I from the midwest, a college graduate (bachelor's), Im 26, and I have a few years of experience in Human Resources. However, Im also open to anything administrative and/or clerical. I've visited Cali (Los Angeles) a few times and I absolutely love it and plan to move there. But it's SO expensive, espeically in terms of housing. And it doesn't seem like the jobs pay more to compensate for the high cost of living.
I am single and I dont have any children. I'm willing to sacrafice, even if I have to live in a studio apartment (as long as it's in a decent neighborhood--which will still probably cost me about $900 p/m) for a few years. But part of me is afraid. Should I go for it? Any success stories? Anyone live out there? How are you making it?
2007-02-19 09:43:52 · 12 answers · asked by Confuscious 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Los Angeles
No I think you should go to Miami. Not in L.A its dangerous now because of all the immigrants, drug trafficking and crimes.
2007-02-19 09:52:37 · answer #1 · answered by bmendez0428 2 · 6⤊ 8⤋
I lived there for 14 years and moved back to the midwest after we had kids. It's really hard to have a lifestyle with an average paying job that will compare to what you get for the $$$ in the midwest. But I'm not trying to discourage you if you really want to do it. The weather is great, but I found that I was working and then commuting too much to even enjoy it. I actually go to the beach (Fla.) more now because we can afford to take nice vacations. In L.A. we were always trying to make sure we had money for the rent (our first cockroach-filled apt. in Sherman Oaks was $800 p/m in 1991- so I think your estimate for $900 p/m is a little low for these days). When we finally could afford to buy a nice home, we bought a house that was built in 1964 that was okay- put down $100K, and still had a mortgage that was nearly 4000 per month!!!! I mean, it was ridiculous. You are right, people aren't really paid more but everyone has the 0% interest APR loans and they just pray that rates don't go up much or that there's not an earthquake. Now we have a beautiful home that we could have never had in L.A., and way less money worries!!! Okay, I guess it hard for me to say anything positive about it. I was really disappointed with L.A. the entire time I was there. I like Florida and the Carolinas much better.
Good luck with your decision!
2007-02-19 10:20:26 · answer #2 · answered by Not so looney afterall 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know... anyone can make it anywhere if they really want too! You are asking for reassurance from a melting pot of people, when really you are the only one who can answer that question.
I was born and raised here in So Cal. I moved away for 9 years and came back. I would move in a heartbeat, because it has changed so much! But on the same note.. when I was gone, all I wanted to do is come back, because I missed the entertainment and city.
It's hard! Rent is OUTRAGEOUS! Even in the bad neighborhoods. Jobs are abundant, but most don't pay well or offer health insurance (which is out of control!) Traffic is only getting worse. The population is expanding exponentially! Yet, the weather is nice 99% of the time. You can snow ski and surf in the same day. Visit the mountains and club in the city. We have everything for everyone. You just have to be willing to sacrifice.. settle for less than perfect.. and find people in good standings and not get mixed up with the wrong.
If you come here knowing the challenges of a big city.. and not expect the sun and moon.. you can make it! But that's up to you to decide! If you are unsure, you will crawl back home with your tail between your legs.
Good luck with the decision!
2007-02-20 07:10:58 · answer #3 · answered by naliwad 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can do it! It will be hard, especially at first, but it's worth it.
I've lived out here for almost 2 years and I absolutely love it! I have roommates to help with the rent and I love where I live. Things are tight for me in terms of money, but I wouldn't trade where I live for anything.
I think LA is a great place to experience even if you don't live here for the rest of your life. It's a great place to spend your twenties.
A good resource to look for apartments is http://www.westsiderentals.com/ You have to pay a bit, but you get tons of listings. Keep in mind, though, that LA is incredibly spread out (I hope you have a car). So when you look for jobs and apartments, you might want to consult a map. Take a look: http://www.laalmanac.com/images/Map_LA%20City.gif
It would not be a good idea, for example, to work in Hollywood and live in Northridge. That would be a really sucky commute during rush hour.
As for good places to live, try looking in the Valley. Burbank is nice, so are Sherman Oaks and Studio City. Hope this helps and good luck!
2007-02-20 06:36:27 · answer #4 · answered by Robin 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
go for it. you'll regret it if you don't give it a shot.
I moved out here 15 years ago and haven't looked back. My first job was as a runner for a film company picking up film cans from LAX at midnight and dropping them off at technicolor to be developed over night. I made crappy money, rented a tiny apartment with some friends.
15 years later...we are all moderately successful..with houses, kids, and great careers..One of my friends is a successful screenwriter now.
You are 26 and you don't have a family yet. Now, is the time in your life to take risks.
2007-02-20 09:03:13 · answer #5 · answered by David 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen to your soul. If you feel you are able to have a shot at living succesfully in Los Angeles, then do so. I'm 28, married, and I'm moving to Los Angeles next semester. I think it is an extremely cool city, with beautiful weather. Go for it. Don't hesitate. Man up! Strike gold.
2007-02-22 05:57:50 · answer #6 · answered by Jorge Alberto G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Orange County and have two roommates to keep the rent reasonable. Make sure you are willing to pay $1K a month for the privledge of living here before you do it. Frankly, there are better, cheaper places to live.
2007-02-19 09:56:56 · answer #7 · answered by bradcymru 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a room mate that should help with the high rent problem..
2007-02-21 14:50:17 · answer #8 · answered by Paris Hilton 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cali is real superb out here!
San Fiero is where its at so far as business!
2007-02-19 09:51:50 · answer #9 · answered by CJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for it, it's not that hard to live in LA like some people say it is. You are single and w/o kids so it wont be too hard. I live in San Diego and it's not that hard to get by and Southern CA and CA in general is such a great place to live. But it's also very urban and congested, especially LA, so make sure you like city life before you move here. A lot of people come out to LA and as long as you have a decent job it won't be a struggle to live there.
And LA is not that dangerous at all, just in certain areas. That comment from someone telling you to go to Miami is stupid; Miami has more immigrants, crime, and drug trafficking than LA does. Miami is 2/3 immigrant and a drug route to the US from South America.
2007-02-19 10:22:30 · answer #10 · answered by Sav 6 · 2⤊ 7⤋
If you want ot do something bad enough and that is your dream you will find away. please do not be afraid.
2007-02-19 11:41:36 · answer #11 · answered by copestir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋