This southern bell is moving to southern California!!! I will be leaving this beautiful city of Atlanta, to come where the sun always shines.... i am thrilled about moving, but need some insight on must-see aattractions, of course the greatest info is on food,  and also any recommendations on places to avoid... etc. Anyhow, would love some feedback from ladies and gents.

Southern California is an... interesting... place and I've lived here my whole life. Traffic is terrible. Air quality isn't that good. I don't know if LA is #1 in anything (except maybe smog), but no matter what kind of hobby or interests you have, there is something for you: museums, theater, film, art, food, beaches, mountains, etc. You should probably do all the tourist-y stuff on off seasons. You should probably have your own car (unless you're okay being confined to a certain area), because public transportation is not that great. Lots of places to avoid, depends on your affinity for bad neighborhoods haha. Every city has some bad parts (and some cities are all bad parts).

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Anything specific you're looking for information on?

I suggest anywhere you like in the 310 area code. Keep me posted.

I favor the outdoors...a concert with fireworks at the Bowl....a visit to Yosemite or Death valley with your jaw dropping at a view...a clear day up in the Hollywood Hills...location wise west LA (405/ & 10) is probably most central but almost perpetual freeway traffic as well

I am in raining London! However, I just wanted to say I am so jealous and.... good for you! I wish you luck and hope all works out beyond expectations for you

Trading Hurricanes for Earthquakes.  Good choice in my opinion.  Welcome to L.A.

I'd agree, generally.

I'd also add that since moving here, I make more money than I did in my last city. Problem is, I spend a lot more, too - and not on fun stuff, just day-to-day necessities. Rent is higher (for a smaller place!), gas is higher, food is higher, going out to lunch costs more....you get the point. It's known as a 'sunshine tax' because you pay a premium to live here in the form of a higher cost of living.  

You'll find people tend to stay in local areas. I know people who've never ventured east of the 405 (who does that?), others who won't go west (seriously?). As someone in, say, Burbank, to drive to Pasadena, and they'll say, "oh, I don't know. That's far." It sounds silly right up until the first time you spend an hour sitting in traffic to go a MILE. Seriously - get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it'll be you.

But I love it here, despite all that, and I'd never go back.  

Welcome to L.A.!

END OF MESSAGE

best nightlife in the city.  where else can you sing, drink, dance, or eat korean bbq 4 am or get blended frappe coffee at 3 am

LA is great but the parking blows here!! When I first moved to Hollywood my car got towed twice and ticket countless times lol Best advice is check the sigss everywhere you park! LA is great Welcome xoxo

You should stop over in Phoenix on your way to LA...

Welcome to LA. I don't know much about the OC , newport area, but you could decide
if you wanted to move to the OC instead or later, or ask on the board there.
there are pockets of lower rent areas: Burbank, Oxnard/Channel Islands(cheapest rentals near the beach), Camarillo, maybe Castaic/Valencia areas. of course probably avoid Inglewood, downtown, compton, etc.
If you don't mind higher rents, some glamorous areas to rent are right in the BH area,
Santa Monica, west or north Hollywood. There are also apts around just outside the BH area.  
Nice quieter area around the Marina Del Rey area. Food is pretty good in most of the Westside.
If you choose the valley, near Ventura blvd. closer to Studio city is a decent central area with the
405 or 101 leading into the westside areas mentioned.
Also with your access to the provider-only board, there are probably other providers who can help out.
Some of them use the same apt complexes or team share etc

Here's to a new adventure for you. :~}

Thanks doll... can't wait to enjoy that beautiful sunshine.