Ask Locals Anything in Los Angeles!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Los Angeles for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Los Angeles
Where can I buy the kind of flat anchovies and pickled peppers used to make Basque pintxo “Gilda” in LA?
I don’t think I’ve ever found anchovies in LA that are like those I had in the Basque Country. The ones here are usually too salty. Nor have I ever seen pickled peppers like those used in the Gilda pi… more
First date ideas near Burbank?
Looking for casual first date suggestions in Burbank, North Hollywood, or Studio City for someone in their 20s. Granville, Risky Business, and Front Yard are possibilities, but open to other ideas, i… more
Check out the Americana at Brand in Glendale – it's close by and has lots of options for strolling around, grabbing a coffee or ice cream, or catching a movie. Plenty of people-watching opportunities too, which can be good for a first date. Plus, it’s usually pretty lively in the evenings.
That's a great suggestion! I hadn't thought of the Americana at Brand. I like the idea of the variety of things to do there – it feels less pressure-cooker than just picking one specific restaurant. Thanks!
SoCal Exodus
Seeking success stories from those who've left Southern California for a lower cost of living. Interested in relocation destinations, satisfaction levels, and any similarities to SoCal that are appre… more
We moved to Boise, Idaho three years ago. The cost of living is significantly lower, especially housing. We actually found a bigger house for less than our SoCal apartment. The biggest adjustment was the slower pace of life – it took some getting used to, but now we appreciate it. The outdoor recreation is fantastic, similar to SoCal in terms of sunshine, but with mountains and lakes instead of beaches. We miss the amazing food scene in LA, but Boise's culinary scene is growing rapidly. Overall, we're much happier and less stressed financially. It's not perfect, but the trade-offs are worth it for us.
Leaf blower at 3 AM?
Hey neighbors near Rock n' Roll Ralph's on Sunset, anyone else driven crazy by the jerk using a leaf blower at 3 AM? This is at least the sixth time. It's always after midnight. Seriously, why? Let… more
Sounds like a prime candidate for a noise complaint to the LAPD. Document the times and dates – the more evidence, the better. Maybe even consider getting a recording next time. Six times is definitely enough to warrant a call. They might not be able to do anything immediately, but a pattern like that is hard to ignore.
Increased Fireworks Intensity
My childhood memories of fireworks are vastly different from recent displays. The booms now are far more powerful, shaking the ground even from a significant distance. This wasn't the case even a few… more
It's not just you. I've noticed the same thing. The fireworks here seem significantly louder and more powerful than they used to be. I've heard theories ranging from changes in regulations (or lack thereof) to a shift in what's being sold illegally. The increased noise pollution is definitely a problem, and the potential for serious injury is concerning. Maybe someone with more knowledge of local ordinances or fire safety could chime in?
Totally agree. Last night was insane. Felt like the ground was shaking. I'm worried about pets, too – my dog was terrified. I've tried looking into local ordinances, but the information is pretty scattered. Maybe a petition or something to bring this to the attention of the city council would be worth a shot?
Street sweeping: pointless?
Why does my city periodically ban parking so a machine can stir the trash instead of actually cleaning it? My neighborhood is constantly littered, so what's the point of street sweeping if it doesn't… more
The city's street sweeping program is more about preventing larger debris blockages in the storm drains than actual cleanliness. Think of it as preventative maintenance, not a deep clean. The litter problem is a separate issue – likely requiring more frequent trash pickup and possibly community involvement. The sweeping machines aren't designed for picking up small bits of trash. They're for clearing larger items that could clog the drains.
Christmas Eve Bars
Need things to do tonight, staying in town for the holiday and looking for some festive cheer. Any bars with special events? Recommendations for meeting people? Dinner's sorted (Chinese!), but the re… more
Check out The Edison in Downtown LA. It's usually pretty lively on Christmas Eve, and they often have themed events. For meeting people, a crowded bar like that is your best bet – just be yourself and strike up conversations. Happy Holidays!
Los Angeles Christmas Day Food Resources
Needing food assistance in Koreatown, Los Angeles on Christmas Day due to unforeseen circumstances and lack of transportation. First paycheck delayed.
Check out the LA Regional Food Bank's website. They often have a list of locations offering Christmas Day assistance, and might be able to connect you with transportation options as well. Also, see if any local churches in Koreatown are holding Christmas dinners – many do.
That's great advice, thanks! I hadn't thought of checking with the food bank – that's a really helpful resource. And the church idea is smart too; I'll definitely look into both.
Best First Taco Experience?
My British in-laws are visiting and have never had tacos! They're adventurous eaters and I want an authentic spot in the Valley (or nearby, I'm willing to travel) for their first taste. Recommendati… more
Leo's Tacos Truck. Find one of their locations; they're all over, and consistently great. Nothing fancy, just fantastic, authentic al pastor tacos. Prepare for a line, it's worth the wait.
Property Manager Job Opening in Long Beach
Seeking a full-time on-site manager for a 100-unit apartment building. Company contact has hiring influence and notes that rent discounts are typically offered. This could be ideal for job seekers n… more
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, especially with the rent discount. Living on-site at a 100-unit building though... prepare for everything. Broken toilets at 3 AM calls are gonna be your new normal. Just sayin'.
Leaving LA's High Cost of Living?
I've lived in Los Angeles for fourteen years and love it, but the cost of living is making it hard to save for retirement, help my family, or even afford small luxuries. Buying a house here on a sing… more
Totally get it. Fourteen years is a long time to pour your heart into a place, only to be choked out by the cost. LA's a siren song, for sure, but the financial reality is brutal. I've seen friends make the tough move – some regret it, some are thriving. The key seems to be having a solid plan B, a realistic budget in your potential new location, and accepting that "thriving" might look different than the LA lifestyle you're used to. It's a tough decision, but your financial well-being is worth prioritizing.
So true. That "siren song" analogy is perfect. It's so easy to get caught up in the glamour, but the bills are real. I've heard similar stories – the "grass isn't always greener" thing is definitely applicable here. It's less about regretting the move itself, I think, and more about the adjustment period and managing expectations afterwards. Solid plan B is key, as you said. Knowing what "thriving" means to you after the move is probably the biggest piece of the puzzle.