LIFE IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles is a diverse city which offers a myriad of cultural and recreational opportunities, as well as a wide variety of culinary experiences and night life. While many people know LA for the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, this is only a small part of the LA experience. Below are some popular activities that Angelinos and more specifically USC residents enjoy:
Outdoor activities & sporting events
The beaches from Santa Monica to Malibu boast world-class surfing, beach volleyball, and biking. Biking and hiking trails are everywhere, especially Griffith Park and Runyon canyon. The San Gabriel mountain range is home to 3 ski resorts, superb rock climbing and dramatic waterfalls - all within an hour’s drive from the hospital. The sports lover will find plenty to enjoy in Los Angeles, as the city is home to every major sport and college rivalry (Fight On Trojans!).
Cultural activities & Museums
Los Angeles has every imaginable cultural opportunity. The LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest museum in the western United States and offers innovative rotating exhibits in addition to their impressive permanent collection. The Getty Museum on the west side offers historic breathtaking architecture and gardens in addition to fine art. Downtown you’ll find the new Broad Museum and the Artwalk, a monthly event with a plethora of art related events, activities and openings. Hollywood features such storied theaters as the Pantages, where you can catch major Broadway shows on tour. The LA Philharmonic performs downtown at the Walt Disney Concert hall in addition to the open air Hollywood Bowl during the summer months. The famous Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theater in Los Feliz offer an impressive line-up of musical performances that will take your breath away. The Staples Center and the Nokia Theater offer yet another chance to view major concerts and performances.
restaurants & food
For those who are looking for a culinary adventure, LA is home to hundreds of top rated restaurants as well as a diverse array of food trucks. Ethnic foods abound giving ample opportunity to sample new cuisines and find some favorites. Farmer’s markets are also very popular, where one can sample local products and produce.
Places to Live
Los Feliz/Silverlake/Echo Park: These three neighbors are situated in east LA 10-15 minutes away from the hospital and are a popular place for residents to live. Most of the apartments are in small buildings or double units. The price range is quite variable, though most are considered mid range expensive. The neighborhoods are considered "hipster" by many Angelinos and are home to trendy bohemian restaurants and bars. There are many parks and reservoirs for outdoor activities which are very pet friendly.
Westside: Santa Monica/Venice/Westwood: Many of our residents enjoy the beach and live on the westside of Los Angeles closer to the water. This area is considered more expensive than neighborhoods on the eastside but deals can still be found. The commute to the hospital is 30 minutes without traffic but can be longer during rush hour. That being said, many residents enjoy living in a beachside community and say the commute is manageable. There are a wide variety of restaurants and cultural activities that residents enjoy, including a large surfing community, the Boardwalk and Abbott Kinney Street in Venice and Main St and the Promenade in Santa Monica.
Pasadena: Many residents also live in Pasadena, which is situated at the end of the historic 110 freeway about 20 minutes from the hospital. This city is home to many great school districts and residents with families tend to choose Pasadena for their home. That being said, it is a larger city with many restaurants and bars in Old town Pasadena. Most apartments are mid range expensive and are usually in very nice buildings. Many of the streets are quite beautiful and are perfect for running or walking.
Highland park/Monterey Hills: This is a popular spot for medical students and residents alike. It is 10 minutes away from the hospital and is considered an in-expensive option. Monterey hills is a community situated on the top of a large beautiful hill. The streets are lined with trees and flowers. Many people walk around with their pets and children every night to savor the beauty. Most of the apartments buildings are large and the units within are very large as well. Highland park is at the bottom of the hill and is considered an up and coming trendy neighborhood with many new restaurants.
Alhambra: Alhambra is considered by many Angelinos to have the finest Asian cuisine in the city. It too is a less expensive option and is 20 minutes from the hospital. Many residents enjoy living here and state that it has a small town feel next to a big city. Residents frequently go here for meals together to sample amazing dim sum and ramen cuisine.
Downtown: The vibrant downtown area of Los Angeles, located just three miles minutes away from the Keck School of Medicine and the LAC+USC Medical Center, is home to several diverse, ethnic and cultural communities. One can experience the cafes and restaurants of Chinatown or Little Tokyo, explore the streets of Little Armenia or India Town, or feel the energy of the Mexican marketplace at the city's birthplace, Olvera Street. The nightlife in Los Angeles offers something for any age or any mood. The Music Center is home to numerous plays, musicals and related events, while hot spots like the rooftop bar at the Standard Hotel and Club Soho guarantee a full night of entertainment. For those who are simply looking for a pleasant dining experience, downtown boasts a cuisine that spans from the elegance of the Water Grill, known for its first-rate seafood, to the Latin-jazz inspired energy of Ciudad. The ongoing renovation and innovation of downtown Los Angeles has resulted in a flood of residential development. Bunker Hill and the Wilshire Center (located near the heart of Downtown) offers a truly urban mix of retail, dining and entertainment, as well as plenty of residential opportunities.
