Considering moving to Los Angeles in a month...NEED ADVICE

[Sinister]

Ok so to make a long story short, i've stayed in the Chi for all my 24 years (yes I have traveled but actual residence has always been here). I have been considering moving for awhile and have always enjoyed Cali. What I hope to get from this thread is general advice (how is it now, since last time I went was about 2 years ago), such as places that might be affordable, good living conditions,etc. This would be much appreciated especially those who either stay out there or visit it on a consistent basis.

[Nalos6]

Rent for a 1 bed room you're looking at anywhere from 750 - 1700USD monthly. For an upscale area the average rent will be around 1300. Also gas is about 2.85 per gal on average as of today.

If you're making 50k annually, moving from Chicago to LA you're going to see a 22.3% increase in your monthly expenditures with an average of a 3.2% salary increase. To maintain your standard of living you would need to bring in at least 61k annually. I've only been to LA twice in my life and from what I can judge it's an expensive place period. But don't take my word for it, do some research!

[BellaBellucci]

Advice? How about 'I don't recommend it?'

~BB~

[BLKGSXR]

DEAD BOLT! and a shotgun youll be dandy :D

[Sinister]

lol thanx for the replies so far

[nevada64]

L.A. is huge. What part of the city do you want to live in?
Someone wrote $750 for a 1 bedroom apt. You won't find that in L.A. I'd say an average 1 bedroom runs about $1500, but it all depends where you are.
Good luck. Moving always sucks...

[raiku9909]

i have no advice, just a song to get you excited about LA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQObOsQxKDo

[nevada64]

L.A. is huge. What part of the city do you want to live in?
Someone wrote $750 for a 1 bedroom apt. You won't find that in L.A. I'd say an average 1 bedroom runs about $1500, but it all depends where you are.
Good luck. Moving always sucks...

Im in LA now North Hollywood 1Bdrm 900-1200

Studio 650-1000

Yes, the Valley is usually cheaper than the L.A. Basin. Unless you are south of Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, or Tarzana. Like I said before, L.A. is so spread out, it really depends on where you want to live and what you can afford.
Cheers.

[tsntx]

nalos hit it w/ the best answer

if ure not going for a HUGE job opportunity... nows not the time

its a baaaad market there

[indeed]

greatest place on the planet

[LAGent4ts]

Do your research before packing the U-Haul. IF you have a job secured prior to arrival, it is a matter of finding housing close to where you are going to work and prices can change within a few blocks. IF your serious about moving here, you should do some employment research, submit some applications and set up interviews then come out and visit for a week or two to interview and scope out the area. Rents in some areas are coming down as there are new apartments (and condos that are being rented since there are few buyers) coming onto the market and landlords are fighting to get them filled. Will you have a vehicle or will you be using public transportation? Craigs list is actually a pretty good way to get a feel for the rents in various areas. Your heating bill will go down, but will be offset by the cost to run your air conditioner. I've lived in various parts of the country, but was born and raised here and still enjoy it. Best to take a test ride before buying LA as a new home. There was a thread the other day by someone who moved to LA from Seattle with a specific career goal in mind. The last thing I read was that he was close to packing up and heading back to Seattle as his finances were almost gone. There are alot of great things about So Cal and some that are not so great, one of which is being here with no job and no money. I have to think it would be tough to go home to shovel snow after spending a winter here. Good luck.

[Sinister]

much appreciated for all the responses. I would have a vehicle and I would just transfer from my current job.


Im in LA now North Hollywood 1Bdrm 900-1200

Studio 650-1000

And to think I complain about rent in Chicago :(

My sister suggested that I move to Las Vegas (where she stays) for a little while, stack up some money and then make the move, which is up for consideration.


its a baaaad market there
That's what I hear and what other people have been telling me also, this is another thing that has crossed my mind.