Moving from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA

So you’re thinking about moving from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA?

Los Angeles is known for being the land of palm trees, pretty people and entertainment. Beyond the stereotypes, the “City of Angels” is an international Mecca that includes a cross-section of cultures from all around the globe. This hodge-podge creates an atmosphere unlike any other in the world.

What makes Los Angeles, CA a better place to call home than Chicago, IL?

There are many reasons why you might prefer Los Angeles to Chicago, and the following questions and answers illustrate just why that is.

What is the weather like in Los Angeles?

The weather in Los Angeles is some of the most consistent in the United States. Unlike Chicago, which is aptly known as the “Windy City” and is also known for its harsh winters, comparatively mild temperatures prevail year round in L.A.

During the summer, you can enjoy warmer temperatures in the mid-80s, while the winter months rarely have highs that dip below the mid-60s. All of this with little to no humidity, too! Not only will you never have to start your car an hour before leaving the house ever again, but you’ll also save money on your wardrobe!

What are the demographics like in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles and Chicago are both large, extremely populous cities. L.A. is unique in that there are 500 square miles for its residents to inhabit. Pretty large! LA itself has a population of almost 4 million, and the metropolitan area has over 16 million. As one of the more culturally diverse cities in the nation, Los Angeles is home to many different ethnicities, with areas that specifically promote these subcultures like Koreatown and Chinatown. The majority of people are also between the ages 18 and 44, making Los Angeles a very youthful city.

How are the schools in Los Angeles?

When it comes to higher education, Los Angeles is home to two of the most popular universities in the nation: the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC). Due to the city’s intrinsic ties with the entertainment industry, L.A. also houses many specialized schools geared toward careers in motion pictures, such as the American Film Institute (AFI).

The Los Angeles Unified School District serves around 800,000 students, which includes 162 Magnet schools. In addition, the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts is maintained by Los Angeles County. There are many options in the realm of private schools, as well.

Will I be able to entertain myself in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is often referred to as “The Entertainment Capital of the World” and with very good reason. As the hub for the entire motion picture industry, residents can enjoy excursions to the Universal Studios theme park and also tour other film and television sites like Warner Bros. Studios.

Disneyland and Six Flags are also a short drive from the city. There are many options for those who enjoy live music, including the world famous outdoor amphitheater, The Hollywood Bowl. The Hollywood District of Los Angeles offers such popular locations as the TCL Chinese Theatre (formally Grauman’s), which includes the hand and footprints of movie stars young and old in its forecourt, and also the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For those looking for relaxing recreation, nearby Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu offer long stretches of sandy beaches. Hiking is a popular activity among residents of the city with many trails offered by Runyon Canyon State Park. Griffith State Park offers a hiking trail, too, along with an observatory that includes awe-inspiring views of the city. Another aesthetic attraction is the Getty Museum.

What is Los Angeles’ economy like?

There are a variety of different economic opportunities found within Los Angeles. Beyond the film industry, other creative industries such as recording and fashion/apparel are largely based within the city. Technology, aerospace, international trade, petroleum and tourism are popular careers with residents, as well. Six different Fortune 500 companies are located within Los Angeles, and businesses like The Cheesecake Factory and Capitol Group are also based in LA. Among the top employers are USC, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Farmers Insurance Group and Fox Entertainment Group.

In 2010, the gross metropolitan product was $735.7 billion, which ranks L.A. as the third largest economic center in the world after Tokyo, Japan, and New York City.

Welcome to sunny Los Angeles, CA!

The move to Los Angeles from Chicago is a radical one, but one that reaps many benefits for those looking for much more consistent weather patterns and an unlimited supply of entertainment and economic opportunities. Welcome to beautiful, exciting, and sunny Los Angeles: your new home!

Looking for a moving company for this cross country move? U-Pack is known for easy, affordable moving. We have service centers near both cities, so we can help! Get a free moving quote to compare rates.