5 Reasons Why It’s Never Been More Fun To Live In L.A.

Let’s be real: Los Angeles has a reputation for being a bit…isolating. With long distances to drive and the allure of the nearby taco truck tempting you to stay close to home, it can be hard to stay motivated. Thanks to a slew of social startups and reoccurring events taking place in the city though, that’s all changing. Here, 5 companies on a mission to make the City of Angels America’s most adventurous city.

Live It Up In L.A.

Photo: @acehotel

Vixzy's Spontaneous Meetups

Los Angeles’ new meetup startup Vixzy is the easiest way to meet cool people in a not-necessarily-romantic context. With the help of behavioral science, Vixzy curates intimate groups of 4—8 like-minded folks with similar interests looking to have fun and meet new friends around the city. They plan the unique experience, text you to see if you’re available and all you have to do is show up. How cute is that?

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

Rise Nation's Social Workouts

Rise Nation's short yet effective cardio classes are one of L.A.’s hottest new workouts. Getting you fit mountain-climber style on their signature Versa Climber—which simulates real hiking— Rise Nation's nightclub atmosphere (think: dance music and disco lights) is a total blast. Post workout, everyone congregates on the patio for a juice and cool-down making it super easy to meet and hangout with your classmates.

Photo: Adam Katz Sinding

Paper Dolls' Collaborative Offices

If you’re looking for a place to make stuff happen, look no further than L.A.’s coolest female communal workspace, Paper Dolls. Dedicated to facilitating a network of female entrepreneurs, Paper Dolls is all about embracing and enhancing the way professional women work. The stylish workspace options range from communal tables to private offices and the company hosts social activities for members all week long.

Photo: Adam Katz Sinding

E.P. & L.P.'s Buzzy Bar Nights

E.P. & L.P.—L.A.'s new and most epic rooftop bar—is making it even easier to ditch on-demand TV in favor of a night out by having a rotating mix of badass bartenders take over their über trending bar, Frankie's once a month. Expect bespoke takes on tiki drinks from bartenders who just flew in from anywhere from Chicago to Sweden.

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

Sundance's Cultural Pop-Ups

Sure, there are outdoor movie screenings happening all over town but this one is next-level (and way more social). Hosted downtown at the ultra-hip Ace Hotel the Sundance NEXT FEST pairs 6 of the festival’s 2015 films with special music performances by the likes of Flying Lotus and Sky Ferreira so you can spend some time catching up with friends (and meeting new ones) before the movie starts.

Photo: Vanessa Jackman