Doesn't it feel a bit empty when you hear stories about LA these days?

Once seen as a symbol of a great city to live in the U.S., especially among Koreans, where opportunities and leisure coexisted...

Now, the atmosphere has changed completely, 180 degrees.

The Quality of Life Index released by UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs has hit an all-time low.

This news is not just a number from a survey; it reflects the reality we feel.

It scored 52 out of 100. Falling below the baseline means it's hard to consider it a comfortable city to live in anymore.

Thinking back to the old LA makes the present feel even more unfamiliar.

Until the mid-2000s, rent wasn't as burdensome as it is now.

Of course, it wasn't cheap, but at least the cost of living was somewhat balanced with salaries.

With one job, basic living expenses could be covered, and with a little management, saving was possible.

That's why people didn't leave LA. The weather was nice, there were jobs, cultural diversity, and a reasonable amount of leisure.

But now, the situation has changed quite a bit. The first thing you notice is the cost of living.

In this survey, the cost of living score was 38, essentially at rock bottom.

This isn't just about being expensive; it indicates a structure that's becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Rent keeps rising, but incomes aren't keeping pace.

In the past, after paying rent, there was still some money left over, but now, after paying rent, there's hardly any surplus.

That's why people naturally use the expression "I'm struggling."

Transportation and education scores have also dropped significantly.

LA has always been a city where living without a car is tough, but traffic congestion has worsened, and public transportation is still lacking.

Commute times are longer, and with that, fatigue increases.

Education satisfaction in public schools has declined, leading the middle class to seek private schools or better school districts, which adds to the financial burden.

Ultimately, the gap between those with options and those without is widening.

Economic anxiety has also increased significantly.

The fact that only about 10% of people view the future optimistically shows how heavy the atmosphere is.

When asked if they could respond to sudden financial needs, many expressed doubt.

This isn't just a matter of feeling; it indicates that more people are lacking spare funds.

On top of this, the immigration issue has added to the heavy atmosphere.

31% of respondents worry about the possibility of deportation, which is quite a high figure.

LA is a city made up of diverse immigrants, and as this anxiety grows, it inevitably affects the overall social atmosphere.

The impact of natural disasters cannot be overlooked either. Events like wildfires are not just environmental issues; they lead to economic problems.

In fact, many residents have experienced a decrease in income, and many have yet to recover.

Ultimately, it's hard to see LA as a city where the cost matches the opportunities anymore.

In the past, even if it was expensive, you could earn enough, enjoy life, and look forward to the future.

Now, the burden of costs has increased, uncertainty has grown, and leisure has diminished.

So, the feeling of emptiness that people like me, who have lived in LA for over 20 years, experience seems to stem from this.

It doesn't feel like LA suddenly got worse; rather, the structure has slowly changed, and people are just starting to feel that change.

That's why it feels more bitter. I believe the reason we often say, "It was better back then" is because of this.

LA is still an attractive city. The weather, industry, and culture are all top-notch.

However, the problem is that the leisure to enjoy it is gradually decreasing.

Ultimately, the question is whether one can continue to endure in this city.

In the past, the answer was relatively easy. Now, each person has to crunch the numbers.

That's the reality of LA today.

Many people are saying that the past seemed better.

It's not that the present is particularly bad, but the leisure and stability that the past provided feel much more significant.

So, for those who have lived in LA for a long time, even though it's the same city, the experience has completely changed, and what we miss might be that balance from back then.

In the end, gas prices are high, dining out is expensive... these days, we keep repeating stories about the good old days.