WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES COUNTY!
Los Angeles County 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.
