Frequently Asked Questions about Los Angeles
Are some neighbourhoods too dangerous to live near?
Yes, some neighbourhoods are truly dangerous with sky-high crime rates. These are located mainly in parts of East and South LA and although lower property rates make them tempting they should be avoided, especially with a family.
Do I need a car?
Yes, probably more than in any other city. Distances between districts of the city are long and a bad public transport system can take hours for longer commutes. People in LA are infamous for driving even short distances. A metro rail and subway are both in use but do not go to all districts.
Do I need to know Spanish?
White non-Hispanic and Hispanic populations are almost equally represented in population. There are many neighbourhoods that are primarily Spanish speaking. Overall though, it is not necessary to speak Spanish, but it can be a big help and a good way for expats to meet new people.
How bad is the commute?
Commutes really depend on the time of day and where one is going. Rush hour traffic can be absurd and it's a good idea to leave for work before 7am, afterwhich the traffic is heavy until noon. Then it becomes heavy again in the afternoon until 7pm. Going across the city can take well over an hour but the average commute time is more like half an hour each way.
Yes, some neighbourhoods are truly dangerous with sky-high crime rates. These are located mainly in parts of East and South LA and although lower property rates make them tempting they should be avoided, especially with a family.
Do I need a car?
Yes, probably more than in any other city. Distances between districts of the city are long and a bad public transport system can take hours for longer commutes. People in LA are infamous for driving even short distances. A metro rail and subway are both in use but do not go to all districts.
Do I need to know Spanish?
White non-Hispanic and Hispanic populations are almost equally represented in population. There are many neighbourhoods that are primarily Spanish speaking. Overall though, it is not necessary to speak Spanish, but it can be a big help and a good way for expats to meet new people.
How bad is the commute?
Commutes really depend on the time of day and where one is going. Rush hour traffic can be absurd and it's a good idea to leave for work before 7am, afterwhich the traffic is heavy until noon. Then it becomes heavy again in the afternoon until 7pm. Going across the city can take well over an hour but the average commute time is more like half an hour each way.
