In November 2021, I moved to sunny La La Land from the Bay. That is to say; I moved from Oakland to Los Angeles. While both cities reside in California, they couldn’t be more different.

First and foremost, Oakland is as big as one neighborhood in Los Angeles. I already knew this tidbit before my relocation. I’ve been to Los Angeles plenty of times and knew the Hollywood city sprawled for miles and miles.

But nothing prepares you for how large this city is then when you foolishly leave your home at 4:45 pm for a simple run to Target and somehow have to sit in street traffic, not freeway traffic, for 45 minutes. Because this city is large, there are plenty of people.

This leads me to my second difference. Los Angeles always has something going on, such as access to theme parks, countless themed film festivals, and simple outdoor activities. You can find your rhythm within this city—no need to force yourself into experiences that don’t suit you.

The third difference was valet. I have never paid for parking as much as I have in this city! Even the smallest parking lots in the oddest parts of town have a valet stand. It makes sense to keep the parking flow as manageable as possible. But the costs add up like three dollars here, five dollars there. So, my advice is to keep plenty of cash on hand because most places haven’t managed to automate or offer credit card payments.

The final observation I made was that Los Angeles is really a city of “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover.” It’s an old city built in a desert. You’ll visually consume shabby shopping centers, with their eclectic mix of the 1920s and 1970s architecture and a distinctly drab vibe. But once you enter, you’ll be warmly surprised by the interior decor. You can find a lively Mexican restaurant, a pink and white ice cream shop, or a modern café. These gems are everywhere.

For now, Los Angeles is my home, and I couldn’t be happier.