WELCOME TO METROPOLITAN LOS ANGELES

Metro Los Angeles as well as all of Southern California are best known for the stunning climate, unrivaled access to higher education, growing economy, and distinctive lifestyle. A diverse region, economically, socially, and geographically, the communities within this area are thriving.

Newcomers to Southern California will find a pleasing blend of both scenery and climate. The coastal areas are known for Mediterranean temperatures and cooling ocean breezes while the inland high deserts enjoy an abundance of year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. Those who enjoy winter sports and seasonal snowfall can enjoy the region’s beautiful mountain resorts and alpine recreational amenities.

Economy

Considered as a whole, California encompasses 12 percent of the entire United States’ population. The state experienced a rapid growth in population after World War II from 9.6
million people in 1942 to 32 million people today. Residents benefit from a continuously flourishing economy. A strong job market and expansive range of small business opportunities continue to bring new residents to Southern California.

As a state, California accounts for 13 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product and is the 7th largest economic power in the world. The state generates more goods and services than all the other 12 pacific and mountain states combined. Also the nation’s leading agricultural state, California exports produce, flowers, and trees worldwide. California is now the nation’s leading dairy state as well as the producer of 92 percent of the nation’s wine.

With the economy’s strength stemming from diversity, the electronic, computer, and aerospace
industries are also booming. As the Number One travel destination in North America, Southern California generates millions of dollars in tourism. Perhaps its most famous asset, Los Angeles County is also home to Hollywood and its lucrative film industry. With numerous natural resources and burgeoning industries, the depth of Southern California’s economy offers superb opportunities for its residents.

Services

The population of Southern California has worked diligently and successfully to keep pace with the region’s continued growth and prosperity. California now boasts 4,000 miles of multilane freeways as well as 165,000 miles of state highways. With an eye on the future, Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, is dedicated to continually improving the region’s busy freeway systems and installing additional mass transit opportunities such as the highly successful Metrolink.

Healthcare amenities within Los Angeles County are also abundant. State-of-the-art hospitals and medical centers combine with specialty institutions, clinics, medical office complexes, and emergency care to meet every need. Skilled professionals in every discipline are always on hand with the finest in diagnostics, treatment, and health screenings.

Residents of Los Angeles County also benefit from some of the most prestigious and comprehensive educational facilities in the nation. Home to the largest community college system in the world, California offers its residents the advantage of convenient, affordable two-year
colleges close to home. With 23 campuses and 350,000 students, California State University educates more than half of all Californians seeking degrees; while the University of California’s nine campuses produce 41,000 graduates annually.

Students can also choose from dozens of private universities and colleges including the world-
renowned University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California, Pepperdine University, and the Claremont Colleges. The educational institutions throughout Southern California offer students elite academic programs and unique research opportunities in all disciplines.

Lifestyle

Boasting endless miles of sun-drenched coastline, Los Angeles County encourages an active lifestyle with opportunities for year-round swimming, sailing, water sports, boating, and sunbathing. From the famous 3.5 mile Santa Monica State Beach, the relaxed atmosphere of Newport Beach to the exquisite views of Sunset Beach, the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean are undoubtedly the region’s greatest natural asset. Diversity of terrain is another draw to Southern California.

The majority of the eastern portion of Southern California is comprised of thousands of acres of undisturbed, pristine desert. Truly a desert oasis, Palm Springs has become known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” as well as the “Playground of the Rich and Famous.” Other prospering communities where residents enjoy a desert resort lifestyle include Indio, Indian Wells, and Desert Hot Springs. This “High Desert” region of Southern California offers active residents and outdoor enthusiasts a multitude of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and equestrian activities as well as first rate golf and tennis amenities.

A short drive from the desert floor, residents will find the quiet mountain lake communities of Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, and Mammoth Lakes. Nestled in Southern California’s Angeles, San Bernardino, and Cleveland National Forests, these refreshing scenic villages are surrounded by towering mountain peaks and lush, pine forests. Residents and visitors to these four National

Forests delight in boating, fishing, camping, and hiking throughout the summer and enjoy skiing in the winter. The cool crystal waters of the mountain alpine lakes are a refreshing retreat in the warm summer months.

With Hollywood setting the pace for glitter and glamour, Los Angeles County is home to a number of California’s most affluent shopping districts, including the internationally famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Sprawling malls with spectacular atriums, skylights, and architectural embellishments blend with antique districts, factory outlet malls, and unique small-town districts filled with charming cafes and coffeehouses. Every category under “quality of life” has world-class representation in Los Angeles County, from museums and aquariums to theme parks,
cultural organizations, performing arts, leisure attractions, and recreational facilities.

Newcomers to Los Angeles County can choose from a wide selection of communities, environments, and lifestyles. Bustling centers of commerce, colorful urban neighborhoods, exclusive enclaves, master-planned communities, and pristine hillside properties overlooking the Pacific Ocean are just a few possibilities in Los Angeles County. Home options range from modest bungalows along quiet tree-lined streets to elegant mansions or magnificent multi-million dollar estates nestled in some of California’s most prestigious and
affluent communities.

Regardless of where you settle in Los Angeles County, the most remarkable discovery is likely to be your new neighbors. Within the welcoming communities, cities, and towns, that make up this region, you’ll find residents who are as “sunny” and energized as the famous Southern California climate. Dances, concerts, parties, competitive sports, private clubs, celebrations, outdoor recreation, and a whirlwind calendar of special events contribute to the prevailing youthful and vibrant attitude toward life. People of all ages are anxious to mingle and socialize with their friends and neighbors in an endless variety of activities. From dawn until dusk and beneath the
twinkling stars, California will always be the “Golden State.”