Los Angeles is one of the most crowded and confusing cities to navigate. If you move from a small town to the largest metropolitan area on the West Coast, you are going to need some help. Thats where I come in!

Being a native Angeleno, I have explored every corner of this fascinating region. From the snow-tipped San Gabriel Mountains to cracked and potholed streets of downtown, this landscape will take the breath out of any soul who visits.

This guide will help the curious reader voyage through the concrete jungle of L.A. with geographical tips and lifestyle suggestions all while enjoying the golden rays of the California sun. Some of these tips can save your sanity while others can save your life!

1. Los Angeles is bigger than you think.

With the Greater Los Angeles Area encompassing over 33,000 square miles and harboring over 18 million inhabitants, L.A. is the largest metropolitan region in the entire the United States (take that New York!). With hundreds of cities blanketed into the urban sprawl, it is easy to get confused on where you are.

Before considering a move or even a visit to L.A., research each area and its attractions. Some areas are very desirable such as Santa Monica, with its endless boardwalk and fascinating pier. Other areas such as the city of Vernon, which is the industrial meatpacking and metalworking capital of the region, are not so enticing. Getting to know the layout of the region is the first step to gaining comfortable knowledge of where to move. Coastal cities are the most sought after and expensive places to live in, while inland areas are cheaper but less desirable.

2. Get to know the freeway system.

The Southern California Freeway System is the lifeblood to any explorer, resident or car enthusiast. Created in the 1950s, this vast network of highways connects all the major cities and attractions to each other. Due to Los Angeles being a car-dominated culture, an efficient public transportation system has not been adopted. There is an underground subway system that only services specific areas, but there really is no escape from the infamous L.A. traffic. That is why Los Angeles has won the award for worst traffic in the entire United States!

To minimize extreme stress and fear, it is best to map out your journey through L.A. in advance. This will help prevent you from entering the wrong freeway or missing your exit. It is also crucial to avoid driving on the freeway during morning and evening rush hours (6-9 a.m., 3-7 p.m.) unless you desire waiting in stop and go traffic for all eternity. It is also critical to leave an hour early in case of an emergency event on the freeway, which can be shut down at any moment.

3. Be aware of gangs.

Los Angeles has been nicknamed The Gang Capital of America with over 1,300 actively known gangs that are made up of 300,000 members. Most gangs reside in the lower income areas of South Los Angeles as well as in East Los Angeles. However, no area is off-limits for gang activity. Well known gangs are identified by their colors that are displayed by each member: red, blue, green, yellow or burgundy.

The big tip to stay safe from gangs is to avoid the areas that they dwell in, especially at night! Do not venture off the beaten path into neighborhoods that could harbor gang activity. These areas can be identified by gang graffiti or members walking the streets wearing bright colors.Try to stay away from wearing predominantly red or blue colors, even in major tourist areas. Research the neighborhood you desire to move into to see if any gangs are active there. Do not go out during nighttime alone.

4. Be mindful of where you park.

These are wise words to live by, because finding a parking spot in the city can turn into a maze! With tons of alleyways, side streets, boulevards and roadways there are places to park, but each comes with its price. Reading the signs on any curbside can save you from an $80 ticket to a $500 tow!

When finding parking, always make sure it is an open parking zone first. Some cities have designated street sweeping days, with specific hours marked on the signs. Parking garages and public parking areas are the best spaces to utilize. These spots have parking fees that can range from $2-15, depending on the location of the lot. Always make sure all valuables are out of sight in your car, because thieves prey on unsuspecting parkers.

5. Venture outside of the city.

Life in the city can get you stressed out, so it is important to always take a trip outside of the concrete jungle and into nature! L.A. is home to the most amazing scenery California has to offer. Take a trip to the Angeles National Forest to hike miles of trails that offer spectacular views of the landscape.

Living in the Southern California region brings you to the crossroads of the city, beach, mountains and desert. It is important to take advantage of all four different ecological environments to really appreciate California and clear your head of the high stress of the city! Key wildlife to watch out for are mountain lions and bears, who inhabit all of the forested regions in Southern California. Take pictures, soak up the sun and explore the land of Milk and Honey!