Can you live in Los Angeles without a car?

Question

Is it possible to live in Los Angeles without a car? I'm aware there are buses but is it as accessible as the transportation system in New York? Where is the best area to live if you want to try the "Hollywood" thing like everyone else? What is the safest area with the closest proximity to the studios while at the same time relatively cheap? ($650-$800 a month for a studio apartment.)

Answer 1

The transportation is not anywhere near what it is in New York. LA spreads almost 100 miles from one end to the other, so there's no way that a transportation system could get you everywhere you need to go (and if it can, it likely won't be fast).

If you're willing to get a job close to where you live you can get by without a car. Realistically, if you're trying to "make it" (whether you're an actor, musician, or writer) you're going to be going all over town for auditions, meetings and interviews, and if you can't make it on time or look professional no one is going to take you seriously.

By "studios" I'm guessing you mean actor or musician - a lot of the major lots aren't even in Hollywood (Sony is in Culver City; WB in Burbank). As a musician, you could live in West Hollywood and play at a lot of popular venues, but most are pay-to-play (meaning you pay the venue for 50 tickets and have to sell them yourself) so you need a way to make connections and meet other people.

You're going to have trouble finding a studio for that price (a good deal on a 1-br is closer to $1000, and that's before utilities), but you definitely could find a room in an apartment to share for that price. Check in Hollywood or West Hollywood, but beware there's some really crappy areas in each.

I don't mean to discourage you but I wanted to be realistic about what to expect when you get here. It takes a year just to make connections, let alone get a job so make sure you have some money saved up (or someone who can help you out), or you're willing to work a full-time job on top of trying to do your thing. Best of luck

Answer 2

Los Angeles Without A Car

Answer 3

You *can* live anywhere you want without a car. But in LA, it's difficult to do so if you ever want to leave the house. You have to remember that the LA area is about 100 square miles. There are lots of 'neighborhoods' that won't have a grocery store for 5-10 miles. The Bus system is mostly immigrants. The trains are not really accepted by most normal locals like the NYC subway system.

With that price range, you may be able to rent a room in a very small house or in a bad apartment. You *might* be able to find a studio someplace at that price, but it's not going to be in a safe area and it won't be near any studios.

Answer 4

I am a 75 year resident. To begin: Los Angeles is a city of many divisions; i.e. race, language, occupation, education, locality...on and on. Now becoming a city of car owners and non owners. Several secrets to being a non car owner. I have been both.

Understand that L A is truly a city.....not a giant suburb. Appreciate that downtown L A is where it is centered, not Downey.....get used to it. Make a point of learning everything about the transportation system. Avoid contempt of it all....as so many do....to their great discomfort. Live in the 'middle of the pie', i.e. in or near downtown....otherwise a question.....are you a city kid or not. Perhaps you don't belong is Los Angeles, or any other big city. Three....develop an appetite for all that is available here....an endless urban paradise for those who recognize it.

Answer 5

I have a car but i ride the bus pretty regularly. As long as you live near a bus line, it's not bad.
The ideal locations to live in LA if you want to do the Hollywood thing and have no car is West hollywood, Los Angeles and Hollywood. You will be able to take a bus or taxi to the Sunset strip, Hollywood night clubs, and Melrose. However, finding a studio for $650-800, is gonna be more difficult. You're gonna have to look more in the Hollywood area. I own a building right smack dab in between west hollywood and hollywood and we rent one bedrooms for $1495. West hollywood is a little more expensive unless you can find a sublet from a rent controlled apt. Studios in the surrounding locations are usually around $1000-1300.
If you find a place near any of the main streets like Sunset Blvd., Santa Monica blvd, La Brea... riding the bus will be fine. There's a Rite Aid and/or some kind of grocery store on every block here.
You may even try Burbank. Theres many studios there and its just north of hollywood, west hollywood. Its pretty safe there too. Although, i'm not exactly sure how the public transportation system is there.
But LA transportation is def. not as accessbile as NY. But heres my fav. website for LA transportation. http://www.mta.net/default.asp
Look for some places on www.craigslist.com and then check for the surrounding bus routes.
You may want to consider other places like Santa Monica, Studio City, venice.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can you live in Los Angeles without a car?
Is it possible to live in Los Angeles without a car? I'm aware there are buses but is it as accessible as the transportation system in New York? Where is the best area to live if you want to try the "Hollywood" thing like everyone else? What is the safest area with the closest...

Answer 7

The only way you'll get an apartment for that small amount is if you share- you'll get a room.
Pubic transportation is lousy here because everything is spread out. My husband works about 12 miles from our house and he can take a commuter bus BUT it takes 45 minutes! It's nearly impossible to get anywhere by bus (or car for that matter) in under an hour. Sorry to say this, but buses and public transport is generally for poor people, unless you're taking specific commuter express bus, a ride share or carpool vans or something. It's nothing at all like NYC.
If you want to be near the studios, you'll be out in Burbank, which is not "Hollywood"- that's probably Sunset Blvd or Santa Monica in your mind.
But you're almost 99% going to need and want a car.

Answer 8

Can you live in Los Angeles without a car?

-Yes, you can. We have a good public transport system, but many of us own cars. In this state, some of us find it odd for an adult to not have a car.

Answer 9

Living without a car is one thing ... you might be able to do it in Venice or Santa Monica, or somewhere near the rail lines (Red, Blue, Green ... ).
However, the price range you want for rent will make that much more difficult.
You MIGHT be able to get a studio in a decent neighborhood out in the valley (say, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Glendale) ... and have access to the Red Line from the Universal Studios or North Hollywood station. Check forrent.com ... good luck.

Answer 10

You need a car in LA. It is nothing like NY. $650-800??? Nowhere safe I can guarantee you that! You could probably find a gang neighborhood with cockroaches and what not but if that's all the money you can spend on rent please don't come here. If you are going to live in Hollywood, find a place right next to the police station. That's your best bet for safety. Hollywood is ghetto and overcrowded. You will be disappointed.