You’re living in one of the best places in the state, according to U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Places to Live in California in 2022-2023”. Los Angeles was named the 6th best place to live in California, following Santa Barbara at #5 with San Francisco coming in at #2, and San Jose taking the top spot.
It’s true, any Angeleno could rant about the endless traffic, puzzling parking signs, and $25 smoothies, but at the end of the day, this city has an undeniable charm—and now there are numbers to back it up.
The methodology weighed five indexes to evaluate each city: job market strength (20%), housing affordability/value (25%), quality of life (32.5%), desirability (17.5%), and net migration (5%). Los Angeles received an overall score of 5.7, scoring high for desirability (8.7). It also received a decent score of 6.5 for quality of life thanks to its gorgeous weather, lush parks, canyons, coastal beaches, rugged mountains, and a neighboring desert. It also had a fair rating for its job market strength, scoring 5.4.
The Golden State is the most populous state in the country. See why so many people call California home. https://t.co/Htu5mTIgBj
— U.S. News & World Report (@usnews) May 21, 2022
However, when it comes to value, L.A. didn’t fare so well, with a score of 3.1. The cost of housing is close to double the national average, and it’s only trending upwards. In fact, it earned itself the top spot in the publication “Most Expensive Places To Live” list, which has fuelled the homelessness crisis. So while Tinseltown is characterized by glamour, it’s not uncommon to own a sports car and rent a room in a four-room place.
To make up for its shortcomings, the city is home to a diverse community filled with hope, free spirits and relentless ambition. It also offers unparalleled culture with top cinemas, museums, and a world-class music scene.
Overall, you’ve chosen to live in a city that offers fresh ocean air and soak up a summer that seems to last forever while immersing yourself in an art and entertainment hotspot. If you need more convincing, may we remind you that L.A. is also where you can find some of the best tacos?