Before You Head West

Living in Los Angeles is simultaneously exciting and magical. Having the entertainment industry located just a few blocks away and living with year-round resort weather has been wonderful. However--and you knew that was coming--there are some things that most locals don't typically divulge. Here is a list of the top four things you should know before you head west.

1. The California Written Driving Test is impossible. Do most people pass this on the first or second try? Seriously, unless you just graduated from driver's ed you wouldn't know the answer to minutiae such as it not being legal to smoke a cigarette in a car with anyone under the age of 18 present.

2. Everyone claims to be cool and relaxed. But this city is home to the strongest of work horses. Don't even think of complaining about long hours--it's expected around these parts.

3. Ample parking is a term used to describe organized city planning, not Los Angeles. There is no such thing as free parking--or convenient parking for that matter. No wonder people zip around on scooters!

4. California is home to the best coffee in the US--Peet's Coffee. It's a local fave and Starbucks is soooo commercial.

A Wiseman Once Said . . . LA may have its impurities but right now it's the perfect home.