Consider Los AngelesWhy LA?
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LA is a great place to live; with perennial sunshine and a great energy – people are fuelled by a "can-do" attitude, it is the land of opportunity.
People live a great lifestyle here. I think this is mostly because of the weather and the location. It is true, it does rain, but only once in a while. When it does, it can be very dramatic, washing away the dust and dirt, leaving LA looking like a sparkling jewel. Even in the hot summer months, most evenings cool down. Remember it is a desert, even though it does not look like one. Drink water, and wear sunscreen!
The location is incredible and people live for the weekends; the skiing, the surfing, the barbecues and parties. It really is an outdoor way of life. From most parts of LA, within a two hour drive, you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon. I cannot think of any other place in the world that affords this luxury.
Most of the people you will meet are in the entertainment industry. Everyone is trying to make a success of themselves, and sometimes the camaraderie can be very energizing.
However, it is one of the hardest cities in the world in which to make your name professionally. You do not need any qualifications whatsoever. For example, many assistants and people working in company mail rooms are qualified lawyers.
Let's get the common complaints out of the way upfront! During the first year, you will question if it is everything you thought it would be and also what you have given up by coming here. Many people tell me it takes years to settle in. Similar to many big cities, it is a very transient place; therefore, finding friends can be difficult and keeping them even more difficult. With the high cost of living, if people "don't make it" here within a given amount of time, they readily choose to leave. As well, people who are beginning to progress on their chosen paths are sent on location, work odd hours and spend a significant amount of their "spare time" reading scripts.
For individuals moving from an urban environment, the dependence on a car, can be an adjustment, as well.
Many individuals have no sense of home or community living here. The city is one big sprawling suburb; you can drive for miles, and it all looks the same.