the TRUTH about living in los angeles. pros & cons

[@robertthurman9866]

What most people do not realize is L.A. was never like other cities. Most cities started at a central location and expanded out war is a steady rate. L.A. prior to WWII was primarily farmland. What happened was inward growth, not outward expansion. L.A. now is a collection of almost 60 small farming communities that slowly grew together and kept merging with one another. Since these cities were all separate there was never a plan for everything to merge together. Right now L.A. is a solid 50 mile square mile paved over parking lot as you noticed. There is no way for public transit to get to every single area. L.A. was never designed to be L.A. There used to be open areas between these cities. That was where the freeways came in. A way to get to the other cities. No one ever imagined every square inch of land would be populated.

[@bperez8656]

That means there were dumbass city planners that never connected the dots in time. Phoenix Arizona got it right

[@bperez8656]

CA taxation is theft.

[@yesmang8572]

@@bperez8656 Very true, although hopefully the effort to create a passable public transportation system for the upcoming olympics will remedy this a little. In fact LA won't have a decent public transportation system until the end of the century, maybe even into the next one.

[@stuNzeeDkcuS]

@@bperez8656I like the grid pattern of phoenix but everything else sucks

[@sebastian3004]

'Right now L.A. is a solid 50 mile square mile paved over parking lot as you noticed. There is no way for public transit to get to every single area' Sounds like typical American who doesn't know anything about rest of the world. Go to Asia. They have a good public transportation in worse conditions.

[@thechalkfieldstcf3126]

I'm an LA native who grew up on the westside. I also lived in NY for 10+ years and can tell you a lot of people from LA are living in NY to get a change of scenery. Just like NYers come here... You really shouldn't compare the two cities. Both cities promote becoming great. It just depends on what industry you are in. Either way, it's a rat race to fulfill your dreams and ideas. Recreationally, LA will always win - from the desert, to the beaches, to the mountains. It's not to be compared. In NY you will always have to search for recreation. Lifestyle is yours to choose. Dense city (New York) or sprawling cities (Los Angeles). Depends on the person. Just come here and know you will have fun. Just like if you move to NY you will have fun. It all depends on what your personality is and the lifestyle you want to lead...

[@tommygun80127]

Why shouldn't Martello compare two different and distinct cities? That's what comparing is.

[@bperez8656]

CA taxation is theft.

[@wpn-k8d]

soft guys can't compare things, they understand each other

[@combatsportsmedia5686]

I worked in NYC for ten years, I never had fun

[@jaymequainoo1942]

Best answer here ⭐️

[@nairina]

I left LA 15 month ago only to realize I miss my friends way too much, I miss the amazing weather, the healthy food, the generally friendly and positive people. I realized LA is home. I guess I had to leave to see it. I'll be moving back in a few months, this time making a full commitment to being there long term. It was nice to see some scenes from my city! Thanks! Now, put on some sunscreen and go out! :)

[@jrmarshall120]

Come back home to Cali!!!

[@WestCoastCultured]

You miss the 💩on the floor and giant homeless encampments everywhere?

[@jrmarshall120]

@@WestCoastCultured , downtown bro, that shit is not happening in the Southbay or any other area

[@ismaelramirez4803]

Shhhhh!!! Yes it is! The taxes are fucking annoying

[@jrmarshall120]

@@ismaelramirez4803 , fuck them taxes. It’s high everywhere.

[@SirClerihew]

For someone who has only lived here about a year, you represented LA very well. I’ve lived here my entire life and both the pros and cons you mentioned still ring true. Glad to see another kind face in this city

[@chango101]

LA sometimes makes me wanna live there cause a lot of famous people live there. Despite the issues and homelessness.

[@blackwood1064]

Living in Los Angeles is not the one who wants but the who can because we are talking about the 2nd largest city in the USA after New York City and there are Hollywood personalities who live there. However, you have to have a job that can cover your household expenses and know how to choose safe places when you are single but now if you want a family life Los Angeles is not for everyone to raise children.

[@chango101]

@@blackwood1064 I know Los Angeles is not for everyone to raise kids. I know I would have to get a job to cover household expenses and know to travel the world safely.

[@blackwood1064]

@@chango101 It's already a good thing if you are aware of nature because I have a cousin, acquaintances and one of my friend who currently lives in Los Angeles since 2006 with her husband and children she's always told me that Los Angeles isn't an easy city when you don't have a contingency plan to have your back when things turn sour. It's like where I live in Bordeaux, France which is one of the big cities in France and it's a prestigious city and very expensive now because the price of real estate is high because of Parisians who come to buy the houses. So then after all, all major cities in the world have advantages and disadvantages.

[@cyberghost_01]

My Dream Is to live here. I am from italy

[@benly32]

One thing that I found to be my favorite part about living in Los Angeles is that some of my favorite artists from around the world and different genres of music come to LA to perform live, and I get to travel close to see them! It's so cool to me lol.

[@MichaelMartello]

Underrated perk!

[@bconni2]

L.A is a music mecca. some of the most iconic bands in history have their origins in the greater Los Angeles area.

[@chaoswitch1974]

That's the only thing that keeps me here... and all the art.

[@ElizabethHugo-p1h]

Hello

[@abualzuaree]

I lived in LA for 2 years and I loved it. I'm currently in the bay for work but I eventually plan to move back to LA. It's just better in every way. It's not for everybody and I understand that but I'm an outside person and LAs Weather, Beaches, Parks, hikes and food was incredible.

[@RandomRabbit007]

The Bay DEFINITELY has some advantages over LA tho, come on now. Less people, more money, less developed, more green, MORE hiking, spots to daytrip to for lil adventures (monterey, big sur, santa cruz, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Sierra Nevadas, tons of hills/mountains). LA is cool too, just my opinion too many transplants there. Too many people there for youtube, IG, influencing, model/acting and these people just annoy the fuck outta me

[@TreeofLife_111]

@@RandomRabbit007 I don’t know LA beats the Bay.

[@Qaranwadani1993]

The Bay area culture is just something I cannot accept still, it is awful to me. If not Orange County, i would choose San Diego over the Bay. @@RandomRabbit007

[@stuNzeeDkcuS]

@@Qaranwadani1993I spent over a year working in the east bay by Martinez and concord, stayed in bay point and Antioch and I honestly hated all of it and never want to go back

[@quetzalcoatl9993]

​@harmansg the bay area is just as populated if anything

[@2Bluzin]

I moved to LA a long time ago, the homeless problem is very recent. I would say the last 5 years or so it just seem to explode overnight. You would never see a homeless person in most of the west side, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City etc. Venice and Downtown LA were the only places you could expect to run into that. Some cities have actually been caught buying one way bus tickets to California for their homeless as a way to get rid of their problem and point fingers. Nothing illegal about doing it, and no way to really stop it.

[@MichaelMartello]

Interesting! It does seem pretty bad almost everywhere in the city

[@uhn-nohn4272]

Yes I moved a few years ago. I knew what was coming and they were going to use it as a pilot state, and they were going to take it down. I use to go to this little inn in Malibu when it got very hot. It was a place with rooms right on the beach. Old movie stars use to go there in the 40s it looks just like a little motel from the street and it kind of was. It was the Casa Malibu Inn, so reasonable even their most expensive suite, but they last their lease and turned onto an expensive Nobu place--no little special places anymore. I think he doesn't understand how LA had one of the best public transportation systems before Standard Oil, Goodyear, and I can't remember the other one? I think it was a car company? They bought up all the red line cars, but that system went to Venice, the beach in Orange County. It can be a lonely city, and yes you need to find people, but I walked everywhere and their are lot more parks than Griffirh park, but I liked to hike up I think Ferndale to that little snack shop. I lived almost west Hollywood area I walked everywhere, shops, restaurants, even the market. One reason is because parking is insane, but you can park for a few hours when you're shopping, and actually just moving your car out of the poaching lit and back in. I'm a native Californian and what did get old is that alot of times people thought they "had ARRIVED" just by moving to LA? Everyone and their dog us connected to it the industry. Sometimes people who would "arrive" and say, "I'm different and not like everyone else here"...they were exactly like everyone else there. LA is different than other places in CA...you might like Laguna Beach, one of my favorite places to live in so California and still central and you can hop on the amtrack if you don't want to drive. I moved to the Pacific Northwest. I don't walk anywhere, the weather is crappy and ugly and you are not going to go outside in it, the summer is too hot to be outside even sitting on a patio somewhere no in between. I even live on a pretty part on the river, but it's too cold or too hot to enjoy it. If you are from NY I can see you thinking it's not a walking place, but it may be the neighborhood as well, although you can hop on the metro too. Yes there seems to be a difference in who takes public transportation, but that never stopped me. I lived abroad in a city of public transportation and even having a car I sometimes found it easier to hop on a bus to go down to bev hills if I was going to be there awhile. On Sundays in Beverly hills you can park for free behind that park on Santa Monica Blvd. Or sometimes behind the shops in the allys because they are closed. You will find your way. I lived in Venice also but down by the pier towards the marina del Rey by the canals, and away from the boardwalk. I think the attitudes can be the worse and sometimes they're your friends they introduce you with a qualifyer instead of just introducing you as their friend. "...works for..." or "just got back from..." I don''t miss that! But there are still good people. HAVE FUN, WISHING YOU THE BEST, and I'm sorry but thus us not the best time to be living in CA. It was part of their agenda to tear it down, and get people to move out and depopulate it so they can turn it into a no go zone nature reserve, except for the few special people ;-D. 2030 check out the map? I read in the paper how they were trying to find a legal way to relocate the people of CA this was a state organization not an opinion piece? Then la week later I was reading about their rezoning plans of future little Truman towns surrounded by greenbelt, no way to go north? And it seemed there were no freeways, and then they tried to build a passenger bullet train on a route no one travels...Bakersfield? Modesto? What plans did they have? I hope the people of CA revolt!!!

[@AlexCab_49]

The homeless problem has likely been going on for decades but was mostly contained in skid row.

[@UpUpDnDnLtRtLtRtBAStart]

I tell everyone this but they act like its a bogus claim. Tons of states/cities continue to do this then say California has a homeless problem - no California is absorbing America's homeless problem!

[@jaysrelaxingsounds92]

very interesting. I remember back in the mid 2000s there was still a ton of homelessness. I'm from Downey and there would be homeless all over the place. In fact things actually got better in the 2010s as the economy improved, but I'm sure that's gone a little backwards now with the insane cost of living crisis, and covid and all that.

[@Flyingstorm]

Born and raised in NYC and moved to LA a year ago (now 27 years old.) So far I have zero regrets. I’ve been able to do some tremendous things you’ve mentioned in this video: I completely found myself, I’ve been able to exponentially level up my career and skyrocket my way into both an early retirement and financial advantage, and I’ve enjoyed the weather 10x more than anyone who’s been taking it for granted lol. I’m a beach person and I’m on it all the time, mainly Santa Monica. The city is “lonely” to me because I’m single and honestly I believe the dating scene is mostly trash, I will admit. I just feel like everyone in LA is so focused on themselves and their careers so it’s hard to find someone who is willing to set time aside to actually build a strong connection. I don’t take it personally and I’m continuing to build myself and my business, and master my craft and career, and honestly the perfect year-round weather has kept me in good spirits the whole time. The experiences here are just so different, with or without other people. I know there are cleaner, more well-kept, more upscale and nicer cities, but I gotta say LA as a whole has such a special charm that makes it (almost) as important and legendary as NY for a reason. Hope that makes sense; cheers!

[@Wooster_]

I’m actually around the same age. Couple years older than you. My friend recently offered me to buy me a one way ticket and I’d have a place to stay. I’m also from NYC and I’m considering very strongly on taking his offer

[@sofusfljborg1628]

Hey you still live in Los Angeles?

[@frostxr]

Holy crap you seem to love to live in overrated cities 😅

[@bigslime2235]

@@Wooster_don’t do it 😂😂😂

[@proto6299]

Wonder how it feels playing gta5 as someone who lives in Los Angeles

[@michaelallaway8650]

For 12 years, home was all over LA. I didn’t own a car much of my time there, cycled from pico Robertson to East LA for work, and loved coasting along Santa Monica to Redondo Beach after work when I lived in Sawtelle to reflect and take a fresh gulp at all the life throughout the city. I’ve had many of the same thoughts and points you made in this video about the FOMO from the sun, and the tinge of loneliness the city life there gives you. So much fun and beauty, and many times those epic moments are by yourself. Sunsets and peak hikes, views and hidden gems. I also love that you wish you could read at the park-same! I would ride my bike to parks with a book and blanket to go and read, but then I’d get fomo and decide to just keep riding, people watching and feeling the vibes and trying food from all the different neighborhoods throughout LA. I made it a goal to visit every city and neighborhood in LA (i did) The biggest sadness is the sense of impermanence that exists as time stands still. It always felt like my time in the city was limited. A lot of the wealth gaps were entertaining to see and notice as you crossed the city back in the 2010s, but now it’s a sad and frustrating reality-hardly a joke, and for the last few years, it became frightening to watch the change of the city degrade In the end, i lost out on my love and career and had to move on to begin again. Im in Santa Ana, and there is no where near the same energy and vibe here as there was in LA. Friend4aDayinLA

[@Westside444]

Hey Michaela 😊 how is the vibe in Los Angeles, Santa Monica? I ve never been to America but am planning a trip to Los Angeles for 1-2 months

[@OaktownBman]

What do you think is the most walkable neighborhood in LA? Where could someone like a bikey/transit loving retired couple live carfree?

[@michaelallaway8650]

@@OaktownBman The most walkable neighborhoods in no particular order are mostly in Western LA: Sawtelle, Culver City, Palms, Beverlywood, West Hollywood, Del Rey; I would also highly recommend places like Highland Park, Koreatown, Los Feliz (this one isn't as close to abundant public transit), South/Pasadena, Long Beach near the coast. If I had to choose where I could live, it'd probably be Pasadena, West Hollywood, or Long Beach near the coast -- all not technically in the city of LA lol

[@michaelallaway8650]

Santa Monica used to be a personal favorite for me as well but it's not doing well these days

[@ruyrabello6990]

LA resident here, originally from Brazil. Coming from a tropical country I can definitely notice winter here. It’s cold in the winter (for my standards), it’s cool in the spring and fall, and it’s warm in the summer. To me those are pretty clear seasons.

[@CharlesReinmuth]

You would be shocked by Minneapolis, MN

[@tylerthompson1842]

It’s really not tho it’s a light fluctuation of temperature

[@sissy9827]

I'm brazilian too, and how cold is it? Is it "cold" like 15°C or cold like 0°C? I live in 🇨🇦 so I'm used to extreme negative temperatures, and every time someone says LA is cold, I just compare to the Canadian spring

[@opinionatedurbanist5181]

Hi Michael. I don't know you personally, but you come across as a thoughtful person/content creator. As an Angeleno who lives here, I wanted to respond with a few thoughts: 1.) It's more useful to think of LA as a region rather than as a "city". Sure, there technically is a City of LA, but it crisscross-intertwines with hundreds of different towns, suburbs, and wildlands. Some of the places you mentioned (Malibu, Calabasas, South Bay) are just different pockets of the LA region. They might feel like completely different places to you because our topography and dense sprawl amplify perceived distance. Once you get out to Palm Springs or Ojai or San Diego, that's when you have left the LA region. 2.) I would say the best thing about LA is that it's a "choose your own adventure" type of place. Yes, you can feasibly do a version of that in any major city, but it would be a decidedly watered-down experience. There isn't another metro area in America with our variety of geographical, cultural, and lifestyle options. 3.) Even though LA has something for everybody, not everybody *should* live here. I've actually considered writting an essay (or listicle!?!?) about what types of people are most likely to thrive in LA. I think that would be helpful for people to self-select/self-disqualify before even moving out here. Too many newcomers show up with ridiculous expectations, meanwhile others never make the move because they incorrectly wrote off LA when it would have actually been an excellent fit for them.

[@MichaelMartello]

Thanks for writing this! Totally agree LA is “choose your own adventure” - love that way of thinking and my favorite part of living here is exploring everywhere. And yes, too many people write off LA especially when they move here and don’t like it - mainly because they don’t get out and explore ;)

[@---un5mt]

@@MichaelMartello Have you explored the Pasadena area? One of the best parts of LA.

[@MichaelMartello]

@@---un5mt Yes! Love Pasadena! I did a whole vid on it 😉

[@whathell6t]

@@MichaelMartello What about Long Beach, San Pedro, Leimert Park, Vermont Square, Central-Alameda, Pico-Union, Santee Alley, etc.?

[@mrxman581]

@@whathell6t Agreed. And East of the LA River. A lot of great places to visit and eat if you know where to look.

[@Nick-zw7gg]

People from California notice the difference in sunlight so its easy to notice the seasons.

[@joycebruhn1346]

Calif is trash

[@mackinm00se]

Moved to LA in 2019. I really don’t like it. Understand why plenty of people do. I get home from work and the LAST thing I want to do is go out anywhere. I’m drains your soul, doesn’t matter where in SoCal you go, it all breaks you. Leaving as soon as I finish my education l.

[@Aspidovroman]

Any updates?

[@oyun2025la]

When you say LA is a lonely city,I feel that in your eyes.Moving to LA this August from Tokyo.Thank you for your channel giving out so many information about LA.Can’t wait to enjoy all the amazing beaches as you mentioned.💜🙏

[@MichaelMartello]

Excited for you!

[@oxtailsan9681]

You're moving from Tokyo to LA. Wow. I wonder what Tokyo is like. I'm moving to Japan, not Tokyo. Too expensive.

[@oyun2025la]

@@oxtailsan9681 I have been living in Tokyo for 17 years and what I am about to say is only based on my own experiences :Japan indeed is a lonely country even if you know their language very well,it is in the culture.Though environment is great and the service level is the best in the world.Eating outside is cheap cause there is no tips involved .Rent is much expensive here due to the island condition.Please make sure learn Japanese as early as possible and it will make your life easier.Enjoy your journey in Japan 🍣🍱🍙👘♨️🗻

[@EJofLA]

Hope you love it like I do!

[@norwegianblue2017]

Unless there is some job you are going to in LA, you should consider going to San Diego instead. Cleaner, safer, prettier, much less traffic, nicer people, but is still the second biggest city in the state.

[@michellewalton1011]

I’m flying from Northern Ireland to stay with family in Manhattan Beach in August & your videos give me life! Especially any time you mention Manhattan Beach! You’ve given me so many places to add to my bucket list that I’d never have thought of! Xx

[@MichaelMartello]

Thanks Michelle 😊 glad to hear!

[@LJ_S1K]

If you have time I recommend making the drive down to Orange County. Specifically Laguna Beach! Have a fun trip!

[@solegonz762]

Hope you're having a blast in Manhattan Beach!

[@josephaugello1527]

@@MichaelMartello I'm willing to bet lunch that you will move bad to ny eventually. Many people from NY learn to hate LA after a few years

[@jaiisrani2550]

Loved the important comparison he makes between "finding yourself" in LA and "starting something new" in NYC

[@richmane7982]

Currently stuck choosing between LA and NYC. I love NYC’s infrastructure and energy but there’s something about seeing the palm trees, beaches, and mountains that’s calling me lol

[@MichaelMartello]

after living in both I’m still conflicted! Lol. Can’t beat either vibe though, pros & cons to both!

[@richmane7982]

@@MichaelMartello agreed, don’t think there is a wrong option here

[@teistebrito4215]

I'm from Spain , live in Utah and I travel quite often to L.A. Love it's different neighborhoods and so many places to eat.Also feels like if I were in Southern Spain , which I truly like.But I won't live in L.A. It's traffic madness and , as you have pointed out , isolating. Great videos , my friend , keep them coming !

[@anonymousanonymous6735]

Buenas ❤

[@craigtalbot607]

I live in Orange County. We trade the food for free parking! I get totally frustrated when I have to pay for parking - and it’s not very often. Yes, the beaches are our parks. Great accurate description of everything!!! You’re also right about the solo time - pros and cons for sure!!

[@edmarf4457]

This was an amazing video and very introspective. What I take from this is happiness is not a place. Happiness is a state of mind and the best way to find it is through spiritual and self fulfillment. We all may be chasing the Holy Grail of true happiness and very few of us ever find it. But we keep on looking on the outside, but have to find it on the inside. The journey goes on and on and on. Your on a good path keep it up.

[@MichaelMartello]

So true ❤️

[@TheUNproductions]

I'm moving to LA in the beginning of September and just wanted to say your videos super helpful and informative.

[@MichaelMartello]

Thanks Austin! Good to hear

[@QuiqueSaldivar]

LA has become home to me, despite the fact that is full of issues going on right now I love the city for all the reasons you mentioned. I think LA is not for everybody, especially if you have issues spending time alone/by yourself. I was so fortunate of having created a community of really good friends that love LA as well, as opposed of having friends that hate the city and eventually will leave. Coming from TX (yuck)! , I'd never think about moving out in the near future.

[@MichaelMartello]

Totally!! It's TOO easy to meet people here/elsewhere who hate LA and it kind of rubs off on you sometimes haha. But lots of pros & cons for sure. Definitely more of an introverted city that takes time to find your people & places

[@hildaalonso4057]

how was in Texas? Friends tell me to move there, but I lived in LA and OC but I don't think Texas is for me

[@chango101]

​@@hildaalonso4057 I was born in Texas. I was raised there for 6 years til I moved to Ireland. I'm 18 and I've been thinking if I should move to LA or Canada but there are so many states I want to visit in America.

[@seekingfreedom9020]

What's wrong with Texas? Maybe you're just a liberal lol

[@diarian]

from someone who lives in Texas in a Mid-sized city. i gotta say, the traffic thing would kill me. i also love the seclusion you can find here. nature can be really beautiful when it’s just you and no one else

[@atticusofhyrule2678]

Thank you for another awesome video!! I live in Dallas but have been considering moving to LA for ages so this was super helpful and informative 👏🏻 I feel like the pros outweigh the cons in LA just for the very simple fact that you can watch the sunset from the beach basically anytime of year ^.^

[@mrxman581]

Very true. Many of us native Angelenos take the beaches, mountains, and deserts for granted way too often. Also, the public rail transit will continue to improve over the next several years. They are building and expanding several lines that will be finished before the 2028 Olympics.

[@phitjuice8041]

La is a shit hole!! Just moved to Dallas way happier in dallas!! Better people la people are all phony liberals

[@MysticAtTheCrossroads]

Great video ! I grew up here in LA and this was a pretty accurate description. You mentioned it never snows. And you’re correct it doesn’t snow in LA … but natural snow is only a 2 Hour drive away. throughout the entire winter which is pretty nice where else can you go snowboarding and surfing in the same day. Public transportation does suck but in comparison to other places I’ve gone and live there’s no place like home and there’s no place like LA…

[@bconni2]

when it rains in L.A that means snow is just a short drive away. the L.A basin is blanketed by impressive mountains.

[@BManStan1991]

Used to be just a short drive away. Now it takes 4 hours because you and 50,000 other families want to drive up to big bear at the first sign of snow.

[@negan9878]

I live in L.A but imma move back soon to the Empire State NY cause I dont have a car so i prefer NYC by FAR

[@cklow100]

I've lived in L.A. all my life and your analysis is perfect.

[@mprime1716]

It's been 1.5 years since I moved to LA as well for a work opportunity. Great choice in Culver City (the downtown is beautiful). I always recommend people to live because of how centrally located it is. Plus if you work in south bay, traffic is ALWAYS in your favor. LA can feel isolating. I am an introvert. I was 'forced' to download Instagram to find events or amazing restaurants. Finding parking is like a hazing ritual in LA, but once you find 'that' parking garage, it became easier and cheaper.

[@williamz6606]

Spent a summer in the Palms neighborhood. Loved it.

[@mychaelawilliams]

We just moved to LA this weekend!! Been planning & saving for over a year and finally made it happen. Drove from Atlanta & blew my transmission on the final leg coming out of Palm Springs, but we made it! 🥴😂

[@MichaelMartello]

Congrats!!

[@bullishastronaut1120]

That desert is no joke

[@mychaelawilliams]

@@bullishastronaut1120 yeah, it was 115°+ the entire time from Arizona until the Coachella valley. SMH, just glad it didn’t give out on us in the desert!

[@EJofLA]

Welcome!

[@MannyMM]

welcome to LA! Hope you enjoy it here

[@jackienaiditch7965]

I think this was a very fair and balanced "review" of life in L.A. I've lived here for over 50 years, with much of that time on the Westside (since I went to UCLA) and much of it here in Altadena. It would be very easy to trash the city, as many do. As you mentioned, traffic is horrible, which is incredibly annoying. Also, there's a huge homeless problem--probably, at least in part, because of the great weather. There's a lot of urban sprawl. Countless communities with separate identities. But then there are the good parts. These countless communities often reflect different ethnic groups, each with its own incredible cuisine. Yes, we do health food. But we also do Japanese and Korean and Indian and Vietnamese. I live by the San Gabriel Valley, which probably has the largest Chinese community (and, therefore, Chinese food) in the U.S., outside of China. One thing you didn't mention was all the culture that exists here. Wonderful concerts at Disney Hall with a world-class conductor in Gustavo Dudamel. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with neighboring theaters. We have amazing art and architecture. And the car culture is reflected in a few truly incredible car museums, like the Petersen and the Nethercutt. It's true what you say about this not really being a city of parks. But within 15 minutes of my house, there are three public gardens--like Huntington Gardens--that are a huge draw. So, as with any city, there's the good and the bad, and we can all chose to connect with either.

[@marydanessa]

This is very insightful. I LOVE the way you was talking about various places in LA and your experiences.

[@infinite_vortex]

As someone who lives on the outskirts of NYC over in NJ, I agree 100% with everything you said about living out there. I was out there a year. In particular I totally agree about the lack of seasons throwing me off. I felt like it was going to take a very long time, multiple years, to get used to something like that. Traffic out there was brutal. I will say this though about comparing traffic over here to LA: traffic in LA seems to be mostly on the freeways, and not so bad in the streets (outside of the touristy areas) . Traffic over here is on the highways AND the streets. Plus, the scenery is usually better when stuck in traffic over there lol. I'd say the homeless issue was very eye opening...I thought I was used to the homeless in NYC, but it's a whole different level out there.

[@MichaelMartello]

Thanks Sean!! Glad you got to experience LA too. How do you like living in NJ in comparison?

[@bingo8789]

Yes, it's a whole different level out west. Just like you were in LA for a year, I spent a year in San Francisco. They are on a different level of homelessness out there. Probably worse than LA. SF is really a dump imo. A lot different than what I thought it'd be. I spent 110k out there IN ONE YEAR. I left in a hurry!

[@EdwardGarrenMFT]

I moved to LA 40 years ago this September from Florida. Tampa and Miami have all the issue we have here, PLUS God awful humidity half the year, very low wages, and equally high rents/housing costs. Plus, because there is even LESS "middle class" in Florida, there is a lot more crime. Also, if you live in Culver City and navigate mostly west of the 405, the traffic IS awful. After 22 years in Hollywood/West Hollywood, I moved to South Los Angeles 12 years ago (south of the I-10, east of Culver City/West Side) where there is HALF the traffic and better public transit. So I think a lot of the issues you raise are "area specific." The "lonely" thing has some truth. People here are busy and don't always have time to spend making friends like in other places where the weather makes for more indoor time. That said, most make friends doing volunteer work, at churches, synagogues, and at any of the numerous "Meet ups" which are basically like sifting through mud for a few gold nuggets (like most places in the U.S. now). There are more parks than your realize, you just need to find them. I love South LA because the people here are mostly Latino and Black, both cultures appreciate relationships, family and friends much more than in the "White" areas. You will make friends, it just takes more time. But also, you will adjust and realize you don't like the social obligations and constraints of other places. In reality, unless you're constantly making new acquaintances (some of which will stick as friends) everywhere is "lonely" particularly after mid 30's when many young people are raising families, building careers, etc. In a nutshell, the darker the residents are in an area of LA, the better the living issues are (except in really poor areas, though even places like Watts and Compton are much bettedr than 30 years ago). Then there is San Pedro, which is lovely, and no one knows it's there. Ever been? Make a trip to the Korean Friendship Bell in Angels Gate Park, then go to the San Pedro Fish Market down on the channel. Explore the shops and restaurants in downtown "Pedro" and the incredible views in the hills to the west of Gaffey Street. Glad you're here. There is no place I'd rather be, earthquakes, mud slides, fires, drought and all.

[@Noname-u2b]

Born and raised in LA but I fell in love with New York/the East Coast instantly. One pro for LA is the abundance of really good Mexican and Chinese food on the east side.

[@jameekquaruss2665]

🤍 the self reflection portion spoke to my heart deeply! Thank you for sharing

[@TheStoneWhisperer]

What a tasteful and sincere video on the pros and cons of L.A. I personally have been working through much of the Southland for almost 20 years, yet the closest I ever came to actually living near LA would have been Santa Clarita...LOL! I know right, not even close! I live in Ventura now and love it! I love the beach vibe here without all the large LA City headaches such as the homeless issue, traffic gridlock and such. It is a privilege to live in such a beautiful part of the Country no doubt and I try not to take it for granted. I have lived in other parts of the States, so I can directly relate! I've lived in Seattle, Dallas, Idaho Falls, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, in a suburb of Chicago a long time ago. There is not a city in this Country that can come close to what we have here in L.A. There are some really cool things about other cities for sure, but to have nearly all the boxes checked on the list of the Country's most ideal city...it's Southern California without a doubt! Thanks for the video!

[@angusorvid8840]

Born and raised in L.A. While L.A. has a steep downside it does have its upside too. If you don't take the flash and pizzaz of Hollywood too seriously and can live a localized life while driving as little as possible, it's a good town. I live in Culver City which is an incorporated city that handles its own affairs. It's clean, neat, tidy, certainly safer than Santa Monica or other parts of L.A. County. I rarely drive because I don't want to and I managed to set up my life so if I need to go to a market I just walked a couple blocks with a handcart and fill it up with groceries. If I want to go to a restaurant or a movie it's still walking distance. I'll admit, most people in L.A. can't do this, but this kind of lifestyle was always a goal of mine. I could get a much larger house in Santa Monica or Brentwood, but this is what I've chosen and it works for me.

[@christopherjrager]

In defense of Seattle's public transit: I spent 2 years in Seattle before spending 9 years in LA. So not a long long time, but got a decent experience. Seattle proper is under 800k population, and the city isn't exactly massive. You can crack Seattle a number of different ways without a car. In my experience, many people I met in Seattle regularly took and relied on public transit. This contrasted with the extremely few people I met in LA who went anywhere on the bus or metro. Overall I found that Seattle had a strong culture of not driving places. Everyone I met in Seattle at least took the bus SOMETIMES. But regarding the quality of Seattle's public transit: it's considered above average for an USA city of that size. The bus coverage is better than you'd expect, and the rail, while not so comprehensive, has improved quite a lot. I had a car while I lived in Seattle, and still took the bus everywhere. LA was just non stop car pranks.

[@tommygun80127]

I agree wholeheartedly. Seattle has its cons but public transit and its public transit oriented culture isn't one of them.

[@chenanigans]

Came to say this. 4 out of my 5 years here I didn't even have a car. As far as US cities go (outside of NYC, of course) Seattle is actually as good as you're gonna get. It's good for our standards. I could get almost anywhere that I needed as long as I built in enough time. They even had a 'Transit to Trails' program at one point. After Covid im not sure of it's still a thing and also I have a car now anyway so I drive to all the hikes myself now. I still love to walk places and take the Link Rail and C line from time to time though to avoid parking and when I just simply don't feel like driving. I gotta say all in all I give Seattle a lot of credit as far as being one of our most walkable and bus-able major US cities. The closest you'll get to Europe outside of NYC obvs.

[@nunyafawkingbiz]

Seattle is trash ! 3 months of sunshine is crap 💩

[@thewizkid720]

Planning a move for next year and your videos are most helpful!

[@robertodistinto4956]

I love this video. I’m planning to move there one day. Thanks a lot!

[@tarinaaleamoni]

Love your channel! The videos are so thorough. Thanks!

[@coolkideric08]

This is by far my favorite video you’ve posted. Definitely the most accurate.

[@somerstrothers7613]

I absolutely love your take on LA. I relocated from the East Coast and these KZbin videos were my lifeline…. I work and collaborate with celebs daily in West Hollywood but I crave the beach which is why I relocated here and living in Santa Monica or Pacific Palisades is beyond expensive. I have a great profession but 4M for a home just wasn’t what I had in mind 🙈😬 But my family followed me 😅so I must make the most of it. I cry inside but your perspective truly helped and gives my family a better understanding of how difficult it can be though beautiful!! Thank you!!

[@MichaelMartello]

Appreciate your perspective!! It's still a great journey ❤

[@Alexlamb442]

I’m in the UK studying to become a composer for film and I’m very attracted to LA. This is the first video I’ve watched on it and you’ve definitely sold it to me. All those wide open spaces look sublime. Thanks for the video

[@nollieheel214aim]

Hey Michael ! loved your video, just moved here after living in New York for 8 years and Atlanta for 1 year. The Los Angeles Weather and the food scene cannot be beat! I am so happy I won't be experiencing winter gloom and grey skies for 5 months. Yes we do have a lot of traffic, but if you live in a part of town that has great mom and pop shops and restaurants like Highland Park,Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena, Echo park, or Silver lake you don't even have to get in your car. There's also so many culturally different neighborhoods here like Thai Town, little Ethiopia, little Tokyo, chinatown, filipino town and so many more! Finding a neighborhood that's walkable coffee shops and amenities is definitely key to whether you will love it or hate it here!

[@nollieheel214aim]

Also lets not forget the various forms of climate we have here! We have the mountains, the ocean, the high deserts and the low deserts which you can get to from the city of LA all within 2 hours. You could literally go snowboarding in the mountains and go surfing at the beach in the same day. Also I didn't mention all of the citrus ,fruit trees and avocado trees that just grow non stop all year around here.

[@bigslime2235]

@@nollieheel214aim😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 you never loved in NYC if you say LA food scene can’t be best

[@PolettRamirez]

I think that LA is an amazing place to live, the weather is perfect and I like so much the sunny days, I always feel with energy in sunny days. I like so much you’re videos, I was so excited see the beauty of Los angeles in your content ❤

[@andyd3447]

I can see LA being a hard place to live in if you come from the outside. As someone who was born in LA ive lived in some of the worst and best parts of the city. I really cant see myself leaving LA and if I do it wont be too far away, maybe Orange county.

[@RandomRabbit007]

Orange is nice and better for raising a family. What do you think about the Bay compared to LA? Just curious

[@MasterRoss-sn7dl]

LA is just too congested and car centric. I don’t know how ppl feel a sense of community here.

[@andyd3447]

@@MasterRoss-sn7dl Well if all of your family and extended family is here plus everyone you grew up with and went to high school and college with is here its easy to have a sense of community.

[@HeyRONNIEJR]

Such a captivating video & topic. I grew up in Southern California & unfortunately can mostly only name the unfortunate sides such as congestive car-culture & lack of communal experiences. I lived in NYC for about 7 years and try so hard to find negative aspects, but overall NYC is quite Amazing. Sure Manhattan Beach is nice, & it’s nice to be close to family but the real truth is LA actually creates a great deal of depression. In NYC I’d probably walk 95% more than anyone ever does in LA. I’m not saying it’s not possible to find happiness but LA is really really REALLY tricky. Studio City was cool, as was LA proper, & South Bay (hometown), but overall NYC almost always wins, and by a landslide actually. As a now 43 year old, it gets tougher and tougher to enjoy SoCal. I’ve often said that LA (after a certain age) requires you to be either Basic AF or Balling-out-of-control. In my 20’s & 30’s it was slightly doable, but in my 40’s it’s a really isolated city. I struggle with it so much and certainly plan to return to NYC sooner than later. The irony tho is that I actually do like Manhattan Beach quite a bit, so maybe there’s some hope lol. At the end of the day, s**t gets real day by day, but I’m glad to have came across this video, it was actually very compelling. Keep up the good work 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@gianniclaud]

I live in the South Bay myself and LOVE NYC every time I visit. But I imagine the experience of living in NYC versus visiting are vastly different, as it seems to me hustle culture is more prominent there. People working honest jobs are grinding themselves into the ground there. I'd say the rhythm as a lot more fast-paced, as well. in short Manhattan Beach and Manhattan are literally worlds apart lol.

[@zionious6657]

I’m from LA. You are so honest about describing LA. Except I didn’t agree with the comment about LA feeling like a big parking lot. Lol. Never even heard that before. LA is beautiful it has a place for everyone.

[@sehkhyro]

I'm moving out here for work this year and these videos are so helpful, love your energy and videos thank you!

[@WestSydeMedia1]

Coming from Houston but growing up in LA and being back in LA again, I have a theory. There's absolutely nothing to do comfortably outside in Houston most of the year, so you spend a lot of time indoors socializing with people, so it's all about food and eating and hanging out in Houston, whereas there's so much to do in LA that you never need to hang out with anyone, especially if you're already a couple and have each other's company. I did spend a year "single" while I was working in SoCal and she was still in Houston, but I wasn't actually single and I had relatives in SoCal so I didn't feel the loneliness that Michael says he experiences. LA's definitely not an easy place to create relationships, and even the friend relationships you do have aren't easy to maintain.

[@LindseyBrooke]

I appreciate this video. Most of the other videos I've come across about LA have been so predictable - like, yes.. I know the cost of living is high and there's a lot of traffic but you did a great job of explaining your perspective and giving me a better of idea of what it's like! I won't be moving for another 3 years but LA is at the top of my list. Not because I think it's glamorous. But like you, I am a sucker for perfect weather and palm trees haha. I also LOVE West Hollywood and dream of living in the Hills. (who doesn't?) - Thanks for the video! 👊

[@MichaelMartello]

Awesome! Thanks Lindsey!

[@EldrianaLafaye]

I’m currently thinking about moving to LA, advice needed !!

[@AfroReporter]

As a New Yorker who visited recently, I wouldn't move here until later in my life. Great video, you earned a sub 💪

[@MichaelMartello]

Thanks Isaiah!

[@saya5882]

I don't know you, but you come across as a thoughtful person/content creator. Good luck breaking your honest thoughts with some pros and cons.

[@niyatrusty9759]

This was such a refreshing video! 😊😊

[@robertcurcio4927]

Great video Michael. As a life long resident, it's the beaches for me.

[@MichaelMartello]

Love the beach life 😎

[@Jonwilson26]

Geat video! really good points about living in los angeles. Rasing a family here can really add to the daily challenges of day to day in Los Angeles. I find a lot of people who live here love it and a majority of people from out of state think we're crazy for living here.

[@MichaelMartello]

Thanks Jon! Just a little crazy lol

[@typhilips8122]

Great points all, Michael! Glad you popped into my feed. Really like your style and thoughtfulness about the City of Angeles. As a Canuck, in the early aughts, I relocated to L.A. to pursue my career which at that time was broadly film + T.V.. It's kind of a right of passage for "Hollywood North" Vancouverites! But you know, I toiled away for almost 3 years and after this amount of time spent there, had to come to the conclusion that the downsides outweighed much of the appeal for me. I laughed when you mentioned May Grey, June Gloom, July no sky!! Because it's dark and wet and rainy here, living in SoCal in the winter months was soooo lovely. So my chosen career sort of flatlined, BUT as I say to many "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans", and L.A. afforded me some collateral opportunities which to this day I am eternally grateful for. Until you actually live in a place for a certain time, it's hard to explain these nuances to friends. L.A. now, as then, was and is a city of so many contradictions. The weather while reliably pleasant is one side, but the California climate is entirely another huge issue facing the State. (Just look at lake Meade). It amazes me to see folks still immigrating to the Golden State when many for years now have come to the same conclusions as me and are leaving in droves. I look forward to hearing more of your adventures and thoughts. If you venture up the coast this way, ping me and I will help you prioritize what you might find of interest. Vancouver has its own share of problems, but summertime here is the best place on planet earth! -ty IG: pixarola_photography

[@sterlingmarshel6299]

actually John Lennon said "life is what happens when you're busy making other plans" at least give credit

[@FirstLast-ii5cp]

I was born & raised here, & I think your pros & cons are SPOT ON. 🌴Very intuitive & accurately represented!! Given what I’ve seen about your content, I think SAN DIEGO is an EXCELLENT fit for ya! 👍🏻😎

[@FleXxTheFuture]

None stop sunny weather. If your content with perfect weather Including no rain all year and willing to overlook every other issue imaginable Los Angeles is perfect for WEATHER

[@2Bluzin]

The first freeway in the US was invented in LA. It's the Pasadena freeway, very curvy and not built for cars that can go 65 miles per hour. Try it sometime it's fun. The reason there is not a good form of public transpiration has to do with LA history. Back at the turn of the 19th century, LA actually had cable car system, just like SF. Three major companies conspired to get rid of them to force people to by cars. A tire company (Firestone), auto company (GM) and gas company (Standard Oil) bought up the cable car system and then started eliminating lines and shutting it down forcing people to ride buses (made by GM) and buy new cars. They successfully lobbied against building a subway and thus the freeway system was invented.

[@carlf.9035]

Very interesting does explain why other states are more advanced in public transportation, thanks for sharing. They are coming out with a plan for a high speed bullet train, hopefully that will help things but shame it doesn't connect to a major city like San Diego.

[@bruhbutwhytho]

@@carlf.9035 it will eventually connect to San Diego

[@theshorekitchen7453]

Moving to LA from New Zealand soon...glad I found your channel! The part of LA being super lonely makes me a little sad, hopefully I can settle down and make new friends there haha.

[@jadebrownbull4873]

I stayed with my ex girlfriend in long beach(last year) but she's from LA. The beaches are okay, and so are the mountain and deserts. As a South Dakotan from the Midwest, I've never seen so homeless encampments left and right, including bad drivers. I worked in LA for awhile before moving back for other purposes. I actually love it there even though my ex girlfriend says LA is overrated, but to me it's beautiful. Everything over there so good.

[@joelsnyder5866]

And I would challenge you to look at the whole park situation as we have many parks here… Even just passing parks on the beautiful day even parts of Griffith you will see people picnicking and hanging out and reading books so yeah I hope you explore a little bit more of that

[@PedroDiMaggio-dk4lb]

Brilliant video. Well done. 👏👏

[@sarahj985]

So glad this vid randomly popped up in my YT! Been considering a move out West for a while, but never able to fully commit. Over the years I've questioned why I stay in the mid-west where winters are literally the most depressing thing ever. Things holding me back are cost and worrying about making friends since I'm in my early 40s. Plant-based eater as well so good to know there's some awesome eats out there 😄Thinking San Diego might be more my speed.. I'm more into laid-back outdoorsy stuff than Hollywood or getting caught up in that race. Guess I'll check out what San Diego's all about in your other vid😉

[@scottthomasen8978]

I have a friend who lived in San Diego the majority of his early 20s and 30s, then moved to San Antonio, Texas to be kind to his wife, who wanted to be closer to her family. He had 10 years of trying, but finally his wife saw how miserable he was and the entire family moved back to San Diego, and now the entire family is back to thriving. I say this as I hope it works well for you and have a feeling once you see how it is to live in the coastal environment you'll be hooked as well. Ps. As a native of Santa Cruz who did the same as my friend, and was nice to.... an ex now, in this case Denver, I understand how horrible the stuck inside winters are...especially when you know there is a better option. The lifestyle is so healthy and fantastic.

[@sarahj985]

@@scottthomasen8978 Thanks for the encouragement! I think health-wise, there are definitely benefits... mentally and physically. I see a lot of positives to living in a coastal environment. Still working towards the goal. One day I'll be having coffee on the beach with my pups 😄

[@juliet3827]

Thanks for this, Michael. Highly informative and inspirational. I appreciated your sensitivity towards the homeless and other stark social issues.

[@digerati808]

I like your explanations and opinions of the specific "feel" of your experiences in each area. It helps to paint a picture deeper than just the obvious facts of each destination.

[@bladtv6363]

You sir are a Northern California type of guy!

[@marinam9925]

Ugh I miss it 😢😢😢😢

[@charoms858]

He should move to Long Beach. He can walk to a coffee shop in Long Beach, and if he wants that Malibu feel, then he can go to Ranchos Palos Verdes.

[@rashaanholloway1760]

Wonderful Breakdown!! Agree 100% with pretty much everything you've said (relatable as a fellow introvert). I moved to LA in winter of 2019...so even though I've lived here for 3+ years now (had an internship back in 2018) - I've really come to realize the city isn't for me long term as well. Yet, I feel like I keep giving the city excuses for me to stay constantly saying "I still don't know LA." I only know Pandemic Era LA.

[@jyrrin]

I feel like you meant to move to San Diego, but accidentally moved to LA. I live in Temecula and when i think of visiting LA, i think of going to the theme parks, museums, conventions and checking out the food scene (basically the entertainment industry-type stuff). San Diego on the other hand i feel like i go to check out the trails, the bay (coronado), the parks and the beaches even - SD has traffic too but the beaches are just soo much more accessible compared to LA's. LA and SD both have the same stuff i know, but i visit both cities for different reasons and the reasons you mentioned for moving to LA (the outdoors, a community of outdoorsy types) I kinda feel like you'll find easier in SD. my two cents

[@tha92106]

LA native (Westchester and Westwood) who left in '84 and moved to San Diego (Point Loma). If you want a city vibe with outdoor beauty you can not do better (sorry La Jolla).

[@stasiaserge8075]

I really love this video, you hit a lot of good points without being negative about it ❤❤ thank you!

[@carlf.9035]

In most places it's how you see things and your perspective you can make any atmosphere your own and interesting if you focus more on the positives. While L.A has probably more cons what's unique about Ca in general is that you can experience a completely different city vibe, nature and lifestyle within relatively short time. From San Diego, to L.A, to New Port Beach, San Francisco etc.. they're all very dynamic and completely different than one another. California has something for every taste. If anything, L.A is not representative of all of California and that's the cool thing about this state. Nice channel.

[@sunandsage]

I was actually born and raised in that area but I left back in 1990. Honestly I was very glad to leave but I was curious about your take on the area so I watched your video. I found it very interesting. When it comes to a lack of parks and open space throughout the area, you are spot on. Because of all the traffic and long lights everywhere I found it really difficult to get anywhere. Your spot on with the traffic too. I found trying to get out of town to go someplace nice over the weekend became a nightmare because of the traffic. There is public transit there but as near as I can tell it is far from adequate, although it is difficult for public transit to serve areas that are extremely car Centric although not impossible. I'm not entirely in disagreement or agreement with you regarding the weather. Warm weather on Christmas never felt right to me. The weather is nice much of the year though. I also noticed towards the end of my time there that Summers were getting more hot and humid and it did not always cool off at night. As for the Homeless Problem, that's an issue that seems to be growing Nationwide and it is not specific to LA. I don't believe there are any easy solutions for that. You do have a good point about it being what you make of it but let's face it there are some things that one person might find tolerable in another person might find intolerable and vice versa. I hope you enjoy whatever time you end up spending there. Thanks again for the video.

[@1JimmyL]

We are totally looking at moving - or at least having a tiny house/small condo - To get move vibes and days - So far, Manhattan Beach and Huntington Beach have been the best for my lifestyle - Thank you for being factually with this video - Cant wait to see more

[@MasterRoss-sn7dl]

Those are beach towns.

[@dennisw.truman3325]

How much to live on the beach in a rv?

[@malibrary7053]

I really appreciate your perspective. I have friends who live in LA and I don’t think they represent the city well, at least not from my experience of many visits there. You seem more right on and even keeled. Subscribed

[@drc1989]

I was born and raised in LA. The glamour hype is mostly an illusion that outsiders look for. LA has so many ever changing facets to it that keeps you from getting bored. We're not a typical city with well defined limits, being spread out is fun. If you grow up in LA. It's so easy to make friends. Most people who come from outside spend so much time comparing LA to cities that we ate not and end up missing out on what is all around you. Relax and enjoy. ✌😎❤

[@IMeMineWho]

Agree totally.

[@etherealtb6021]

Yeah, no one talks about the "glamour" who grew up here. We talk about people who have more money than we have and how we'd love what they have, but not their "glamour". 🙄

[@bconni2]

the glamour is hype. the grit is real

[@alexconnor8961]

Is the beach nice?

[@drc1989]

@@alexconnor8961 The beaches are nice in the summer when it's hot. The water is cold, it's not like a tropical beach. The sunsets are spectacular, especially when it's lightly cloudy.

[@LizaLavolta]

I moved from NYC to Nashville. And now the dang Cali bug bit me when visiting. I skate so it draws me there for that reason. Everyone from Cali is moving here- and everyone from here is telling me not to go to Cali, but...I am having dreams about the coast at this point.

[@TheProfessional15]

Great video, California as a whole is a great place

[@MichaelMartello]

the besttt

[@rjhemedes]

Some tips from someone that has lived in LA/LA County for a long time. Regarding the change of seasons, I mark the seasons by which type tree/plant is blooming. Early winter is when the citrus and aloes bloom. Late winter - the pink trumpet trees are blooming. Late Spring to mid summer - it's all about the purple-blue Jacarandas. Late summer, it's the silk floss trees. I agree with you that the main reason I live in SoCal is the weather. There is no other region in the USA that has better weather/climate than coastal SoCal. For the glamorous and hidden gems, if you have not yet visited Palos Verdes peninsula which you already covered in one of your videis, it's similar to Malibu but with less tourists. For another great beach scene besides the strand area from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa. Naples Island in Long Beach is the best which you alreadycovered, but try visiting there during XMas time - its hands down the best holiday decorated neighborhood in LA County during Decembe. I'll take Naples over Venice or SaMo any day of the week. Regarding parking, the areas between SaMo to Downtown LA don't have much FREE parking, along with the beach cities due to high density living and tourists. But away from those areas, it's not difficult to find free and easy parking. Finally, if you want to find friends who enjoy hiking and the outdoors as much as you do, then join local MeetUp groups with that same shared interest/hobby. I can guarantee you will find friends rather quickly through MeetUp groups. That's what I did about 15 years ago and today, pretty much all my friends are those that I met through MeetUp. That being said, having lived in both LA, Orange County, Ventura County and visited San Diego countless times, I think the best SoCal city that has everything that I want is San Diego and the coastal beach cities of SD County. Santa Barbara is gorgeous but it's a very expensive town to live in.

[@avamasquerade]

Hawaii, you really can't get better weather in the US than in Hawaii. Though the pay is lower (and non-competitive) for all industries, some of which are beyond oversaturated... housing is more expensive than anywhere on the west coast...also, the cost of living, in general, is just absurd...the Healthcare industry sucks and everyone's grinding so dating is beyond rough, but hey! We got crystal clear azure blue waters if you can ever find time to go to the beach, also tropical flower petals literally line the sidewalks, and butterflies just fk around you like it's a gd Disney movie or something... after all of that, I can't believe it's still gonna break my heart to leave...

[@ivanThaOoze]

I’ve lived in LA all my life. And it is a MASSIVE city. Even I have not see all of it. Every part of the city is a bit different. You can live all your life and never see homeless people. and In other parts of it, you can see it every day. I think you need a lot more than a year to understand it better.

[@TheMadisonHang]

good point about where you put your money, paying for the nice weather we about to hit winter in minnesota, midwest were gonna get those artic winds.

[@Witchyrose2349]

Nothing wrong with a little bit of snow

[@nunyafawkingbiz]

I live in Washington state now and the weather is trash! I’ve been here almost 3 years now and I’m convinced now that it’s time to leave when my lease is up !

[@benly32]

Quality channel! Thanks for posting :D

[@MichaelMartello]

Thank you!

[@katrinasavage7105]

laguna is one of my favorite beaches it o.c beach . I was born in raised in California just swapped it for the east coast to the Massachusetts area .

[@Paigetayla13]

i turn 18 in half a year and am hoping to start my own life in LA (i grew up in Europe) so, if i get everything right ill be moving there on my own next year to study and hopefully fulfill my dreams :)

[@GreatLakesDrifta]

To me, the best city is Chicago; you have the transit oriented urban environment and variety of parks like NYC but there is also a beach culture there as well (of course nothing like LA but still decent) in the summer, also, its more affordable than NYC or LA. Also easier to “find your tribe” as people are more outgoing out there. Only big drawback is the weather, super brutal winters, probably worse than NY even. Crime can be an issue but is mostly isolated to certain areas of the city. But all that aside, I always wanted to move out to LA but life wound up taking me to Chicago instead and wound up really liking it. Not sure if you read these or not, but curious what your take is on San Fran.

[@MichaelMartello]

I haven’t been to SF enough to form an opinion! But I think I’m more of a SoCal guy. I do want to get to Chicago!

[@TheCastilloFam]

You're on point 👌🏾 Hey I specifically moved here to enjoy California's nature. I have a bucket list.

[@thetechlibrarian]

Hey, thanks for the video. I took time to watch the entire thing I didn’t think that I would.

[@dg8062]

I live up in Tacoma, Wa......30 miles south of seattle. The homeless situation is INSANE up here. Seattle is lost forever, that's not an exaggeration!

[@skylarstarks]

Thank you, this was helpful. to the point. I am moving out to south california. possibly LA. This gave a good idea of the vibe

[@andre1987eph]

I'm originally from Upstate NY and Massachusetts. Move to So Cal in 1989. L.A. since 1995. My best discovery by far is the Eastern Sierra town of Lone Pine, Alabama Hills, City of Independence tiny Dehy Park, and Horsehsoe Meadow - all a 4 hrs drive north of LA.. I get it you're still into the beach and sun phase. That gets old after 10 years. It takes a good 15 to 20 years to get used to the gridlock traffic.

[@everythinglife789]

I would think that someone moving from NY to LA would experience culture shock, mostly with the transportation & loneliness. Getting around NY without a car is so easy and saves A TON of time. Just leave your home and show up. I’m in NC & from here but LOVE NY. Love LA too but there’s no place like NY to visit. If there was a place that was NYC but with LA weather…utopia.

[@abualzuaree]

I also highly highly recommend LAGUNA beach. It's an incredible place to swim and walk and also drive around.

[@drewwho4512]

I've visited LA many times, tho I spent most of my time in Orange County. The area is so widespread, and driving can be a nightmare. With that said, the weather year round can't be beat. Great video!

[@curtatl]

I know that LA is deservedly known for driving and traffic. Much of it is small towns that grew together. Each had and still has a dense downtown and many are still very walkable and livable. They're the classic type where the stores line the street along sidewalks and strolling is fun. When I lived there I walked to restaurants, bars, grocery and shopping and lived only a 10 minute drive from the office. If i wanted a weekend adventure I could be at one of beaches or in the mountains or just walk and shop Melrose Ave or Old Town Pasadena. Very few places have so many choices

[@sterlingmarshel6299]

LA is one big strip mall with the same chain restaurants in every city. Some of the less wealthy areas are where you find culture and food. Thus this is fast disappearing as more areas are gentrified every day.

[@supertenor561]

you did an amazing job of really breaking things down. I can agree with many things you've mentioned.

[@philliplomeo6654]

I want to move to LA since I’m a singer and actor and I want to become this next big star. If I won the lottery, maybe I could consider the move.