When you first think of Los Angeles, Hollywood may come to mind. After that, images of surf and sunsets at the beach are likely a close second. Los Angeles is home to 75 miles of beaches, and they are some of the most beautiful in the world. If you’re planning on moving to the beach in L.A., there are a few things you need to consider first. Stocking up on sunscreen and flip-flops aren’t going to be your only concern when moving to the beach.
Table of Contents
What Can I Expect When Moving to the Beach in Los Angeles?What Can I Expect When Moving to the Beach in Los Angeles?
There are a lot of things you should understand before searching for your perfect beach home. The first is that your money won’t stretch as far as if you’re on or near the beach. Most affordable homes, with some exceptions, are going to be condominiums. To get that wide open view, you’re going to sacrifice some square footage. Some neighborhoods are more expensive than others, but if you’re moving to an L.A. beach, then your home is likely going to be smaller than neighborhoods more inland.
Besides having a smaller space, you can also expect to pay a little more when it comes to maintenance. Every home is going to need maintenance at some point, but beach conditions can make those tasks come more quickly. Salt, sand, and humidity all can wear down your home, leading to more upkeep than a traditional home.
When you visit the beach, take a look around; you’ll usually see tons of people. The beach is home to many, but it’s also a destination for sunseekers, tourists, and locals. This is especially true in the summertime when the beach population swells considerably. Luckily, the winter months will bring cooler weather. Even though it’s only around 60 degrees on average, that’s cool enough to keep a lot of people at bay. That gives locals like you a chance to enjoy the scenic view and all the attractions without the crowds.
Santa Monica and Venice BeachSanta Monica and Venice Beach
If you’re young or just young at heart, you may want to take a look at Santa Monica, or it’s slightly grungier neighbor to the south, Venice Beach. The iconic Santa Monica Pier is an ever-present sight at one of the most iconic beaches in California. It’s stylish, busy, and beautiful with lots of restaurants and shops. Venice is just as populated, but the shops skew a bit quirkier; there’s always something to see in Venice. Move to Venice Beach just for the people watching and the still-present counterculture vibe.
South BaySouth Bay
Whether it’s Redondo, Hermosa, or Manhattan Beach, you can find just about every lifestyle in South Bay. With easy access to LAX, it’s also perfect for relaxing in the sun or leaving on a jet plane. Hermosa is South Bay’s answer to Venice with a young, vibrant, and offbeat crowd. Redondo and Manhattan Beach has a more mature, laidback aesthetic.
Long BeachLong Beach
Located between the city of Los Angeles and Orange County, Long Beach is a place all its own. If you want to be close to L.A. but feel like you’re a world away, then Long Beach may be the coastal city for you. Its southerly location makes it more difficult to get to the rest of Los Angeles, but with so many eclectic neighborhoods nearby, why would you ever want to leave?
MalibuMalibu
Sandwiched between miles of national parks and the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. An enclave for celebrities, Malibu has six stunning beaches. While not best for commuters, it’s a dream for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Beach living certainly comes at a cost, but your pace will slow as you learn to enjoy everything the sand and surf has to offer. With dozens of beaches in Los Angeles, you can be sure there is a perfect sunset out there waiting for you.
