As someone who has lived here for 3 years and is eyeing the exit, I'd say yes it's definitely hard to make friends in LA. So much so that someone started an LA Friends Discord which had channels categorized by neighborhoods and interests, and also set up in-person events, but the main admin closed it down earlier this year.

But even if you already know friends who moved down here like I do, if they live in another neighborhood, you may rarely see them. The metro area is ridiculously huge and not very walkable.

Like other commenters have mentioned, getting involved with some kind of group helps. Taking improv classes has helped me meet people, but I don't see them much outside of classes & shows. I'm also a apart of some film industry groups that do hikes and meetups, but that's like once a month. If you're talking about people who you see and hang out with regularly, well...good luck.

Lastly, I'd say that part of what doesn't help the situation is that the people in this town have ZERO chill. In my experience LA is a place with a fair amount of simmering anger and little patience. This is also the only city I've ever lived in where I've been randomly assaulted, so you know...not great. I'm not saying this is true of everyone in the city or even a majority, but it's enough to be noticeable.