How Big is Los Angeles? Asking for a Friend (Who Needs a Bigger Fridge)
Ever tried cramming leftovers from a week-long Thanksgiving feast into a mini fridge? That's kind of like comparing Los Angeles to some other cities. It just doesn't fit.
The City of Angels: Spreading its Wings (and Taking Up All the Beach)
Los Angeles, the land of sunshine, celebrities (well, their mansions at least), and questionable traffic decisions, is a big boy. By big, we mean big. Like, 469 square miles big. That's a whole lotta space to spread out, build freeways, and lose your flip flop at the beach (don't worry, there's probably another one exactly like it a few feet away).
Fun Fact: You could fit the entire city of San Francisco (46.9 square miles) inside Los Angeles about ten times over. That's a lot of sourdough bread and cable cars to dodge.
The Greater Los Angeles Area: Basically a Different Country
But wait, there's more! Los Angeles isn't just the city itself, it's like a sprawling family reunion that took over the entire neighborhood. The Greater Los Angeles Area, which includes places like Long Beach and Anaheim (home to Disneyland, the happiest 12 square miles on Earth), clocks in at a whopping 4,850 square miles. That's enough space to fit the entire state of New Jersey (8,723 square miles) and still have room for a few In-N-Out burgers.
Side note: If you ever get lost in the Greater Los Angeles Area, good luck. Maybe use a compass and some snacks, just in case.
So, How Big is LA Compared to Other Cities?
Let's get down to brass tacks (or should we say, Hollywood Walk of Fame stars?). Here's how LA stacks up against some other major metropolises:
- New York City: Considerably smaller at 302 square miles, but it makes up for it in terms of people-per-square-foot. Basically, sardine can vs. king-sized bed.
- Chicago: A mere 227 square miles. Cute little city, though. Probably has a great farmers market.
- London: Think of it as a slightly-used Los Angeles, with only 611 square miles.
The Verdict: Los Angeles is Big. Like, Really Big.
There you have it. Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with a taste for real estate and a healthy dose of sunshine. So next time you're stuck in traffic on the 405, just remember: at least you've got plenty of scenery to enjoy (while you contemplate the meaning of life and the perfect In-N-Out order).
