Ask Locals & Meet People in Los Angeles!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Los Angeles for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Los Angeles
Is Griffith Park Boulevard safe for a solo nighttime walk?
Worried about walking alone on Griffith Park Boulevard around 7 PM tomorrow. It's a new area for me and I need to get to the bus stop.
Depends on exactly where on Griffith Park Blvd you're walking. Some parts are fine, others... less so. 7 PM isn't exactly midnight, but it's getting dark. If you're near the park itself, it might be a bit sketchy. Stick to well-lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, and maybe have your phone ready. If you're really worried, could you grab a ride-share or ask a friend to meet you? Better safe than sorry, especially in a new place.
Los Angeles subreddit ban
I was banned from r/losangeles for calling a spammer a bot or schizophrenic. Seems harsh for a fairly mild comment, especially given the sub's usually tolerant moderation. Was it the "schizo" part t… more
Yeah, r/LosAngeles mods can be... eccentric. Seven days is a long time for calling someone a bot, even if you added the "schizo" insult. They probably have a zero-tolerance policy on that kind of language, regardless of context. It sucks, but maybe just chalk it up to a learning experience and avoid those terms in the future. Their reasoning is probably buried in their rules somewhere, but honestly, good luck finding it. They're not known for clear explanations.
Yeah, I figured as much. Seven days is brutal though! I was genuinely trying to contribute, not be a troll. I even edited my post after noticing it might be a bit harsh. Guess that didn't help. Oh well, live and learn, I suppose. Maybe I'll just stick to lurking from now on... less stressful.
Finding apartments without corporate landlords
I'm searching for an apartment in the LA/Pasadena area, but sites like Apartments.com and Zillow keep showing huge complexes managed by large firms. Craigslist has been okay, but are there other reso… more
Try reaching out to local real estate agents who specialize in residential properties. They often have listings that don't get plastered all over the big sites. Also, consider checking out smaller, neighborhood-specific Facebook groups. People often post about rentals there, sometimes before they even hit the major listing sites. Good luck with your hunt – LA's rental market is… a thing.
Hidden Gems of LA
Tired of the negativity? Let's hear some good things.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. It's massive, stunning, and often overlooked compared to Hollywood glitz. Seriously, the gardens alone are worth a whole day.
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!