T's Guide to Moving to Los Angeles

by tdawg4eva
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November 03, 2008

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Moving to LaLaLand? I totally just did that! Here's what your favorite former New Yorker has learned so far...

Drive!

So, we all hear about those occasional odd ducks who don’t have a car in LA. Odd, you say? Crazy is more like it! Los Angeles is not only a big city, it is a massive area! Its borders are spread out like vegan mayonnaise on sprouted wheat bread (Check out M Cafe for tasty vegan snacks!) and getting from the western beaches of Santa Monica to the eastern edge in Pasadena takes a good amount of time, not including traffic. Speaking of…yes, traffic sucks. But no more so than the hefty price of a cab ride to cart around your license-less bod. Sure, there’s a public transportation system that includes both subways and buses, but time in transit fluctuates. And, honestly, when Target is in West Hollywood and IKEA is in Burbank, how are you going to tote your new-apartment goodies home?

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Explore!

One of the greatest parts of a move is the introductory exploration. You’re not a tourist, but you’re not quite a native, so don’t force the relationship with your new homeland. Is there a place you’ve always wanted to go in LA but have never seen? I think everybody should go to Grauman’s Chinese Theater in the beginning. It’s a little bit Old Hollywood, and a little bit crowded, and totally, completely touristy, so you’ll never go if you don’t go now. So go now! Got any great friends who already know some really cool places to see? My friends took me on a hike up to Griffith Observatory when I first came to LA, and the view was incredible. See a something in your new neighborhood that piques your interest? Check it out! One of the first places I went to on my own was Babbaloo in Santa Monica. BEST PIE EVER. Seriously.

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Grauman's Chinese Theatre

6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

The Grauman's Chinese Theatre hosts more gala Hollywood premiers than any other venue, and is famed for its forecourt with its footprints of Hollywood's most famous stars. Built in 1927, the theatre draws thousand of visitors every day, and hosted the Academy Awards during the 1940s. Located on the n... more »

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Settle!

Ah. You’re home. So make it your own. One of the best pieces of advice I got was from a former teacher, who said the key to success in Los Angeles is to build a good home with a great community of friends to support you. Don’t use your cardboard boxes as furniture. Get a bed. (I know you like your bargain air-mattress, but it’s a cheap option that will result in back pain and then you’ll end up at a doctor, who will then charge you a bunch of money. Get a bed, dude.) Hang up some pictures. Spend $5 and get some flowers. Make friends with your neighborhood barista. Whatever. Welcome home!

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Hollywood Sign

6342 Mulholland Highway, Hollywood, CA 90068

The Hollywood sign, constructed of nine 50-foot tall letters, is one of America's most celebrated monuments. Located at the top of Mt. Perch, the sign is best viewed on a clear day from anywhere within the Hollywood basin. Originally constructed as an advertisement in 1920, the sign has become a symb... more »