Where should I live in Los Angeles?

Question

I am moving to Los Angeles to be an actor, but I don't know the area at all. I don't want to be too far from where I'll have to travel for auditions and the sort, but I want to be in a safe area. Also what areas should I avoid living in, like the plague?

Answer 1

don't go to Hollywood as it's full of tourists and thieves, down town LA is just a no go. I lived in West Hollywood- in the boys town part- it was lovely and fun. Also Santa Monica is a little further out but as everyone drives there its fine, and you're by the sea. Good Luck. Go to Barney's Beanery...its a brilliant bar

Answer 2

I don't want to ruin your dream, but half of L.A. came here to become an actor / actress. The competition is fierce. I will list for you the areas you do NOT want to live in: Compton, East Los Angeles, parts of La Puente, Inglewood, Hollywood, and most of South Central Los Angeles. While you are waiting to be discovered and get your big break, practice this line of dialog: "Do you want fries with that?"

Answer 3

Regardless of wether your reason for coming here is a good one or not you mentioned "safe" it is very difficult to find safe areas in the heart of the city. Some areas of Studio City are ok.

If $$$ is a factor your gonna have to move to the outskirts of the city and do the travel. The West Covina area is affordable and it's only about 30min to an hour away from LA

Answer 4

Somewhere around North Hollywood would probably be good. and fairly centralized. Your work will move with every project. The reason cast wrap parties are sad are because you usually don't get to see your new work friends anymore and because you will be temporarily out of acting work until you hook up with the next project.
It would be really good if you also had a skill to fill in the NATURAL GAPS between projects. Some people don't think of that...It's not like working in a factory. It's an unusual business like that...Save your money while you are working to make it through the gaps. Hope this helps, Brake a Leg...

Answer 5

It really depends on what you can afford to pay for rent.
LA rents are high, however, there are safe areas and reasonable rent around Silver Lake, Eagle Rock, Los Feliz and Glendale. These locations are about thirty minutes from Hollywood studios.
Stay out of South Central, Compton and actually living in Hollywood.

Answer 6

i don't want to be mean, but you realize of course, that EVERYONE comes out here to be an actor.

at any given time, at least 95% of actors are unemployed.

however, if you must, i agree, Burbank, No Ho, Sherman Oaks are good bets.

Burbank is filthy with industry companies, (they call them selves Media City). It also has an active theater life.

Most of No Ho is theater and arts friendly, SO is a better neighborhood than most. You will, of course, pay for the privilege.

NH and SO are in the city of LA, so they have rent control. Burbank does not.

I'm assuming you cannot afford someplace upscale, like beverly hills, brentwood, malibu.

you'll know what areas to avoid just by looking at them.

Answer 7

Most of the studios are in the San Fernando Valley, several are located in West L.A. Probably living anywhere in the Glendale-Burbank-North Hollywood-Sherman Oaks areas are fine. Almost every waiter /waitress in the Valley is an aspiring actor/writer etc. so you`ll fit right in. Good luck, hope to see you on the big screen soon.

Answer 8

Beverly Hills....not far from Hollywood and a beautiful safe area.

Avoid south central.... Compton, Watts, Inglewood etc

Answer 9

Live in Silver Lake or Echo Park. Stay away from East L.A.

Answer 10

East L.A. isn't a bad place. I live in a small city near east l.a and it's not bad.. You need to stay away from South Central!