@farm-mom, thanks for coming back. I've been thinking of a more appropriate response to "LA is too crowded." Firstly, it's very crowded.
This is just my opinion, you're obviously wiser than me. Having lived in several countries and stayed inside the US both in the sticks and in the city. What it comes down to me, personally, the more privacy I have, the less culture. Nearer the city, more culture, less privacy. Not that one is better or worse, I just prefer more culture. Like more-more, right in the middle of the city more.
Muah! Thanks for listening.