Los Angeles
There are numerous nicknames for Los Angeles, just as there are various vibes within this sprawling city. Between rugged mountains and sandy shorelines, a laid-back surf culture and a high-powered commercial district, and food trucks and some of the world’s top-rated restaurants, Los Angeles features diversity in every aspect possible. Somehow, all the pieces of this city fit together seamlessly, making Los Angeles the unique destination we know and love. From Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills to Hollywood and Chinatown, there is the perfect neighborhood for everyone in Los Angeles. From celebrity sightings to unbeatable shopping destinations, Los Angeles is hard to beat. Enjoy a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park, or Topanga State Park, enjoy the famous entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, see the stars along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, or stop into the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Your options are endless for entertainment, dining, and shopping in Los Angeles. And don’t forget about the easy access to international travel through the expansive Los Angeles International Airport. Though Los Angeles is famous for its film industry, it’s also well-known for its amazing beaches like Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, El Matador Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach. After a day of surfing and swimming, catch a sporting event or a live show at LA Live, housing the Microsoft Theatre, the STAPLES Center, the Grammy Museum, and a variety of restaurants and nightclubs. Outside of entertainment, Los Angeles houses numerous prestigious colleges and universities, from the University of California, Los Angeles to the University of Southern California.
Long Beach
Situated in Southern California on the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean, Long Beach is a renowned coastal community nicknamed the Aquatic Capital of America. This city’s ten-mile stretch of beaches, one of the world’s largest shipping ports, and an array of water-related amenities make it one of the most highly sought-after coastal destinations nationwide. Long Beach is home to the Aquarium of the Pacific, featuring a range of waterfront interactive exhibits – a perfect activity for the family. The Queen Mary is a historic ship turned attraction, venue, and hotel docked in Long Beach Harbor. Residents and visitors alike enjoy boating, swimming, and watching movie screenings on the beach, in addition to attending the annual Long Beach Sea Festival. Aside from Long Beach’s welcoming community and popular seaside attractions, this city also boasts a prominent arts and culture scene, featuring the Museum of Latin American Arts, the Long Beach Museum of Art, and the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum. The Art Theatre Long Beach screens indie films, the Long Beach Airport features mosaic artwork, and the city’s monthly Art Walk allows residents to gallery hop while enjoying local eats and live music. While Long Beach rent runs high compared to the national average, it is significantly cheaper than living in Los Angeles proper. Average rent sits at $2,517/month, making this neighborhood a more affordable location for renters looking to settle down in the city.
Gardena
Roughly thirty minutes due south of downtown LA, Gardena sits in a perfect location for residents to access the best of Southern California’s beaches and urban landscape. The local economy is varied, with the city’s biggest employers representing the healthcare, casino, food supply, and manufacturing industries. The residential portions of the city are mainly divided into quiet suburban neighborhoods, with rental houses and apartments available to fit any budget. The city is distinguished by a major Japanese influence, visible in everything from gardens to architecture to the abundance of Japanese cuisine throughout the community. With Redondo Beach just twenty minutes away by car, a day by the ocean is at your fingertips anytime.
