From the ATL to the Golden Coast: 3,000 Miles, 10 States, and a Whole New Chapter
After eight incredible years building a life in Atlanta, I knew it was time for a change. Chapters come to a close, and sometimes you just feel that pull toward a completely different horizon. So, I packed up my life, said my goodbyes, and made the massive leap out to the Los Angeles area.
But you don’t just teleport across the country—you drive it. And let me tell you, driving cross-country gives you a whole new appreciation for the sheer scale of the United States.
My journey kicked off with a special stopover to visit family and friends back in Illinois, turning the move into an epic road trip. When the dust finally settled and I looked at the stats, the trip summed up to this: 10 states, 3 time zones, 42 hours of total travel time, and roughly 3,000 miles behind the wheel.
Like any great road trip, it came with its absolute magic moments and a few stretches I’m happy to leave in the rearview mirror.
The Highs: Mountains, Deserts, and Sunrises
If you’ve never driven across the American West, put it on your bucket list. Hands down, my favorite parts of the entire journey were passing through the stunning mountain landscapes of Albuquerque and Flagstaff. There is something profoundly peaceful about driving through those high elevations, surrounded by crisp air and wide-open skies.
And speaking of Flagstaff—that morning takes the crown. Setting out early as the sun crested over the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant colors while I drove westward toward California, is a moment I won't ever forget. It felt like the literal and figurative dawn of a new chapter.
The Lows: Construction Cones and Choppy Roads
Of course, 3,000 miles of asphalt means you’re bound to hit some trouble spots. My least favorite parts of the drive? Navigating endless, soul-crushing construction zones scattered throughout Southern Illinois, and trying to keep my teeth from rattling out of my head on the wildly choppy, crazy roads through Tulsa, Oklahoma. Some stretches of highway will definitely test your car's suspension!
Why Los Angeles?
After surviving the desert stretches, the mountain climbs, and every pothole the Midwest and Southwest had to throw at me, I finally rolled into Southern California.
After eight years in Atlanta, choosing LA wasn't just about a change of scenery—it was about leaning into a brand-new energy. It’s about fresh challenges, a completely different lifestyle, and surrounding myself with a new kind of creative momentum. The cross-country trek was the ultimate initiation, proving that if I can navigate 3,000 miles solo, I can handle whatever this next chapter brings.
Here’s to new beginnings, palm trees, and the open road. Los Angeles, I'm ready for you.