Moving to LA in a month or two? Convince me...

[TheMetetron]

I can't believe I'm actually posting in this forum, but I really couldn't find anywhere else to do it. This forum scares me greatly.

Anyways, my brother has probably found someone who is willing to take over my share of the lease on our current place, which would allow me to move out of San Jose, something I really, really, really want to do. I'm just sick of this city.

The place I would most likely want to move to is Los Angeles, and specifically somewhere in the West Los Angeles area since the rest of LA really isn't all that nice.

Now that being said, I've never actually lived in LA, just visited it many times. My brother used to live in Culver City and I stayed with him there for a few weeks once I enjoyed myself. I also head out to LA what seems like at least once a month for a little getaway. I enjoy the place, but I want to make sure it's not just some sort of illusion and I would actually enjoy living out there.

I really don't know too many people out there so I'd basically be friendless; this is probably the biggest thing stopping me. Guess I am kind of comfortable in San Jose and this would take me out of that comfort zone (which usually means it is something I should do, IMO). I would have to meet new friends, but at the same time I get to explore a new place.

Another slight consideration is that cost of living would probably go up a bit, especially since I don't know anybody which makes finding a roommate a bit tough.

I'm curious on anyone's take on any of those considerations. Also, for those of you who live in the greater LA area, how do you like it? What do you hate about it (traffic, etc) and what do you love about it?

Keep in mind weather, the beach, etc, aren't too big of pluses, since the weather is great and the beach is close to San Jose as well.

I know I enjoy my time out in Los Angeles more than my time in San Jose, but I think I'm looking for some sort of reason as to why that is aside from "there is more stuff to do".

That, and I need you guys to kick me in the ass and tell me to get out there immediately because San Jose sucks donkey balls. Thanks.

[Jdanz]

i live in jersey and LA traffic makes me want to kill myself

[TheMetetron]

[ QUOTE ]
i live in jersey and LA traffic makes me want to kill myself

[/ QUOTE ]

The traffic I think I can handle. I drive aggressive though not as crazy as Klepton (the little I saw in my tired haze when he almost killed us in my car). I've driven in LA traffic many times and it's really not that bad if you aren't a complete donk and plan your travel a bit

I imagine it only gets better as you get past my very basic understanding of the Los Angeles freeway system.

[meleader2]

the whole "being friendless" is holding me back from moving from Western NY to Las Vegas...or LA area. it's a scary thought.

[TheMetetron]

[ QUOTE ]
the whole "being friendless" is holding me back from moving from Western NY to Las Vegas...or LA area. it's a scary thought.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is, but that's what makes me think I should go for it. It really would be a good experience for me.

Also, Las Vegas sucks big donkey balls as far as living there. I don't know why bugstud or gonores think it's good. I'd be bored to death and the games suck.

[Jdanz]

you know better then i, but i was just there for a week and it took me 45 minutes to get like 20 blocks at 3 pm in a residential area

[Michael Davis]

Look, here's the thing about friends. Most of them aren't worth having, and even fewer are worth keeping for the longterm. There are always new people in every location, and really, we're just looking for people to hang out with and pass time. These people exist everywhere. Being afraid of being friendless is living in the past and drawing too deep of a connection between the people you happen to know and yourself.

Now, that being said, there are people worth devoloping deep, longterm friendships with. Usually those will stand the test of time (especially when they are same-gendered friendships) and distance.

There are millions of people in every city, even I can make friends.

-Michael

[TheMetetron]

He speaks the truth. There are really maybe 3 people I would miss. Being even slightly concerned about being friendless is very pansy. Someone please hit me.

Edit: And I didn't mean to say West LA is the only place in LA that is livable in. It's just the minimum for me. Obviously, Bel Air or something like that rocks and I could be convinced to move there for the right price.

[chuddo]

mey metetron and meleader, ill move out to vegas or la or whatever. im bored. i am a hobo though.

[meleader2]

[ QUOTE ]
mey metetron and meleader, ill move out to vegas or la or whatever. im bored. i am a hobo though.

[/ QUOTE ]

lol awesome. i'll see you on the strip.

[shant]

I currently live in LA as you know.

I like the diversity of things to do. Millions of bars, restaurants, clubs, art galleries, museums, sporting events, live music, etc to never get bored or not have a place to go. The weather is also a huge plus worth repeating.

The cons are most definately the over-crowding which leads to traffic. Traffic is the #1 worst thing about LA. The other thing is the sometimes bullshit attitude of the "hollywood" crowd at bars and clubs which can be avoided by not going to those places.

I really think you'll enjoy LA, and you already know some people here like the nit and my bro and me from the one time I've met you. The making friends thing can be a little hard just because people in LA seem to be a little less friendly, but I can't really speak to that since I've lived here all my life and have made friends mostly at school and jobs.

I still say moving here is a good idea. Also, Culver City is a good consideration for a cheaper area to live on the Westside. They have been renovating a lot of areas in that city and are doing a great job. You can also look in Palms, Miracle Mile, and the Hollywood area which is where I live, although this may be getting too "East" for you.

Hope that helped.

[TheMetetron]

Helped a little. Basically just another "stop being a pansy and do it" speech which is good.

[chuddo]

just dont expect me to pay certain bills, and buy me the occasional nachos.

[pokergrader]

I love LA. You have everything you could ever need within about 30 minutes, and the weather is great.

Cons
------
1) Traffic is miserable
2) Popular spots are always overcrowded at popular times

But other than the traffic issue, which can be avoided by only traveling at the right times on the right routes, its just a great place. You can be in the heart of downtown, the suburbs, and the beach within about an hour. The weather is great, and vegas is only 4 hours away.

And of course whenever some new service is rolled out in major cities, Los Angeles is always first or second on the list!

[TheMetetron]

Okay, stop being a pansy, and move to LA. I get it.

List of potential places... Westwood, West LA, Santa Monica, Bel Air. If I want to get ghettoer, Culver City and Hollywood could be doable. Orange County is possible if I feel like being really far away from stuff, but not likely to happen.

[blatz]

I know two vaguely average morans out there making a very descent amount of money in porn because they have slightly above average looking girlfriends who they have sex with on film.

If there is another redeeming quality about Los Angeles, I didn't find it in my 3 days there.

But then again, I like the deep south, and have never met you, so my advice to you would be to ignore my opinion.

[ChipWrecked]

[ QUOTE ]
just dont expect me to pay certain bills, and buy me the occasional nachos.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is 'certain' defined as 'any'? Or is there an inside reference here that n00bs need not know? /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[DeezNuts]

I work in Culver City, commute from Hollywood.

Traffic in LA sucks, but if you know the right streets to stay away from and freeways to avoid(although sometimes they are unavoidable), you will be fine. I rarely run into unbearable traffic these days. The real problem is when you want to go out of town on the weekends and the traffic is just backed up for no reason at 3pm on a Sunday.

My advice is to live in an area like Brentwood, where you can walk to many things like bars, restaurants, etc and there are a decent amount of 20-somethings. Culver City has a small area like that, but nothing really great. Westwood is a little too much of a college town. There are also a lot of good options on the "east" side of LA, like Silver Lake and Los Feliz.

Just do it, the San Jose area is the armpit of Cali. Vanity Fair listed LA as one of the "four best cities in the world" for dining. I agree completely.

DN

[Derek in NYC]

3 years ago my wife and I thought seriously about moving to LA, and in fact we both did some interviews out there. (We ended up in NYC). One thing I was really looking forward to if we moved to LA was ditching the car and getting a motorcycle. Socal is motorcycle heaven, and you will be able to use the HOV lanes. You should do this.

[mike l.]

"This forum scares me greatly."

stick it in her pooper.

[ISF]

Ive lived in both areas and would much perfer LA. There are infinatly more and much better looking women there, and that more then makes up for what I thought was only a slightly worse traffic problem.

[sublime]

why not san diego? like me. ill be your friend. unless your annoying.

[johnc]

I lived in LA for 5 years, going to school. I'll just break it down to the pros and cons from my persceptive.

Cons:
1)Traffic (sucks major) - the freeway system is way overloaded at peak hours. The only way around this is to get to know surface streets which helps.
2)The people tend to be waaay too into themselves, fake this, expensive that, plastic surgery heaven, and oftentimes very rude.
3)Depending upon where you want to live, prices can be really up there. Places like Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, and Marina Del Ray are pretty pricey for something other than a dump.

Pros:
1)So many things to do: great restaurants, tons of museums, no shortage of card rooms, great beaches (my favorite is Hunnington), and great looking females.
2) Lots of career opportunities with higher potential wages.
3) Tons of sports to follow: Lakers, USC, UCLA, Kings, Angels, Dodgers.

[FrankStallone]

I live in DC now and my lease is up and I am done with school so in oct so I am thinking about heading to LA or the are. I have been traveling to AC at least 2 a month for over three years and have studied the game hard for the past two years so I need to finally be able to play when I want. I would be game for saving some rent and living with someone. I was looking into some rooms in houses and if I would be living with randomass people anyway it would be a plus that he would also be into poker. I am an laidback roomate I used to play a little college ball, play video games, and used/still smokes a little ganja. Overall I am laid back and wanting to work a little and devote the rest of him time to poker and money.

[TheMetetron]

[ QUOTE ]
why not san diego? like me. ill be your friend. unless your annoying.

[/ QUOTE ]

Because San Diego sucks. Too many Mexicans.

[TheMetetron]

[ QUOTE ]
But then again, I like the deep south, and have never met you, so my advice to you would be to ignore my opinion.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll take your advice. How the hell can anybody like to LIVE in the deep south. The thought makes me cringe....

[chuddo]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
just dont expect me to pay certain bills, and buy me the occasional nachos.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is 'certain' defined as 'any'? Or is there an inside reference here that n00bs need not know? /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

no inside reference. 'certain' is defined as 'most' i suppose.

but i make up for my lack of bill-paying in my ability to converse nicely on most topics. im like a geisha.

and i am always available for frisbee golf, tennis, poker, getting food, and helping pick up women.

now that i think about it i really should be charging to be a live-in friend.