way. Congrats! I lived in LA for over a decade and since leaving over a decade ago have come to realize that the majority of people in LA are insecure… insecure to keep what they have (whether it be the job, hours, car, position in life) so that reflects itself in the way they address others. On the other hand, the way that the Brits deal with one another seems to be much more secure and accepting. Could these two approaches be founded in the fact thqt one country was attacked during WWII while the other one wasn’t? I don’t know, but such a cultural difference is a great observation to call out here. Cheers, mate!

[@preamble466]

Welcome to The States! If movies are your goal then you are doing the right thing. Love all your videos, thank you.

[@daniellee3059]

We talk about earthquakes and places to eat... among other things

[@AmiliaCaraMia]

Thought about LA when studying film score in college. Couldn’t bring myself to do it.

[@MichaelWashingtonAE]

Christian, as an American who has lived outside of this country (Japan for 6 years) and traveled for work a bit and built real connections around the world; Are you sure you really want to leave the healthcare system and pension system you have there to come to the hell we have here? The cost of living, the cost of health and home insurance, the cost of getting health care (separate from insurance), our very individualistic culture which you kind of hinted at, the possibility of mass $h00tings... Especially with technology today, you don't need to move here, just do some traveling with month long stays after first connecting through socials /Internet, etc 🤷🏿

[@------YeahOK------]

Everyone else is moving OUT of LA 😂

[@xflow-fc8eq]

Rather go bust, than live in Los Angeles

[@cortical1]

90274 is paradise. I'm never moving. Watching night ships right now from my back yard. Surfing in the morning. Goodnight.

[@BoltRM]

​@@cortical1Does look like a great spot on the map. I'm guessing it's pretty expensive area?

[@cortical1]

@@BoltRM All the best places to live in the world are. 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@AmateurSynthusiast]

Where do you live?

[@orangemanfascist]

@@cortical1 So true. The whole South Bay is gorgeous and a delight to live in.

[@Drakensson]

In America, you can speak louder and use more expressive body language than in the UK. Have fun my guy!

[@robaire.b]

But do Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Howard Shore, Alexandre Desplat etc live in L.A? Many film composers seem to be based in Europe also

[@Whamystrang]

They live where the production is. Three that you mention live in L.A.

[@Slynell1]

Hans has a phenomenal L.A studio lol

[@richardburrows6447]

Any chance of squeezing in a composer walk while you’re out here?

[@issiewizzie]

Loving the young David Attenborough look

[@AndersJensenthreeonthego]

They don’t do enough of a lot of things in the US. Talking about the weather is just one of them. Having a school system, healthcare system, social security system that actually works are other areas where they don’t do enough. There are simply too many things that do not work, in order for me, as a European, to ever want to live there. Till the day I die, I will insist that a career in music is still possible. So I’ll keep trying… 😊

[@FLH3official]

The somewheres and the anywheres. You're a somewhere, Christian.

[@AdventureDriver]

Not driving! In America? That's indeed a non-go.

[@paulc7798]

Scorccio

[@crossrootsdoc]

Christian why do you not drive?

[@t3br00k35]

You can’t drink and drive 😂

[@vaportrails7943]

Hollywood is already in decline due to technology, and things like streaming. It will soon be possible for anyone to make full quality CG at home. When that happens, Hollywood will end. In the same way the music studios have almost all shut down. Not surprising a gray haired guy would cling to the past until the last gasp. But it’s not good advice for young people. Movies themselves are a form whose future is in doubt, and it has been true for years that the only people making it in corporate entertainment are trust fund kids and nepo babies who don’t have to worry about supporting themselves.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Technology has no effect on the talent pool. The “democratisation” of music has already proven that and was the downfall of MySpace. I think A24 proves that there is an appetite for artful film making by artists. Marvel and DC recent triumphs are their more artfully executed exhibits like The Joker. Christopher Nolan proves time and time again that there audiences for challenging action free movies. Quentin Tarantino still uses film and doesn’t like CGI. These all stand out. Music studios are opening left right and centre. The ones that survived the music crash of the 90s you can’t get into they’re so busy. Industries love tech when it promises to do away with people. They soon learn that the true value to their is not just people but that very small group of truly valuable talented people (and yes their rich intern kids).

[@aldo34]

Stick with Auld Reekie dude :-)

[@Biffinnbridge]

Remember that Spitfire scoring competition 😂

[@TheCrowHillCo]

I’d love to know what about this video sponsored that comment? 😳

[@Biffinnbridge]

@@TheCrowHillCo Nothing in particular or personal. Talk about scoring triggered the 8 bit winner that was roasted. It made me laugh. Sorry if I offended. All the very best 🤞

[@nanobotdex]

As a lifelong Southern California resident, I'd have to say it would be much better for youto move to Long Beach (commutable distant to LA, and kind of like a mini-LA, a ton of industry folks live in LB), or Orange County. There's always a place to park in Orange County when you go to the grocery store!

[@Zaleskee]

Benjamin Wallfisch?!?! WOW!! you are awesome Christin!.

[@scott_glasgow]

Connections really is everything in film but you are right about games, library or tv music. There are the outliers, I wonder if Desplat lived in LA ever? Personally, I grew up in LA, this is my home but like you I am not a huge fan of the constant sun (not sure constant rain in UK better). I would love to live in Glasgow for a year just to live that life. Is there any work in Scotland? I mean media music of any sort??

[@CrisBlyth]

are you here ?.. hit me up ! I'll show ya my lovely Fairlight EVO ! :)

[@cortical1]

This! Hi Cris! I'm down the 5 in San Diego. Cheers.

[@ReubenCornell]

Well, that's an extremely upsetting thumbnail.

[@ivanklass1]

Say hello to Dr. Dre, stay well because Oscar knows...IK

[@luctmelod]

It may not have as many opportunities, but I think you'd fit right into the Midwestern US. Cooler, squashed social hierarchies (in some areas).... but you will need to avoid some of the culinary delights 🤣

[@pianoelektro]

Vangelis was not in LA though…

[@318ishonk]

The movies? Does anybody still go there?

[@Slynell1]

You didn't see dune 2 in imax? 😮

[@buzzfunk]

These are all newbie numbers here. Ive moved to LA in 1993, 20 yr old. No internet, no iphone no google maps - to study music at MI and UCLA. Just me and my Atari 1040 with Cubase, a midi keyboard and the SY77 synth. Moving today is just not a big issue really. Esp if you (Christian) have money, which he has. All that yapping is just unnecessary. Yes, if you wanna break in films, its better to be in the mecca of it. If you wanna break into fashion, NY or Paris is a must. But the difference today is= if you have little money, forget it. Its that simple. If your music is good, it will get heard anyways, even if you don't live in LA.

[@gnomerod]

I'd say that a place where the hierarchy is flattened to the highest point and without a safety net like welfare will just bring out the best out of people because you can't afford to be lazy and complacent, in the same way that you're more likely to apply yourself to find a job when you don't have one rather than when you're still working or when you have a deadline instead of not having one. I think this attitude is what made Americans so industrious and why so much have been achieved and come out of that country. I think part of the issue discussed here is that Christian chooses to dip a foot in the water instead of diving right in by coming here '6 times a year' with a return flight in his pocket instead of going 'all-in'. Also, a bit unrelated to what I've just said but related to the monologue, I'm pretty sure they sell fruit, vegetables, fish, seeds and nuts in supermarkets and shops. It doesn't take a Sherlock (or Poirot) to figure out how to eat and stay healthy just some effort needed to not rely purely on fast food joints. Plus, plenty of sunshine for vitamin D! But I understand the 'fish out of water' feeling. I too, chose to live in a different Country/culture than the one I grew up in and it's not easy

[@genuinefreewilly5706]

I suspect these videos are for younger people. Gleening wisdom is a work in progress for myself. If I could afford to, I would be attending all kinds of production music events. I used to seriously believe the market for music was saturated. However the number of content creators are growing exponentially vs television and film which remains static and the same old As an old dude my current goal is to have pretty much everything I compose 'placed' somewhere. Making coin has to come from other sources

[@ritzenhauf]

Like most places on earth, it's a great home if you can afford to tolerate it

[@jokijarvi2]

I guess Vangelis wasn't ranting all the time, he was playing, having fun in the studio, improvising, making art, not going into the everyday mud

[@mybiggrin]

So you're here! What are you here for? Recording something at Remote? Working on a movie? Making a new library? I've lived here for 20 years. Do you need an assistant while you're here for something? We met at Griffith Park!

[@t3br00k35]

You can’t move to LA just like that.

[@luciaceba4640]

and so christian ( with his own words from a video from a long tima ago) made a career out of making tools for making music, those will make you money, not the music making itself.. the quote itself was something along the lines of that. Providing a service to others is the job, as he said.

[@chicagoblow]

Bad move

[@cliveconcept]

I imagine that you say to your wife....lets move to LA and she said ok then lets go.

[@HenritheHorse]

Too much crime, corruption and too expensive.

[@TheLeon1032]

that's everywhere t seems

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Expensive… yes. Crime and corruption is everywhere. LA offers mostly great weather, great food, outdoor lifestyle, and of course, you’re in the middle of the entertainment industry. So… I think its a good fit for our brother.

[@cortical1]

LA crime rates per capita are ranked 72nd in the United States in 2024. There are 71 cities with more crime: Albuquerque 561,375 8734.98 12.47 84.26 521.93 750.48 1,369.14 1,246.23 4,750.84 1,368.78 7,365.84 Tennessee Memphis 652,765 8357.07 27.73 90.38 529.59 1,355.62 2,003.32 55.92 1,460.25 4,224.49 613.08 6,297.83 Missouri St. Louis 310,284 8188.31 66.07 93.14 626.52 1,296.55 2,082.29 64.78 1,011.33 4,155.55 874.36 6,041.24 Washington Spokane 217,066 7881.01 2.76 109.64 105.50 408.63 626.54 23.03 1,023.19 5,408.03 800.22 7,231.44 California Oakland 424,915 7328.29 16.24 94.14 629.77 559.17 1,299.32 46.13 617.06 4,072.58 1,293.20 5,982.84 Maryland Baltimore 613,217 6997.68 55.77 62.29 958.71 950.23 2,027.01 42.56 1,311.28 2,773.57 843.26 4,928.11 California San Francisco 881,255 6917.4 6.35 41.65 365.39 301.62 715.00 34.38 560.00 5,059.49 548.54 6,168.02 Michigan Detroit 670,792 6726.82 39.80 103.91 393.42 1,519.55 2,056.67 129.55 1,231.08 2,093.79 1,215.73 4,540.60 Louisiana Baton Rouge 227,403 6693.84 38.26 43.97 381.70 562.88 1,026.81 73.00 1,418.63 3,739.62 435.79 5,594.03 Alaska Anchorage 296,188 6640.04 9.12 132.01 262.67 799.49 1,203.29 20.93 748.17 3,619.66 1,047.98 5,415.82 Kansas Wichita 391,084 6583.5 8.95 97.68 153.16 762.50 1,022.29 25.57 838.95 4,063.07 633.62 5,535.64 Ohio Cleveland 372,624 6538.45 27.77 128.97 699.88 700.14 1,556.76 65.65 1,518.87 2,516.15 881.01 4,916.04 Oklahoma Tulsa 404,868 6532.01 17.29 104.48 238.10 680.96 1,040.83 35.57 1,376.75 3,224.26 854.60 5,455.61 Missouri Kansas City 484,948 6309.55 30.93 91.76 383.13 1,218.48 1,724.31 41.45 960.52 2,670.39 912.88 4,543.79 Oregon Portland 610,343 6239.99 3.70 67.45 160.92 283.64 515.70 47.27 729.13 3,824.56 1,123.33 5,677.02 Alabama Mobile3 248,431 6217.02 20.13 58.16 177.11 485.85 740.25 22.94 1,216.84 3,730.21 506.78 5,453.83 Florida Orlando 283,982 6206.38 8.10 64.44 213.04 458.48 744.06 7.75 840.90 4,125.26 488.41 5,454.57 Arizona Tucson 532,323 6082.78 8.64 93.55 268.82 430.75 801.77 29.31 831.07 3,968.46 452.17 5,251.70 Ohio Cincinnati 309,317 5997 23.40 97.62 399.84 426.26 947.12 1,152.73 3,400.69 496.46 5,049.88 Washington Seattle 721,365 5911.99 3.74 36.87 210.02 382.05 632.69 20.66 1,081.98 3,673.45 503.21 5,258.64 Indiana Indianapolis 870,788 5775.23 17.91 76.71 400.21 839.13 1,333.96 29.40 1,027.23 2,821.47 563.17 4,411.87 Minnesota Minneapolis 418,971 5768.18 10.02 122.68 434.16 534.40 1,101.27 25.54 897.91 3,173.49 569.97 4,641.37 Georgia Atlanta 481,343 5727.52 16.41 58.59 293.55 567.16 935.72 15.37 704.28 3,387.19 684.96 4,776.43 Texas San Antonio 1,434,625 5565.95 8.15 83.51 151.11 464.72 707.50 13.61 770.82 3,622.65 451.37 4,844.84 Wisconsin Milwaukee 595,168 5441.99 19.83 72.92 490.45 1,014.17 1,597.36 52.59 927.13 1,940.29 924.61 3,792.04 Louisiana New Orleans 397,447 5375.57 39.50 144.67 329.10 608.13 1,121.41 10.32 560.83 3,046.19 636.81 4,243.84 Texas Houston 2,304,580 5252.08 11.50 58.42 417.96 607.34 1,095.23 28.44 731.66 2,900.82 495.93 4,128.41 California San Bernardino 217,259 5189.66 15.65 72.72 403.67 799.05 1,291.09 30.84 983.16 1,836.52 1,048.06 3,867.73 California Stockton4 309,566 5109.09 17.77 49.75 390.22 956.82 1,414.56 67.19 691.29 2,274.15 661.89 3,627.34 District of Columbia Washington, D.C. 693,972 5104.96 16.72 63.84 338.77 529.42 948.74 260.53 3,528.96 366.73 4,156.22 Iowa Des Moines 217,277 5102.7 12.89 33.60 167.53 456.10 670.11 19.33 1,099.06 2,734.30 579.90 4,413.26 Arizona Glendale 249,273 5037.85 4.81 38.91 192.96 251.53 488.22 19.26 637.45 3,426.36 466.56 4,530.37 Florida St. Petersburg 263,712 5029.35 7.58 51.57 189.22 450.11 698.49 18.20 671.95 3,269.85 370.86 4,312.66 Tennessee Nashville 674,942 4966.5 16.30 72.90 303.14 745.84 1,138.17 10.37 631.31 2,806.61 380.03 3,817.96 New York Buffalo 256,169 4930.34 15.61 55.43 334.54 613.66 1,019.25 74.95 919.71 2,591.26 325.18 3,836.14 Kentucky Louisville Metro6 684,362 4769.99 15.93 25.57 193.76 411.77 647.03 0.73 821.64 2,735.98 564.61 4,122.23 Florida Miami 463,009 4750.89 11.23 22.68 211.23 475.80 720.94 15.77 526.99 3,090.87 396.32 4,014.18 California Bakersfield 381,154 4618.34 10.76 24.14 197.56 246.88 479.33 70.58 962.08 2,377.78 728.58 4,068.43 Oklahoma Oklahoma City 648,260 4552.5 12.49 73.12 172.77 528.95 787.34 12.65 941.75 2,378.83 431.93 3,752.51 Nebraska Omaha 449,388 4527.49 6.90 91.24 139.08 410.11 647.32 464.63 2,636.70 778.84 3,880.17 Ohio Columbus 905,748 4501.8 16.28 105.37 225.06 166.70 513.41 43.45 815.29 2,650.87 478.79 3,944.94 California Fresno 526,371 4447.63 10.64 33.06 182.00 339.30 565.00 41.23 693.24 2,618.31 529.85 3,841.40 Arizona Phoenix 1,608,139 4443.2 9.55 69.46 200.28 481.64 760.93 11.56 778.57 2,426.69 465.46 3,670.71 Illinois Chicago 2,746,388 4381.65 18.26 65.11 439.26 570.36 1,098.86 18.99 477.13 2,358.83 427.84 3,263.80 Colorado Denver 706,616 4360.93 8.35 98.92 174.35 393.99 675.61 18.26 612.92 2,267.29 786.85 3,667.06 Virginia Norfolk 245,190 4308.09 14.68 55.06 151.31 334.84 555.90 3.26 471.47 2,984.62 292.83 3,748.93 Texas Corpus Christi 329,256 4285.11 6.38 70.46 142.75 482.91 702.49 17.31 677.89 2,665.40 222.02 3,565.31 Minnesota St. Paul 306,696 4262.86 7.17 70.75 227.26 345.62 650.81 46.63 741.45 2,144.47 679.50 3,565.42 Florida Jacksonville 894,638 4168.73 12.18 60.14 153.81 405.19 631.32 10.73 631.09 2,568.64 326.95 3,526.68 Kentucky Lexington 322,332 4145.73 9.00 62.05 169.70 110.13 350.88 12.72 647.47 2,739.72 394.93 3,782.13 Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1,603,797 4037.27 20.06 75.02 382.46 470.04 947.58 26.21 418.25 2,297.23 348.00 3,063.48 Ohio Toledo4,5,7 270,871 4003.74 12.63 87 281.47 661.82 1042.92 1,119.75 2,615.15 268.84 4,003.74 Texas Dallas 1,304,379 3985.95 12.48 62.08 327.00 373.09 774.64 26.22 737.66 1,856.26 591.16 3,185.09 Georgia Savannah 242,941 3901.36 14.41 41.16 156.83 250.27 462.66 7.41 549.52 2,494.84 386.93 3,431.29 North Carolina8 Raleigh 269,088 3837.78 8.55 316.63 467.13 11.52 867.37 2,675.70 283.18 3,826.26 North Carolina8 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 914,609 3836.39 9.40 220.53 433.52 21.21 701.50 2,827.00 286.68 3,815.18 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh 305,932 3815.23 17.98 29.42 262.15 346.81 656.36 44.45 526.26 2,365.89 222.27 3,114.42 Texas Fort Worth 873,069 3792.83 8.02 65.17 147.30 339.72 560.21 17.30 585.98 2,319.40 309.94 3,215.32 Nevada Reno 248,531 3766.53 7.64 57.14 153.70 455.07 673.56 7.24 541.98 1,967.56 576.19 3,085.73 Colorado Colorado Springs 472,958 3765.25 6.13 103.39 101.91 312.71 524.15 24.32 530.28 2,235.08 451.41 3,216.78 Texas Arlington4 397,377 3721.91 4.78 63.92 144.95 303.24 516.89 7.30 453.22 2,402.25 342.24 3,197.72 California Sacramento 499,997 3654.02 7.80 19.80 220.00 428.00 675.60 41.80 577.60 1,815.41 543.60 2,936.62 Colorado Aurora 368,018 3630.53 8.15 86.68 184.50 329.06 608.39 18.48 454.05 1,954.80 594.81 3,003.66 Texas Austin 971,949 3612.23 2.57 85.81 101.55 224.91 414.84 7.82 450.64 2,525.03 213.90 3,189.57 North Carolina8 Greensboro 290,051 3601.78 15.86 228.93 480.61 39.65 710.91 2,559.55 291.67 3,562.13 California Riverside 328,023 3589.38 3.66 50.61 165.84 288.70 508.81 22.25 510.03 2,020.89 527.40 3,058.32 Indiana Fort Wayne 266,259 3572.46 13.90 51.08 112.30 180.28 357.55 35.30 491.25 2,488.55 199.81 3,179.61 Nevada Las Vegas 627,244 3567.87 12.60 79.64 211.15 315.50 618.90 5.59 805.17 1,635.16 503.06 2,943.38 Nevada Paradise 242,537 3405.26 9.07 47.83 232.95 724.84 1,014.69 4.54 804.00 1,037.37 544.66 2,386.03 California Long Beach 471,397 3357.25 4.67 43.06 262.41 347.69 657.83 26.94 586.55 1,507.01 578.92 2,672.48 Texas Allen

[@cortical1]

There are 71 cities in the U.S. with higher total crime rates per capita than L.A. in 2024. These include: Austin, Arlington, Raleigh, Savannah, Toledo, Dallas, Lexington, Jacksonville, Chicago, Phoenix, Columbus, Baltimore, St. Louis, Omaha, Miami, Nashville, Des Moines, Houston, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Kansas City, Tulsa, Cleveland, Wichita, Baton Rouge, Detroit, Memphis, and many others. LA hasn't even been in the top 50 cities for the most crime in 25 years.

[@cortical1]

All of the best places to live worldwide are expensive. It's hilarious how people try to convince themselves that expensive means bad and inexpensive means great place to live. That's not how capitalism and supply and demand works. French Riviera: Expensive. Prairie Hill, Texas: Inexpensive. Palos Verdes, LA: Expensive. Apache Junction, AZ: Inexpensive.

[@grantlack]

To be fair, people in LA don't drive either. They just queue on the highway. It might be the most culturally British thing they've got going.