Dubbed by some people as the City of Dreams, Los Angeles is a destination for migrants from across the nation and around the world. With a rich blend of cultural traditions, the diverse makeup of the citizenry makes LA an exciting place to live and a hotbed of innovation.
The constant influx of new and motivated workers also helps to power the city’s giant economy. With major ports connecting the city to the world and excellent road and rail links to the rest of the country, Los Angeles’s broad-based economy is so big that in 1999 it would have ranked as the eleventh largest country in the world.
Los Angeles freeway sign
LA Neighborhoods
Like other cities, Los Angeles is made up of many different communities. The diverse nature of the population and commerce of the city is reflected in these neighborhoods.
Immigration
With thousands of migrants arriving daily from Asia and Latin America, Los Angeles International Airport is the busiest immigration port in the United States. People also come to LA by land and occasionally by sea. The nearby Mexican border is especially permeable and the attraction of jobs makes the city an attractive destination for numerous Latino immigrants.
Aerial view of Los Angeles International Airport
Asians arriving at Los Angeles International Airport
Airplane arriving at Los Angeles International Airport
An Asian family at Los Angeles International Airport
Ports
International trade is a critical element in the Los Angeles economy. Three ports—Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Hueneme—connect the city to the Pacific Rim and feed the important import/export business sector. Good rail and road links mean that imported goods can quickly be distributed throughout the nation.
