What's L.A. like?

Question

I will be finishing my drama degree in the next year. I want to move to L.A. to further my career. What is it like living in L.A.? I am from a very small town in Arizona. What's the best area to live in (i.e. closest to auditions and stuff). Should I look for a roomate or go it alone?

Answer 1

L.A. is a huge, sprawling city. I don't think that there's any one area of the city that is more central for an actor than any other. The advice I normally give actors intending to move out here is: find an area that suits your LIFESTYLE choices. If you prefer it down by the beach, there are several communities you can be looking at. If you'd rather be where there is an edgier nightlife, then you probably want to be in/around Hollywood.

Wherever you settle, you'll be spending a good portion of your time behind the wheel of your car as you make your way to auditions. Traffic here is brutal; get used to it.]

Unless you have a substantial bankroll to start with, I'd suggest that it's probably best to live with a roommate, at least to start. You should subscribe to a service called westsiderentals.com; they have thousands of listings of places for rent, and for people seeking roommates.

Good luck.

Answer 2

L.A. is huge, there are hundreds of neighborhoods and small cities that compose "Los Angeles." The people are fairly nice, very superficial, your exterior is more important than your integrity out here. You would probably have greater access to auditions if you lived in the Hollywood, Burbank or Wilshire areas. These areas are quite expensive, so, a roommate may be your best option, unless you're independently wealthy. :) The weather is great all year long, we have a few cold months, but, the weather NEVER drops lower than about 45 in the evening on those rare occasions. L.A. is over-crowded, but, rich in cultural diversity. There is always something to do: a concert, a festival, a marathon, a play, etc... Be careful not to enter certain neighborhoods, because you may be carjacked or killed. There are great work opportunities out here, though, and you shouldn't have a problem finding a job. Suerte!!! Oh, yes, learning Spanish would be VERY useful!!!!

Answer 3

L.A. is huge, there are hundreds of neighborhoods and small cities that compose "Los Angeles." The people are fairly nice, very superficial, your exterior is more important than your integrity out here. You would probably have greater access to auditions if you lived in the Hollywood, Burbank or Wilshire areas. These areas are quite expensive, s, a roommate may be your best option, unless you're independently wealthy. :) The weather is great all year long, we have a few cold months, but, the weather NEVER drops lower than about 45 in the evening on those rare occasions. L.A. is over-crowded, but, rich in cultural diversity. There is always something to do: a concert, a festival, a marathon, a play, etc... Be careful not to enter certain neighborhoods, because you may be carjacked or killed. There are great work opportunities out here, though, and you shouldn't have a problem finding a job. Suerte!!! Oh, yes, learning Spanish would be VERY useful!!!!

Answer 4

Ok we have established the fact that LA is a big city but if you want to break into show business it is the place to be. It is expensive so you will have to have a flexible job that will allow you to get away for auditions at sometimes a moments notice, this is hard but that is how it is. You should try to live in the San Fernando valley if possible. You need a car and get prepared for lots of traffic. But if this is your dream go for it and dont let anyone talk you out of it. Good luck.

Answer 5

Los Angeles is very expensive, best to get a roomate and best to live near West Hollywood, Bev Hills, or beach areas. As far as the acting business, i was told that the good agents do not even want to see you if you are not a SAG member yet and have reel of work that you have done. I would say the business is very competitive, with people not being very friendly to you. BUT if you love it, go for it, but expect to work a couple of jobs to make enough money to live, and leave your mornings free for auditions. You don't get too many opportunity for auditions until you are a SAG member (Screen actors guild). Also you can get a commercial agent rather easily and you will want to do that because getting commercials can make good money while you are trying to get into film or tv.

Answer 6

best place to live is west L.A. were your close to everything, Check your ego at home because there are so many people trying to make it out here. get your head shots together come prepared. There are a lot of scum buckets out here that don't care about anyone about themselves. be prepared to have allot of doors shut on you but eventually one will open. it just depends what you want to do. and remember that your first check wont be a 20 million dollar one. being an extra is okay but go thru the SEG it will help pay billss. beprepared to workwhile your dream is coming true.

Answer 7

You need a car. The city is large and crowded. The mountains are beautiful.

If you are moving to L.A. to act, make sure you have a lot of acting work on your resume, as you will be competing with actors that have strong resumes and those that have performed on television and theatre.

Answer 8

People in LA are rude and mean. They will punch you and steal your lunch given half a chance.

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.

Remember, you can act in New York too.

Answer 9

i would love to live in l a because corbin bleu lives there yay!!

Answer 10

Hey,
No offense to L.A. but it stinks. It depends were your coming from. There is so much smog and rude drivers. please don't let my answer ruin it for you because u should see it for yourself!
good luck!