Moving to a new area is pretty darn exciting—but it can also be a little intimidating, especially if you’re relocating to an area as big and complex as LA. It can be hard to know where to start, what to look for, what to expect… so let us clear up some mysteries for you!

Here are seven things to know before moving to the LA area.

LA is a Big City. Like, Really Big.

When we say big, we don’t just mean big as in a lot of people live here (think: NYC). We mean big, like spread out. And out and out and out. The LA metro covers a huge area… and every corner of the city is different from the last. For some people, it’s overwhelming. But for those of us who love living here, it means that there will always be something new to explore, to discover, and to fall in love with.

It’s a Great City for Outdoorsy People

City living doesn’t have to mean giving up a love of adventuring, of hiking hidden canyons or admiring dazzling views from atop snow-capped mountains. In fact, for outdoorsy adventurers, LA definitely beats other cities like NYC, because not only does it have great city parks, but it also has thousands of miles of trails throughout the Angeles National Forest, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the San Bernardino Mountains.

And as an added bonus, you can reach some world-famous national parks within a couple of hours—including Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Sequoia, Big Sur, or the Sierras.

LA is Dog-Friendly, Too!

Thanks in part to its lively outdoor culture, LA is a pretty dog-friendly area, too. What does this mean, exactly? Well, LA is home to a number of dog-friendly restaurants, as well as outdoor shopping centers, dog parks, dog hotels, and even dog-friendly public beaches. There are also a number of pet-specific businesses and facilities (like daycare, training, and boarding), and several adoption centers, too.

There’s Plenty of Non-Entertainment Employment

LA has something of a reputation for drawing Hollywood hopefuls—aspiring directors, screenwriters, and actors, among others. And while the entertainment biz does play a large role in the economy, it’s hardly the only industry in the area. Other major employers can be found in education, healthcare, government, defense, communications, and more.

The Restaurant Scene is a Big Deal

LA is a melting pot of culture—so we’ve got a lot of different kinds of food, too. Within a few blocks, you can find everything from American classics to modern Japanese to Greek fusion. The Mexican food is authentic (forget Tex Mex), and there are always new restaurants springing up to offer new takes and twists on old favorites. Asian, Mediterranean, French and Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian, Native American, cultural blends… we’ve got them all.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood is Important

Because LA is a big city (and the traffic is… well, less than ideal), you’re probably not going to want to spend a lot of time traveling back and forth across the city. Which means you’ll likely spend most of your time in and around your neighborhood. Most people work and play fairly close to home—so it’s pretty critical to choose the right location.

But how to choose? Spend some time reading up on the area to get an idea of what each neighborhood has to offer—its vibe, its homes, its amenities, its proximity to employers. You might also consider where you’ll be working, then look for a home close to work.