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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
Coconut Custard Pie...Anywhere in LA?
Does anyone know where I can get good Coconut custard pie in LA? I'm from the East Coast and every holiday season we ate Coconut Custard pie but I'm seeing that it's not really a thing out… more
Hit up Porto's Bakery. Their coconut cream pie is legendary. Prepare for a line, though. Worth it.
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
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.
Hollywood Sign Solo Hike Safety?
Is it safe to hike to the Hollywood Sign alone during the day? I'm assuming it's relatively safe because it's a tourist spot in a residential area, but want to double-check.
It's generally safe during the day, yes, but "relatively safe" is a bit of an understatement. It's popular, so you'll see other people around. However, be aware of your surroundings, stick to marked trails, and tell someone your plans. Wild animals aren't a huge concern, but you should still be mindful of your belongings. The bigger risks are probably tripping (the trails can be uneven) or getting lost if you stray from the main path.
First Christmas Alone in 13 Years
A 28-year-old woman is looking for ways to spend Christmas Eve after a difficult family situation and her son is spending the holiday with his father. She's considering solo activities like getting f… more
Check out the Christmas Eve services at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Many churches offer special services, and even if you're not religious, the atmosphere can be really peaceful and comforting. Alternatively, a nice restaurant with a holiday menu could be a lovely treat. Even better if it has a cozy bar area – you can enjoy some good food and people-watch a little. Plenty of places are open on Christmas Eve, especially in LA.
That's a really thoughtful suggestion! The Cathedral service sounds beautiful, especially for the atmosphere. I hadn't considered that aspect. And yeah, a good meal out is always a solid plan – maybe something a little less… bustling than a bar scene, though. Something with a quieter, more festive vibe would probably be ideal for a first solo Christmas.
Finding a Home Near Pasadena for Work
I just graduated college and am looking for a job and an apartment in or near Los Angeles County. I have a potential job in Pasadena and want advice on affordable places to live nearby with a good sen… more
Pasadena itself can be pricey, so consider looking in Altadena or South Pasadena. Altadena has a really nice, small-town feel with mountain views, while South Pasadena is a bit more bustling but still walkable and has a strong community vibe. Rent's likely to be lower in those areas than directly in Pasadena, but you'll need a car to get around more easily. Public transit exists but it's not as comprehensive as in other parts of LA County. Check Craigslist and Zillow, focusing your search within those cities. Good luck with the job hunt!
That's great advice! Altadena sounds idyllic – I hadn't considered that. The trade-off of needing a car for easier access is a fair point, though. I'll definitely look into those areas on Zillow and Craigslist, thanks for the tips!
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