I have been living in LA for about a year now and here are 6 things I wish I knew before moving:
1.Road Rage is real.
As if the traffic isn't enough in LA to make your blood boil, the battle to switch lanes on the freeway is sure to make your day.
TIP: Do NOT use your turning signals when switching lanes on the freeway. But isn't that illegal? Well if you do, your fellow driver in the next lane will quickly speed up to stop you from getting over. There is no love (well, not enough love) on these LA streets. You have been warned.
2.'Ticketed & Towed' is more than just a sign.
Not only is parking limited almost everywhere in LA, but it seems as if the parking signs were made just to confuse you. Whenever you park you need to read EVERY LINE on the parking sign, then walk up and down the same block to make sure there are not any other signs that contradict the first one you read. Failure to do this will surely result in your vehicle being ticketed and towed.
TIP: Turn on your alarm on your phone every time you walk away from a meter to keep track of time. Tickets can start at $70.00 and they may double or even triple every time they are not paid on time. You have been warned.
3."Don't let the bed bugs bite" is an understatement.
This is the first city I have lived in that had a bed bug epidemic. Bed bugs are far worse than cockroaches. If you don't know what they are - they spread like roaches but live in or around your bed and bite you while you're sleeping. They live off your blood and can go without feeding for months. If you see one trust me, there are more just waiting to welcome you to the city.
TIP: Protect yourself and your bed by purchasing a bed bug preventative mattress cover. If you are visiting, keep your luggage and purse closed and zipped at all times. You have been warned.
4.It is NOT expensive.
I moved here from Seattle (which is VERY expensive for no rainy reason), but I've also lived in both Houston and Atlanta. By far the only thing expensive about LA is rent BUT this doesn't mean you can't find great steals and deals. Aside from living expenses, EVERYTHING else you need can be a bargain. Whether it's the 99 cent store for the mere basics, to finding wholesale furniture stores, or even shopping at Trader Joes for food - all options are available here and most are reasonably priced.
5.People are humble here.
I keep hearing this and I am sure you've heard "watch out" for the fakeness. While there is no doubt that there are many shallow and fake people here, there are also kind and beautiful souls around to mellow things out. I am surprised to have met so many down to earth men and women here that strive to make a difference not just in LA but in the world. Based on the Law of Attraction, I could just be attracting those who are most similar to me. Don't believe the hype. LA has its share of both real and fake. It all depends on what you are searching for.
TIP: You attract who are or what you believe about others. Bring your best and expect to experience the best.
6.There are events galore!
There is something here for everyone. Whether you want to hit up a late-night club or want to join an elite social club, there are places that have been created just for you by people just like you. Better yet, here are people here waiting for you to get the urge to "find something to do" so you can truly experience all LA has to offer.
TIP: Use Eventbrite.com to find things happening here. Whether it's a summit, seminar, networking or expose', Eventbrite as well as Meetup.com can help you navigate and explore.
Guess what?
2016 is almost here and the best way to kick off the year is to attend the official, "20 Beautiful Women" VIP weekend. It will be hosted here in February by yours truly-aka ME! If you want more info on how you (and your friends) can attend, go to: www.20beautifulwomen.com/event