What is Upper Middle Class In Los Angeles

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So You Wanna Be Fancy in LA: A Guide to Upper Middle Class-ness in the City of Angels

Ah, Los Angeles. The land of dreams, movie stars, and overpriced everything. But beneath the veneer of glitz and glam, there's a whole social ecosystem, and at the tippy-top of the food chain (or should we say avocado toast chain?), we have the elusive upper middle class.

But fear not, aspiring fancy folks! This guide will be your compass on the often confusing journey to upper middle class Los Angeles.

The Money Matters: More Than Just a Dream (Unfortunately)

Let's be honest, Los Angeles isn't exactly known for its bargain-basement living. So, how much moolah do you need to be upper middle class here? Well, buckle up, because we're about to enter the land of ridiculous numbers.

Here's the thing: Those national middle-class income brackets you see floating around? Forget about them. In LA, middle class is practically living in a cardboard box. Upper middle class? Think more like landing somewhere between "I can afford a decent latte every day" and "spontaneous trips to Napa are a thing." We're talking comfortably over $200,000 annually for a family of four. Yes, you read that right. With a comma.

But wait, there's more! Because Los Angeles is a city of microclimates and neighborhoods, the magic income number can vary wildly. Beverly Hills? Houston, we have a problem (and it's the price of a single-family home). The trendy east side? Not quite as stratospheric, but still enough to make your wallet weep.

Beyond the Benjamins: The Hallmarks of an Upper Middle Class Angeleno

Okay, so you've got the bank account to back it up. But what else makes an upper middle class Angeleno? It's more than just cold hard cash. Consider these essential ingredients:

The Abode: Saying goodbye to shoebox apartments and hello to a place with actual square footage (and maybe even a yard!). Think remodeled craftsman bungalows, sleek condos with city views, or those charming Spanish-style houses with the bougainvillea overflowing. Bonus points for a pool (not a necessity, but highly encouraged for bragging rights).
The Wheels: Ditch the beat-up Honda Civic and graduate to a car that whispers "success" without screaming "look at me!" We're talking Audis, Volvos, or maybe a Tesla if you're feeling particularly eco-conscious (and have the budget for it).
The Attire: Gone are the days of ripped jeans and band tees. It's time to cultivate a look that's effortlessly chic. Think Lululemon for weekend errands, stylish workout clothes that never actually see a gym, and a closet full of designer labels (tastefully displayed, of course).

Free Time Fun: Where the Upper Middle Class Angeleno Plays

The Weekend Warriors: Hikes with stunning views (followed by brunch that costs more than your gym membership). Paddleboarding in Malibu (because everyone else is doing it). Wine tasting in Temecula (because Napa is for tourists, darling).
The Cultural Connoisseurs: Tickets to overpriced musicals (because hey, it's what cultured people do). Gallery openings with pretentious hors d'oeuvres (because canapés are so last season). Catching a celebrity chef's latest culinary creation (even if it involves eating something that looks like a flower arrangement).

Remember, Folks, There's Always a Higher echelon

Just a friendly reminder: Even in the upper middle class, there's always someone with a bigger house, a faster car, and a more exclusive vacation. Don't get caught up in the endless cycle of keeping up with the Joneses (or should we say the Kardashians?).

The key to upper middle class living in LA is to find your own flavor of fancy, embrace the absurdity of it all, and most importantly, laugh at yourself (because honestly, who can afford therapy in this town?).

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