Moving to LA After College: Which City Should New Grads Choose?

Whoever said college was the best time of your life never tried moving to LA after college and its neighboring cities. What do you do next after you’ve finished your final and walked proudly across the stage? Why not start a new life in an amazing destination where you can walk down the shores of beautiful beaches? Life after college is all about location, first and foremost. If you’re looking for direction, look to the City of Angels. It brings a divine selection of cities, all appealing to recent college graduates in different ways. Whether you’re relocating from within the city or outside, our LA movers, Good Neighbors Moving Company, will be happy to help you. We’ll get you packed, loaded, transported, and set up in whichever city. Your only task is to choose the city that suits you, And we will help you with that with our ultimate guide.

Reasons for moving to LA

There are a million answers to the common question about what to do after college. What do you want for this next chapter in life? The obvious answer is a great career. Some people also want to make new friends. Others want to test their resolve to be independent in a big city. Some want to relax on the beach to reward themselves for four years of diligent study, while others just seek a fresh change of scenery. Whatever you’re in search of when you’re moving after college, you’re sure to find it in one of these popular LA locations:

1. Santa Monica
2. Downtown Los Angeles
3. West Hollywood
4. La Brea
5. Los Feliz
6. Playa Del Ray
7. Venice
8. Bel Air
9. Arcadia
10. Glendale

Before you hire Los Angeles County movers, let’s explore these cities.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is one of the first stops for tourists who visit LA, thanks to its many tourist attractions. Now, imagine living here, and seeing these sights any time you want. If excitement is high on your list of things to look for in life after college, say hello to Santa Monica. According to Livability.com, Santa Monica is one of the best in the nation for post-college job hunts. There are many reasons why. First off, there are many employers right here in the city offering a variety of career options, especially in fields like:

• Education: If you are moving with kids, choose from Edison Language Academy, Franklin Elementary School, Grant Elementary School, John Muir, Elementary School, McKinley Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Will Rogers Learning Community, and  SMASH Alternative School.
• Technology: It sector is expanding, so it is easy to find a suitable job here. If you’re a young professional who already has a business and you want to move it here, our commercial movers in Los Angeles have you covered. We can move facilities of all sizes while keeping your inventory and equipment safe throughout the trip.
• Healthcare: Santa Monica Healthcare Venter provides comprehensive health options.
• Young population: Most people who live in Santa Monica are young, up-and-coming professionals who have the same goals as you do: to mingle and network. You’ve got access to eclectic restaurants, bars, boutiques, and art galleries, so you’ll never get bored living here.
• Walkability: While housing may be a bit pricey, you could be able to get around if you’re moving without a car. This city is very pedestrian-friendly, encouraging exploration for all.

Downtown Los Angeles

On the other side of the city, you’ll find Downtown Los Angeles – another hotspot for recent college graduates. There’s plenty to do, like exploring the various museums, restaurants, open-air markets, trendy bars, and fun events. This neighborhood has a busy metropolitan feel, as it’s teeming with international corporations and Fortune 500 companies, as well as chain stores, small mom-and-pop shops, and art galleries. If you’re a recent grad looking for a career in fashion, finance, art, government, or hospitality, this is the place to be. Downtown LA has an extensive public transit system plus excellent walkable infrastructure on every corner, so it’s another area that welcomes those who are moving after college and don’t have a car. Thus, hire local movers Los Angeles has and move to Downtown Los Angeles in no time.

West Hollywood

Even if you’re moving to LA and know nothing about it, you’ve heard of this iconic area. Right near the heart of Los Angeles, West Hollywood is vibrant, eclectic, and colorful – best known for its festive events, unique eateries, colorful sidewalks, and green spaces. Plus, you’re only a short jaunt from the many bars that line Santa Monica Boulevard and the Sunset Strip. Check out bands at fun locations like:

• The Roxy
• Whisky a Go Go
• The Rainbow

WeHo (West Hollywood) is perfect for the college student who is ready for life after college but still retains that fun-loving spirit. In spite of being so densely populated, this area also has a good overall safety rating.

Don’t miss out on La Brea when moving to Los Angeles

This is a more laid-back and low-key neighborhood compared with the ones above. The tranquil vibes are complemented by an ideal location, allowing you to walk to essentials like grocery stores and restaurants. You can also walk to The Grove, La Brea Tar Pits, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. If you have to commute to work, rest easy knowing you can get to the busiest parts of the city in under a half hour, whether you work in Inglewood, Hollywood, Koreatown, or Sawtelle. If you were one of those students who focused better in a quiet environment, this area may be for you.

Regarding the cost of living, for one person, the total expense, including rent, is $3,072, while for a family of four, it’s $6,352. Without rent, an individual spends around $906, and a family of four spends $3,084. Rent and utilities cost $2,166 for one person and $3,268 for a family. Food expenses are $680 for one and $1,769 for a family. Transportation costs are $61.4 and $165, respectively. The average monthly salary after tax is $5,060. Brea’s quality of life score is 73, and the population is approximately 47.3K. Thus, if this is the place for you, hire the finest movers Brea CA has.

Los Feliz

Continuing with the trend of peaceful places when moving to Los Angeles, with proximity to bustling metropolises, Los Feliz offers a suburban and urban vibe all at the same time. This quaint community brings the best of both worlds and has many other perks, such as:

• Beautiful tree-lined streets
• Affordable bungalows and Spanish-style homes
• Close proximity to Griffith Park
• Many great restaurants, bars, and shops

The commute to Downtown LA is just a 15-minute drive, or you could take the Metro Red Line in just minutes. If you were someone who liked to hit up the fun college parties but also liked to be able to head to your dorm for some privacy when you had your fill of fun, check out Los Feliz. Have you found the perfect home, condo, bungalow, or apartment in Los Feliz? We can move you into any space in a timely and efficient manner. Our residential movers in Los Angeles will take care of all your belongings and handle all aspects of the moving process.

Playa Del Ray

Perched on the Pacific Coast, the community of Playa Del Rey is home to beautiful beaches and a thriving economy. You can start your day with a jog on the shore or start a new career path here. It’s the perfect spot to ride the waves and climb the corporate ladder. The heart of bustling Silicon Beach is the place to live to snag a high-salary tech job at a startup or established corporation like Google or Microsoft. When you’re not working or if you’re in the mood to experience the water without surfing, go sailing at Marina Del Rey. If you need a break from the water altogether, take to the skies – you’re never too far from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), so it’s a convenient location if you have to go on frequent business trips or want to visit family back home.

Check Venice when moving to LA after college

College grads come in all ages and from all walks of life. No matter how many years you’ve lived or how many you spent in college, you can feel young at heart by moving to Venice. This area is famous for its dynamic lifestyle. It’s known for its bohemian spirit, beach culture, and vibrant art scene, making it an attractive destination for young, creative minds. Some of the best features include:

• Beautiful beaches for swimming, surfing, or relaxing
• Boardwalks for jogging, cycling, and skating
• Cultural events for promoting fun and social activism

Venice is another spot that has a thriving startup and tech scene, providing plenty of opportunities for recent graduates to jumpstart their careers. You can also find jobs in entertainment, media, fashion, and design. Could it be the perfect place to design a future in your first glimpse of life after college? If so, hire long distance movers Los Angeles offers, and move to Venice.

Bel Air

Last but not least, if you’re thinking about what to do after college and where to go, consider having our Los Angeles movers relocate you to Bel Air. This affluent neighborhood is known for its luxurious homes, breathtaking views, and prestigious reputation. For a recent college graduate, Bel Air may provide job opportunities that bring the best out of you and serene landscapes that help you escape the rush and enjoy the moment. There are upscale restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, art festivals, musical events, and more. Bel Air is also home to many influential individuals, making it a great location for networking and building professional relationships. If you see anyone famous, tell them our team said hello!

Consider Arcadia when moving to LA area after college

Arcadia offers a cost-effective lifestyle for recent graduates. Monthly living costs are around $2,717 for one person, which includes rent and essentials. For a family of four, this increases to $6,131. Food expenses are about $568 per month, while transport costs are minimal at around $58. With an average monthly salary of $5,473, Arcadia provides a stable income-to-expense balance, making it attractive for new graduates seeking financial stability and professional growth in the Los Angeles area.

Regarding job options, Arcadia offers a balanced living environment for new graduates, with a variety of job opportunities and a reasonable cost of living compared to other parts of the Los Angeles area. Major industries include healthcare, education, and retail, with roles available in hospitals, local schools, and administrative services. Many full-time positions support the community’s need for quality education and healthcare. Thus, if you want to move here, hire moving companies Arcadia CA offers and move with no stress.

Glendale is also a good option

Glendale, a neighboring city to Los Angeles, offers strong job opportunities, particularly for new graduates in industries like healthcare, entertainment, education, and retail. Major employers include DreamWorks Animation, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, and Glendale Community College, making it an appealing spot for those interested in diverse career paths.

Living in Glendale can be expensive, with costs averaging $3,553 per month for one person. Rent tends to be high, reflecting the city’s proximity to LA, but Glendale offers a mix of suburban comforts and city amenities. It’s known for being a safe city with access to numerous parks, shopping centers like the Glendale Galleria, and popular dining spots. The lifestyle, job opportunities, and proximity to LA make Glendale a solid option for recent graduates looking to live in the LA area while maintaining access to suburban benefits. So, don’t hesitate, hire movers in Glendale and move like a pro,

Moving to LA  after college is Easy with Good Neighbors

We can list plenty of good neighborhoods for you to choose from when you’re moving to LA to experience life after college – but what about your actual neighbors? Though we can’t really control that, we can tell you that the Good Neighbors Moving team is your relocation partner when you’re moving after college. Imagine combining the friendly vibes of your best pals next door with the best credentials you could ask for in Los Angeles movers. We offer services like:

• Residential moving
• Commercial moving
• Local moving
• White glove moving
• Packing services
• Storage services

Contact us and move instantly

Whether you’re moving a home or business, we have you covered. We can pack up anything, including those sensitive items that require extra attention. We even have spare space if you need to declutter, offload some items temporarily, or have us move your items in separate trips. Our talented Los Angeles movers are:

• Fully licensed
• Fully insured
• Rated very highly
• Open seven days a week

As you close the chapter on your college years and move onto the next phase of your life, trust our moving company to help you transition smoothly and seamlessly. Just as college provides you with the tools and knowledge to embark on your future, our moving company provides the expertise and support to ensure your belongings are safely and efficiently transported to your new destination. If you’re moving to LA after college, contact us for a free estimate – we wrote the book on good moving, and we’ll give you an A+ experience every time.

References:

A Guide to Santa Monica’s School System | William Passavia. (n.d.). Wgphomes.com. https://wgphomes.com/blog/a-guide-to-santa-monicas-school-system

Brea, CA: Cost of Living, Salaries, Prices for Rent & food. (2020, July 27). Livingcost. https://livingcost.org/cost/united-states/ca/brea