A Budget-Friendly Alternative to Living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles attracts many individuals and families. If you think about what you can do and experience there, it’s easy to see why. There are so many landmarks, and there’s Hollywood as well. If breaking into the movies or TV appeals, you may feel like there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.
However, maybe you like the idea of the nice weather in California, but you’re not married to any particular aspect of what Los Angeles offers. The rents there are quite outrageous, and you might feel like you can’t quite afford it at the moment. If so, then you can live very close to LA, but often find a cheaper place to live. You can do that by moving to Anaheim instead. New homes in Anaheim frequently do not cost anywhere near what they do in Los Angeles. That might be a determining factor as you are deciding where in California to establish yourself. Let’s explore Anaheim in a little more detail…
Los Angeles is Very Close to Anaheim
One thing you should know about Anaheim is that it’s closer to LA than many people realize. Maybe you feel like the main reason you’re moving to this part of the country is the movie industry, and you still want to be able to get to auditions in the LA area. You can absolutely live in Anaheim and still visit LA several times a week if you feel that’s necessary for your career. The drive between the two usually takes less than an hour. It takes 38 minutes if there’s very little traffic, though of course that’s always a wild card you have to factor into your decision.
There’s a Major Difference in Rent
Let’s say you want to live in this part of California, but when you look at the rents in LA, you realize there’s no possible way you can swing it, even if you move in with roommates. There’s no question that Anaheim becomes more of a possibility for you then. The latest numbers put average rent in Anaheim at $474 less than the average in Los Angeles. That adds up quickly. If you look at it through the spectrum of a year’s worth of rent, that’s a difference of more than $5,600 between the two.
There’s Still Plenty to Do in Anaheim
You should also know that if you decide to put down roots in Anaheim, you’ll find there is plenty there to keep you entertained. For instance, you can go see the Angels play. They have not won a World Series in more than two decades, but they have one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country. You can snag a hot dog and a beer and watch the team try to contend in the American League West.
There are plenty of music venues in Anaheim, including the Grove of Anaheim, the Honda Center, and the Regent Theater. There are frequent professional wrestling shows there. You can play golf at Dad Miller Golf Ranch and Tustin Ranch Golf Club. You might check out the Adventure Lagoon if you want a waterpark that lets you cool down in the summer. Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark is another popular favorite. These might not have the prestige as some of the Disney properties, but they’re still a lot of fun for you and your family.
You Can Still Get to the Beach
If you like the idea of living in Los Angeles because of the easy access to several beaches, Anaheim has you covered there as well. While there are no actual beaches in Anaheim, you will still be very close to some. Probably the best-known and most beloved beach close to Anaheim is Huntington Beach. This is a place where you can dip your toes in the water, but that’s far from the only attraction. There is a boardwalk with many stores where you can buy shirts and sandals. You can get a tattoo there. Some of the artists are world famous.
Newport Beach is a great place to spend some time as well. There, you will find the Balboa Fun Zone. You can spend time on the ferris wheel and get some funnel cake. You can also rent a boat and go out for a pleasure cruise on the water. Many times, you will spot aquatic life. You can rent some fishing gear and try your luck as well. Some of the fish in this part of the world are enormous, and you might catch one that’s worthy of a place of honor on your wall.
The Job Market is Thriving
Fun and adventure abound in Anaheim, but what if you’re looking for a job to support your lifestyle there? You will be pleased to learn that the city is doing fine if you’re looking for gainful employment. There are plenty of jobs in food service and entertainment. If you want a higher-paying job, though, you may want to think about getting into manufacturing. Anaheim has several facilities that produce chemicals, guidance and navigation systems, electrical equipment, and machinery of various kinds. Many of the jobs associated with these production and assembly lines pay very well.
It’s not easy work, but it can certainly support you if you’re trying to raise a family in this part of the country. You might also think about getting into the healthcare niche. Anaheim features several hospitals and clinics that serve the local community. If you get into this profession, then you’ll help people in addition to making good money. Kaiser Permanente is perhaps the best-known hospital, but Saint Joseph Health System is also a great one with many skilled doctors. You might also become a home caregiver if you like the idea of helping older or disabled individuals.
Anaheim just might be the answer if you’re thinking about moving to this part of the country, but Los Angeles seems a bit too expensive.