Looks like I'm moving to LA , advice?

[hotsauce615]

You guys might have overheard me complaining about my producer job, and I have since gotten employed over the phone for an asst producer job that pays double in LA. Most of my friends are moving around, and I'm going to visit LA for like a week to get a feel for it. I've been a New Yorker all my life, but I think I could adapt pretty quickly to things, and get used to like 35$ an hour plus overtime. I think I can afford to live in a reasonable area with that much cash. Hows crime? I've seen Boyz in the Hood and I don't wanna take a wrong turn into like Crenshaw (Yea I sound very ignorant right now), but I know there's parts of the city that are BAD but I still don't get too nervous driving around at night here. I am happy about the gambling aspect, and being driving distance to Vegas, and commerce I hear is good for poker. So anyway, anyone got some advice for a New Yorker getting ready to make a 3000 mile move?

[ThisHo]

congrats!

leave all winter clothing in NY -- you WON'T need it.

[shant]

Look for places to live in Hollywood and going West from there. Depending on what you want to be near you'll fine some nice places and be close to bars and clubs if that's your deal. That stereotypical "hood" stuff you're thinking of is more prominent the further East you go in LA.

[hotsauce615]

Well that will be nice, it's been ridiculous here during the winter. I won't miss the snow.

[hotsauce615]

[ QUOTE ]
Look for places to live in Hollywood and going West from there. Depending on what you want to be near you'll fine some nice places and be close to bars and clubs if that's your deal. That stereotypical "hood" stuff you're thinking of is more prominent the further East you go in LA.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yea I'm still young and single so I really want to be able to go out and have a good time. NYC nightlife has been awesome so I'm hoping it's good out there too.

[hogua]

Unless you want to go skiing/snow boarding in the winter.

Where else but LA can you hit the slopes in the morning and watch the sun go down at the beach on the same day?

Oh, and they're are a casinos other than Commerce too.

[M2d]

1) don't (unless you really, really have to)
2) if you really really have to, move to inglewood to make sure you're within walking distance of Johnny's, or next door to one of the many Fatburgers.
3) if you don't have one already, get a car.

[Los Feliz Slim]

LA isn't more dangerous than any other big city, unless you move to Compton, and we'll just assume you're smarter than that.

You'll need a car, obviously.

The best way to find an apartment in LA is to come here, drive around, find neighborhoods you like, and write down phone #'s from signs in yards. There's also something called Westside Rentals that has really good lists, as I recall. Generally, the further west you go the more expensive it will be. You're going to want to avoid the Valley - just don't call any phone #'s that start with 818.

Judging from how scared of crime you sound, West Hollywood should be perfect for you. I kid, of course.

[beta1607]

I am from LA, and I love it there but the bar scene sucks. Last call is at like 1:30 am, a far cry from what you are used to in NYC

I recommend looking into Santa Monica, West LA area.

[renodoc]

Tommy's

[Indiana]

If ur gonna live in LA you'd better either rob a bank or be intent on renting for the rest of ur life.

Indy

[jakethebake]

Don't take any wooden nickels and don't drink the water.

[jason_t]

Enjoy the hot girls and the awesome weather and the cool people like Klepton, shant and jason_t.

[billyjex]

you can find cheap rent in Compton

[Dominic]

I lived in LA for fifteen years and never once had a bad incident....my car was stolen once, that's about it.

L.A. is great...lots of fun, things to do, etc.

But it is VERY expensive. You car registration will be hundreds of dollars - gas is 50 cents higher than anywhere else in the country, AND the state income tax is ridiculous. At $35 an hour, you should be fine, but you'll have to find a roommate if you want to live in a decent place.

[turnipmonster]

[ QUOTE ]

You'll need a car, obviously.


[/ QUOTE ]

this is not obvious to many nycers. OP, you need a car in LA, everyone and I mean everyone drives a car.

[BruinEric]

Before commiting to a place to live, make sure you really know what the commute will be. Public transportation is almost assuredly not going to work long-term.

Back in the early 90's, my 8-mile commute from Hollywood area to Westwood area took 25 minutes off-peak and 35+ during normal driving time.

There are certain areas that are really congested so avoid or at least be prepared for them.

Your areas to consider living are wayyy different whether you're in Studio City, Burbank, Hollywood, etc. So I can't make a recommendation for you. I'll bet you will find some okay places to rent that are cheaper than NYC. You should definitely find dining out and shopping for food, etc. much cheaper than NYC as well.

Get to know and love REAL Mexican food. Visit Chowhound.COm and find yourself some real carne asada tacos in a homemade masa tortilla. Yum.

As for crime, there are certainly areas to avoid such as all of South Central, and many parts of East L.A. as well.