Moving to Los Angeles – Guide

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Moving to Los Angeles: The City at Glance

Los Angeles is ample. The city covers approximately a 500-sq.mi. area. This city offers everything, from swimming and surfing at the sunny beach to skiing in the mountains and camping in the desert. A short drive can get you to some of the most beautiful outdoors and sceneries in the world. With a population of around 4 million, Los Angeles is considered as a diverse city in a cultural aspect. About 40% of LA's population is foreign born, coming from all across Latin America, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Europe. LA is the biggest city in California and takes the second place in the US biggest cities chart, after the New York City. L.A.’s main areas are Downtown, East LA, Northeast LA, South LA, Harbor Area, Greater Hollywood, Wilshire, the Westside, San Fernando Valley and Crescenta Valley. The Los Angeles County coastline is going from Malibu to Long Beach and is 75 miles long.

Economy

The creative industries in Los Angeles are the leading player in the regional economy. Creative businesses generate more than 640,000 jobs and over $200 billion in sales revenue. There are more artists, writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers and musicians living and working in LA than in any other US city. With more than 1,000 annual theatrical productions and more than 800 museums and art galleries, arts and culture are the leading driver of the regional economy and contribute to the cutting-edge quality of life that can be found in this city. LA County is home to approximately 11,000 establishments that serve the entertainment industry. Los Angeles also accommodates worldwide-famous design, architecture, and advertising companies, and is one of the most esteemed centers of the fashion industry all over the world. Some of the creative business leaders in the City of Los Angeles are Universal Studios, Gehry Partners, Smashbox Studios, & Marmol Radziner.

Cost of Living and Housing

In 2011 Los Angeles had a per capita personal income of $42,564 and ranked 19th in the state and was 98 percent of the state average ($43,647) and 102 percent of the national average ($41,560). The 2011 LA per capita personal income indicates an increase of 3.8 percent from 2010. (Source: The Bureau of Economic Analysis)

The average home price in Los Angeles estimates around $ 388,000. Some of the most expensive neighborhoods are Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood and Beverly Glen – home prices start above $1,000 000 dollars. One the other hand, you can find a home for about $200 000 in East and Southeast Los Angeles. Surely, you can find a decent rental about $1250 for a 1-bedroom apartment in the affordable neighborhoods.

L.A.'s sales and use tax rate is 9 %, effective January 1, 2013.

Moving to Los Angeles - Movers

Moving companies in California are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. If you are moving to L.A. locally, within the state, check whether the movers have the proper license at the California PUC website.

Moving to Los Angeles interstate needs a lot more time and efforts. First check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration whether movers are legitimate, and whether they maintain a clear safety profile.

Do not let be scammed by a rogue moving company. Research, read some reviews and testimonials on the company, check for affiliations with moving associations like the American Moving and Storage Association, and look for the company's rating at the Better Business Bureau. Ask for at least five written, binding estimates before choosing a moving company. Estimates over phone and email aren't as accurate as on-site estimates. Ask for a company representative to come and inspect your home. Do not rush for the lowest quote, rogue moving companies usually give significantly low estimates in order to get the job, but at the end you might come with more money to pay.

Moving to Los Angeles – Costs

Factors that define the final moving cost are weight/cubic feet of the household items, time of the job, additional services provided. Many movers provide packing materials and packing labor, and storage service along with the moving service. Other fees might include hoisting and shuttle service, long carry or stairs fee. You should ask your moving company for price rates for these services. These are not usually included in the estimate.

Moving a 2-bedroom apartment from San Francisco to Los Angeles might cost on average $3600-$4000, moving from Chicago to L.A. would cost around $5100, and moving from Austin, TX to L.A. estimates for about $4500-$5000. And, if you are considering East Cast to West Coast move, from New York to Los Angeles you can expect prices from $5000-$6800.

Mind that price rates vary regarding the time of the job. Spring and summer are busy. The same applies for end of the month and weekends. Busy schedules mean higher prices of the moving service. So if you can put off for the off-peak season.

Author:

Manuella Irwin is a moving professional. She is one of the esteemed contributors at MyMovingReviews.com blog.

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