By: Tom White
As a born and bred New Yorker, I love the city as much as the next person, but if I can be honest for a second, Los Angeles looks incredibly appealing in my eyes. Before you permanently ban me from NYC and call me names, hear me out. I attended college in L.A. and have spent considerable time roaming its undeniable charm. New York City is an entirely different ballgame. I am digging the vibe, the scene, and the ambiance offered in the City of Angels, particularly the downtown area. I’ve considered relocating and have a compelling list of reasons why I think it might be time to head cross-country, possibly permanently.
Cost of Living
NYC living is expensive, especially when it comes to housing. Yes, Los Angeles’s cost of living is also high, but it’s generally more affordable than Manhattan and offers diverse neighborhoods and housing types that are often much larger than what you’d find in NYC for similar or even lower prices. Salary.com reports that Los Angeles is approximately 22% less expensive than New York City. I’m down to enjoy similar experiences with more money in my pocket and explore the diversity found in L.A. neighborhoods.
Irresistible Weather
With a mild Mediterranean climate and an average of 263 days of sunshine per year, Los Angeles has close-to-perfect weather year-round. Imagine waking up to clear blue skies and sunshine, and you can imagine life in DTLA. I appreciate nature, exploration, and enjoying all that it offers. A move to Los Angeles would allow me to get out and enjoy life to the fullest without worrying about the slush of ice and snow, gloomy days, and bitterly cold temps NYC is known for.
More Calm and Relaxed Than NYC
New York living is fast-paced, with constant hustle and bustle. There is rarely time to slow down in the big city. New Yorkers take the subway and walk to most of their destinations. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is often slower-paced, more relaxed, and calm. People drive cars and take time to enjoy their surroundings and simple pleasures like relaxing in the park with a good book. A calmer scenery could potentially improve my mental well-being. It sure would be nice to decompress and destress!
Awesome Arts & Culture
I know, I know. New York City is known as the cultural capital of the world, and I won’t deny there are awesome museums, galleries, artists, and street art throughout the city. But L.A. is quickly catching up and has vibrant exhibitions, stunning concert halls, and an art scene that’s beginning to rival the Big Apple. I am a fan of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and The Broad and would love to explore them more. I applaud L.A. residents for supporting emerging local artists through street artwork displays and hope to make acquaintance with some of the artistic landscape that has emerged since my last visit in 2019.
The Food
New York is known for its large slices of ooey-gooey cheesy pizza and certainly has diverse cuisine options. However, L.A. is a melting pot of cultures and offers food diversity that is hard to match in many other cities across America. I’ve tried street tacos, vegan cafes, food trucks, $300-per-plate high-end eateries, and mom-and-pop shops, and I look forward to indulging in even more cultural cuisines. Los Angeles is the perfect place to expand your palate.
Celebrity Sightings
Living in Los Angeles means I might run into an A-list celebrity at any moment, and I am down for those types of run-ins. I’ve never bumped into anyone famous so far, but a girl can hope. I’ve heard plenty of stories about running into actors, musicians, and other celebs at the supermarket. The odds of encountering a big-name celebrity in L.A. at some point seem pretty good, especially if you’re in the city for any length of time.
The Entertainment Industry
I love the idea of connecting with big names in Hollywood to collaborate on podcasts, films, and other production events as I chase my dreams of fame and fortune in the industry. New York doesn’t offer quite the same networking opportunities that might help get your foot in the door. I’d love to see what happens cross-country, where creative minds gather and often appreciate collaborations.
Fashionable People
NYC unquestionably has some of the world’s most well-polished, tailored, fashionable residents ready for the runway the very second they step out of bed. Los Angeles, on the other hand, has a more laid-back fashion sense and allows more freedom and flexibility in trends and styles. I look forward to the day when I can put on an outfit that makes me feel comfortable without feeling like I am out of place.
Los Angeles Nightlife
There’s no place like Los Angeles for diverse nightlife. There’s a place to suit every personality and mood, whether you’re bar hopping, looking for a hip-hop nightclub, or prefer a laid-back atmosphere like at a sports bar.
Are There Downsides of Living in Los Angeles?
No city is perfect. There will always be downsides wherever you live, including in Los Angeles. As eager as I am to drive and own a car, the heavy traffic in L.A. concerns me. I dread rush-hour traffic and hour-long drives.
Wildfires and other natural disasters happen more frequently in L.A. As a New Yorker, I am not accustomed to their fury. Sure, we deal with snow and ice, heavy rain, and cold weather, but those pale in comparison to the ordeal Californians endure.
Should I Stay or Should I Go, Now?
I am torn between New York and Los Angeles and have many considerations ahead of me. NYC has always been home, but change can do us good. They say the grass always seems greener on the other side, and I would hate to relocate only to realize I truly love New York more. Overall, Los Angeles is an amazing place to call home, and I can see myself as a resident in the future.
Published by Zane L.
