It's easy to see why the City of Angels is never at a loss for new residents. If you work in a creative field - or are looking to break into one - Los Angeles can be a fantastic place to build a career. Furthermore, as the show business capital of the world, L.A. is a prime destination for aspiring writers, actors and directors. However, despite being a one-of-a-kind city, Los Angeles isn't exactly the most affordable place to live. While there are pricier cities in the U.S., recent transplants are liable to be hit with a case of sticker shock after arriving in Southland. Budget-conscious new arrivals looking for effective ways to save money in L.A. can benefit from the following pointers.
Invest in a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Many big cities in the U.S. are known for their robust public transit systems. For example, New York City's subway system can get you virtually anywhere in the city in a timely and efficient manner. While Los Angeles does have a number of solid public transportation options, the layout of the city isn't exactly public transit-friendly. Whereas other sprawling metropolises are designed with trains, buses and foot traffic in mind, L.A. is primarily designed for cars. Although it is possible to get around the city without a vehicle, doing so is likely to prove incredibly inconvenient and time-consuming. The further away your home is from your place of business and favorite haunts, the more necessary vehicle ownership becomes.
If you accept that a car is an essential item for most L.A. residents, your next task will be finding a vehicle that's cost-effective and fuel-efficient. While price and safety should factor prominently into your decision making, you should also take your individual needs into account. If you're simply looking for something to get you to and from work, there's no sense in spending money on extra features that are unrelated to safety or fuel-efficiency.
Live Close to Work
There are numerous benefits to living close to your place of business, particularly if you hail from the City of Angels. Considering how many residents own vehicles, there's little wonder as to why L.A. traffic is famously terrible and difficult to navigate. In fact, a 2017 study revealed that Los Angeles is home to the worst traffic congestion in the world. Since traffic in the city is reliably awful, most people have no choice but to give themselves enormous windows of time when departing for their daily commutes. This generally entails rising at a very early hour and leaving one's home well before the workday begins.
In fairness, a lot of Angelinos don't have a choice in the matter. Depending on where your place of business is located, affordable housing may be unavailable. Furthermore, if you already own a home in a certain area, simply packing up and moving may not be an option. Still, if the option is available, you'd be wise to take it. So, when looking for a place, keep an eye out for options in the vicinity of your workplace.
Take Advantage of Outside Storage Solutions
Unless they have a substantial amount in savings or a high-paying job lined up, most new arrivals will find themselves with limited housing options in L.A. This isn't to say they'll be living in squalor, but the most spacious accommodations are likely to be out of their reach. While some transplants are perfectly content with compact living arrangements, people moving to Los Angeles with a sizable number of possessions may not be as open to the idea.
If you fit into the latter category, consider looking into outside storage solutions. A good storage locker is affordable on virtually any budget and will provide you with a secure place to store a variety of items. If storage Los Angeles is what you're after, you'll find no shortage of convenient options at your disposal.
As any longtime Southland resident can attest, there are many advantages to living in the City of Angels. In addition to agreeable weather, copious career opportunities in creative fields and fascinating local sights, Los Angeles is home to the bulk of the country's entertainment industry. While L.A. is truly an amazing place to call home, it's far from the cheapest city in which to settle down. New arrivals looking to make their money go a long way should put the previously discussed tips to good use.
