As someone who now lives in LA(downtown for 2 years), I completely understand what you’re saying about traffic and convenience. What looks “close” on a map can easily turn into a 1.5-2 hour commitment each way, and that definitely affects how people plan.
From the provider side, there are a few things at play. Many of us base ourselves where we already have demand, established clientele, or a setup that works well (incall space, safety, routine, etc.). Even within Southern California, there’s actually a lot of competition, so sometimes it makes more sense to go where we’re specifically requested rather than just “closer” geographically.
That said, I personally have been primarily incall/private for quite a while, but I’m now starting to do mini tours throughout different parts of SoCal for exactly the reason you mentioned-making myself accessible to people who may not be able to deal with LA traffic or travel into my area. I offer something pretty niche, so it’s important to me that people who are genuinely interested have a reasonable opportunity to see me without that barrier.
Also, it never hurts to ask. If there’s someone you’re interested in, you can always inquire if they’d consider hosting closer to you. If the timing works and the booking is secured (especially with a deposit), many providers are open to accommodating within reason.
At the end of the day, it’s usually less about avoiding LA specifically and more about logistics, demand, and making sure the time and travel make sense on both sides.