Around Los Angeles

[nickdahammer]

Amen to the mighty Thomas Guide! I've lived here all my life and cannot imagine NOT having one handy. Before I travel anywhere, I make sure I get detailed maps beforehand- I suspect it's because the TG has spoiled me over the years. The TG also lists the Metro stations, Metrolink, Amtrak, etc. which I find very helpful.

[EscapeCalifornia]

TG is great for what it is, but its 20th century technology. GPS is so much easier. I keep a TG in my car and only consult it on the rare occasion that something's not in my GPS's database.

[nickdahammer]

I'm sure you're right. I like the google feature that actually shows a (relatively recent) pic of the building you are looking for. Haven't used the GPS, but then again I don't drive very far.

[matt345]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

The problem I've found with LA's freeways (compared to the one's in OC) is that since the city was built first, they had to shoehorn the freeways in afterward. So you get weird stuff like an exit ramp that drops you off literally in front of someone's house and there's no apparent way how to get back on the freeway unless you're looking at a map.

I noticed the same thing when I first moved here. There's one stretch in the SFV valley where you pass by about 3 on ramps for the 101 south before finally getting to one for the 101 north. I guess they just didn't have enough room to build exits/on ramps in both directions, like you said.

And you definitely need a Thomas Guide or GPS here. I like to think of it as the Angeleno's equivalent to the New Yorker's subway map.

[miranda104]

Yeah I am going to move there next month and spend a couple weeks adjusting to the area. Hopefully it will not be so tough to navigate my way around Southern California.

[Bunny Foofoo]

A friend told me about this helpful website. I thought it was pretty cool

Sigalert.com - Los Angeles & Orange County Traffic Report

[venice7]

is there a portable gps that will give alternate routes and shortcuts?

it would great to use if i want to avoid the freeways and highways

[Davante]

I've negotiated about moving to Los Angeles, California. I heard about the freeways, they're awesome. IF one is late or being late for work because of traffic, one can't blame traffic, but himself; timing is critical in the Los Angeles area. Oh, but what about the neighborhoods? Some are extremely dangerous, but if you are bypassing a neighborhood, just take care of business, not create problems. Los Angeles is neat.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Davante

I've negotiated about moving to Los Angeles, California. I heard about the freeways, they're awesome. IF one is late or being late for work because of traffic, one can't blame traffic, but himself; timing is critical in the Los Angeles area. Oh, but what about the neighborhoods? Some are extremely dangerous, but if you are bypassing a neighborhood, just take care of business, not create problems. Los Angeles is neat.

How did this thread that is 2 years old get dug up again I wonder. The subject of traffic and Los Angeles comes up weekly I think.

Nita