Moving to LA this summer - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

greyeyes · 03-08-2004, 11:09 PM

Hey guys, I'm moving to LA this summer and I'm freaking out because I have no idea what to do or where to start with anything! I know I need to find a good inexpensive apt and the such but I have no idea where a good location is. I have a few months to work things out (I'm moving at the end of June) but I really need to get things started now. I'm not accustomed to moving cross-country where I know no one so I'll need advice on that aspect of it as well. Thanks everybody, I'll be checking this thread as much as I can.

j8ear · 03-09-2004, 01:58 PM

Why are you moving there?

What kind of work do you do?

-bear

greyeyes · 03-09-2004, 04:03 PM

I'm a server at Outback steakhouse and I can probably get transferred to one of the many outbacks in LA. I really want to get into the movie biz that is why I want to move to LA.

j8ear · 03-09-2004, 06:09 PM

Well then move to Hollywood

Or Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Culver City, Torrence. Manahattan and Redondo Beach is also cool. Torrence being the cheapest, but right outside of Manhattan and Redondo beaches.

Head on down south a bit and check Orange County. Newport Beach and Costa Mesa are great places, as are the Luguna's. All of OC is pretty freaking nice.

Chuck up north a bit to the Valley....you get the idea.

In your case, I'd go visit the outback your gonna work at and take it from there. Hoist a few with the staff, get the haps on the hood, find a mate with a room, that kind of stuff.

That would be my recommended course of action. Find a gig, hook up with some peeps at your gig, and make wise decisions.

The acting game is a struggle filled journey, especially for the actors who only ever wait tables.

Good Luck,

-bear

greyeyes · 03-10-2004, 12:01 PM

Thanks so much bear, I was actually wanting to move to orange county because I know it's close to the beach and I definately want to do some longboarding. I also heard that it was cheaper to live there than other places. Honestly, I am from the east coast and I have no idea what rent or any living situation would be like over there. Could you give me some advice on living situations or a place that I could go to recieve this information?

n0nsensical · 03-29-2004, 09:56 PM

Yeah Orange County probably would be pretty cheap, but you wouldn't catch me living there, and especially if you're trying to get into acting you likely do want to live closer to where the work is; commuting from Orange County for auditions is probably not something you want to do. You'd probably be better off in the Valley if you want a more suburban setting career-wise, though it's a bit of a trip from there to the ocean, and I don't know anything about surfing etc. so I'm not much help in that department.

There are really so many variables when looking for housing that it's hard to recommend anything specific. It would probably be a good idea to sit down, do the math, and figure out what you're able or willing to pay. Then you can start thinking about location and possibly money-saving questions such as, would you mind having 4 people in a 2 bedroom apartment, or sleeping in the living room of a one-bedroom apartment for lower rent, would you mind if all of your neighbors are illegals, and so on. LA is kind of strange maybe in that you can be in a really nice area with astronomical housing prices, then go down the street five or ten miles and you're in gang territory, and you get the whole gamut of costs right there in a relatively small area.

Excepting Beverly Hills where everything is expensive you can find a pretty wide range of costs in any part of LA, so get a budget, find a general area, and start looking until you find a match. I just used Craigslist the last time I looked for an apartment, and I've heard there are some strange people on there but it turned out good for me, so your mileage may vary. I personally like West Hollywood a lot (though if you're considering it, keep in mind it's basically the gay hub of LA so you'd want to be very comfortable with that), and if I had to relocate I'd probably look in Santa Monica, Westwood (might get a little expensive though), or Hollywood proper. I just moved out here only last year myself, but if you've got any other questions feel free to send me a PM or whatever. I'd invite you to live in my place but I've already got a roommate.

cleanx · 03-30-2004, 12:55 PM

wow dude stay out of hollywood 1500 a month for a basic studio apt.
try the valley, northridge/chatsworth area is perty cheap burbank/north hollywood is cheap in some areas
if you need a place to crash for a couple days let me know the wife and i have a big house with 7 bed rooms

n0nsensical · 03-30-2004, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cleanx
wow dude stay out of hollywood 1500 a month for a basic studio apt.
try the valley, northridge/chatsworth area is perty cheap burbank/north hollywood is cheap in some areas
if you need a place to crash for a couple days let me know the wife and i have a big house with 7 bed rooms

1500 for a studio? I don't know where you got that but even my 2 bedroom is significantly less than that. When I was still apartment searching I looked at a pretty nice studio for 795 utilities included on the 7900 block of Hollywood Blvd. So living alone is not exactly going to be the cheapest option but 1500 sounds ridiculous even for Beverly Hills.

greyeyes · 03-31-2004, 08:16 PM

1500?? That's really crazy, I pay 300 for rent where I live now. I guess it's true about how much more housing is over there compared to Atlanta. cleanx Thanks for the offer man, I honestly do not know how my first few days will faire because I still don't know how to rent a room other than being there and signing the lease. I think the transition from four days of driving to finding a place to live will probably be the most difficult part of the move. Just recently I bought a book that describes the different neighbourhoods of LA and the two that stand out more than most so far are west hollywood and Topanga Canyon (I've only gotten through all of the west neighbourhoods) what do you think about these two areas from the vantage point of someone that lives in LA? Also, I am highly considering Purchaseing a motorcycle for the traffic. What are your opinions on this idea?

Thanks so much for all of your input guys this information is really helpful to me.

n0nsensical · 04-01-2004, 08:40 PM

Topanga Canyon, I don't know much about it but I imagine it's a bit like, well, living in a forest in the mountains. Better hope your house doesn't burn down in a forest fire next fall!

Looks kind of remote, but at least there's some really nice scenery while driving to the more populated areas.

West Hollywood, I like it a lot which explains why I live here. The city was founded in 1984; before that it was just an unincorporated part of LA county that never joined the city proper. Somewhat useful website at http://www.weho.org (Apparently we have an orchestra) It has a land area of 1.9 square miles and a population of under 40,000, so it's kind of a small community within the vastness of LA. Low crime, few homeless, and despite all the activity on the two main streets, residential streets are still very quiet and dark during sleeping hours. There is a pretty large gay population, something like 50%, which can be good or bad depending on your point of view; I just look at South Beach, San Francisco, and West Hollywood for concrete proof that it's a good thing, but just be prepared for some guys to hit on you if you're on certain parts of Santa Monica Blvd. after dark.

Though women certainly aren't hitting on me, so at least someone is. Ha ha! Not as much of a problem on Sunset...

Of course the location is great; walking or biking distance to Sunset Strip and the stuff on Santa Monica Blvd., and Hollywood, Santa Monica, the Valley, etc. are all within reasonable driving distance. If you had a job in West Hollywood you wouldn't even need to leave the city limits, or own a car. You'll find cheaper apartments in, say, the Valley or the more questionable areas of LA, but rents aren't too bad and about the same as the other nice areas, and in any case you get a lot for your money and it's a great value, especially if you need a central location.

As for a motorcycle, it would be a great idea except for two issues. First is theft. Stealing a motorcycle is somewhat easier than stealing a car, and I don't know how much more it actually happens to motorcycles, but you might want to look into it, and get a tracking device installed in case it is stolen. You'll be better off if you have some kind of secured parking; I wouldn't recommend parking a motorcycle on any street overnight, every night. Second is idiot car drivers. Just last night someone nearly crashed into me by pulling in my lane when I happened to be going by. Minor accident with a car but could mean serious injury or death on a motorcycle. Not that there are a lot more idiot car drivers in LA than in the rest of the world but if you otherwise wouldn't be driving a motorcycle you should think about the risk.

hiltiman · 04-19-2004, 05:26 AM

I made the same move from NH about 5 years ago. Still regret it.... It takes about 5 hours to go anywhere unless you live there. There are so many mental defectives in Hollywood you could die. You'll be leaving normalcy on the East Coast that is for sure. However, if you like cultural diversity, this is the place to be. I think my next move will be North, way North of LA, and out of California all together. Hope you like paying taxes too. And forget about owning a gun. Gas right now is running around 2.22 per gallon. Costs about $100 each time you go to the market. Get used to being begged for change if Hollywood is your destination. Lots of freaks and goons in that area. Any place nicer will cost you a fortune. I moved to Santa Clarita when I came out to the tune of 1250 per month.... in 1998!

assilem · 04-26-2004, 01:59 PM

Stay far away from a thing we call the "Inland Empire". When you get here you will understand why. Get close to a freeway and you can go anywhere in about 20 minutes if there is no traffic. All prices are through the roof right now. You will be lucky to find a studio for under $900.00 if you are shooting for Hollywood or LA proper.

greyeyes · 05-15-2004, 11:42 AM

I'm definately going to try and live as close to the coast as possible. I just got back from a four day trip to LA in this trip I did some research on where I would like to live for sure and I have definately decided that Santa Monica or Venice would be perfect for what I would like to do. I have also learned about craigslist.com which will make my home searching much easier. Is there anything I need to know before I move my ass out there?

n0nsensical · 05-15-2004, 03:55 PM

I told you about Craigslist on 03-29-2004. =P Anything you need to know in terms of moving or moving to LA specifically? Make sure you can support yourself and make sure you have a car.

Skeletongod · 05-16-2004, 12:34 AM

hey, if your going to be looking for places in orange county let me know when you get in, i'll be on summer vacation (need a break from college), and ill show you around. i need to find a new apartment as well....my damn roommate is a pig. Right now im paying 1235 split between two people: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, living room, dinning room, kitchen. great location. but a few blocks down in downtown fullerton, the apartments are more expensive, but i believe they are furnished. you have to see downtown fullerton, it's an awesome place. anyway, best of luck to you.

Ryan

omid · 05-17-2004, 02:48 PM

get ready for a huuuuuuge surprise. california homes have basically tripled in value over these last three years. orange county is very expensive, along with the more well-known bel air and beverly hills homes. try to find a (for a lack of a better word) developing suburb so you can actually afford it and concentrate on your work.

03-08-2004, 11:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
greyeyes ham on rye would be nice Location: I don't even know anymore	Moving to LA this summer Hey guys, I'm moving to LA this summer and I'm freaking out because I have no idea what to do or where to start with anything! I know I need to find a good inexpensive apt and the such but I have no idea where a good location is. I have a few months to work things out (I'm moving at the end of June) but I really need to get things started now. I'm not accustomed to moving cross-country where I know no one so I'll need advice on that aspect of it as well. Thanks everybody, I'll be checking this thread as much as I can.

03-09-2004, 01:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
j8ear Gentlemen Farmer Location: Middle of nowhere, Jersey	Why are you moving there? What kind of work do you do? -bear __________________ It's alot easier to ask for forgiveness then it is to ask for permission.

03-09-2004, 04:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
greyeyes ham on rye would be nice Location: I don't even know anymore	I'm a server at Outback steakhouse and I can probably get transferred to one of the many outbacks in LA. I really want to get into the movie biz that is why I want to move to LA. __________________ I'm kind of jealous of the life I'm supposedly leading. - Zach Braff

03-09-2004, 06:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
j8ear Gentlemen Farmer Location: Middle of nowhere, Jersey	Well then move to Hollywood Or Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Culver City, Torrence. Manahattan and Redondo Beach is also cool. Torrence being the cheapest, but right outside of Manhattan and Redondo beaches. Head on down south a bit and check Orange County. Newport Beach and Costa Mesa are great places, as are the Luguna's. All of OC is pretty freaking nice. Chuck up north a bit to the Valley....you get the idea. In your case, I'd go visit the outback your gonna work at and take it from there. Hoist a few with the staff, get the haps on the hood, find a mate with a room, that kind of stuff. That would be my recommended course of action. Find a gig, hook up with some peeps at your gig, and make wise decisions. The acting game is a struggle filled journey, especially for the actors who only ever wait tables. Good Luck, -bear __________________ It's alot easier to ask for forgiveness then it is to ask for permission.

03-10-2004, 12:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
greyeyes ham on rye would be nice Location: I don't even know anymore	Thanks so much bear, I was actually wanting to move to orange county because I know it's close to the beach and I definately want to do some longboarding. I also heard that it was cheaper to live there than other places. Honestly, I am from the east coast and I have no idea what rent or any living situation would be like over there. Could you give me some advice on living situations or a place that I could go to recieve this information? __________________ I'm kind of jealous of the life I'm supposedly leading. - Zach Braff

03-29-2004, 09:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
n0nsensical Junkie Location: San Francisco	Yeah Orange County probably would be pretty cheap, but you wouldn't catch me living there, and especially if you're trying to get into acting you likely do want to live closer to where the work is; commuting from Orange County for auditions is probably not something you want to do. You'd probably be better off in the Valley if you want a more suburban setting career-wise, though it's a bit of a trip from there to the ocean, and I don't know anything about surfing etc. so I'm not much help in that department. There are really so many variables when looking for housing that it's hard to recommend anything specific. It would probably be a good idea to sit down, do the math, and figure out what you're able or willing to pay. Then you can start thinking about location and possibly money-saving questions such as, would you mind having 4 people in a 2 bedroom apartment, or sleeping in the living room of a one-bedroom apartment for lower rent, would you mind if all of your neighbors are illegals, and so on. LA is kind of strange maybe in that you can be in a really nice area with astronomical housing prices, then go down the street five or ten miles and you're in gang territory, and you get the whole gamut of costs right there in a relatively small area. Excepting Beverly Hills where everything is expensive you can find a pretty wide range of costs in any part of LA, so get a budget, find a general area, and start looking until you find a match. I just used Craigslist the last time I looked for an apartment, and I've heard there are some strange people on there but it turned out good for me, so your mileage may vary. I personally like West Hollywood a lot (though if you're considering it, keep in mind it's basically the gay hub of LA so you'd want to be very comfortable with that), and if I had to relocate I'd probably look in Santa Monica, Westwood (might get a little expensive though), or Hollywood proper. I just moved out here only last year myself, but if you've got any other questions feel free to send me a PM or whatever. I'd invite you to live in my place but I've already got a roommate. Last edited by n0nsensical; 03-29-2004 at 10:00 PM..

03-30-2004, 12:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
cleanx Crazy Location: chatsworth, california san fernando valley	wow dude stay out of hollywood 1500 a month for a basic studio apt. try the valley, northridge/chatsworth area is perty cheap burbank/north hollywood is cheap in some areas if you need a place to crash for a couple days let me know the wife and i have a big house with 7 bed rooms __________________ The Nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools." -Thucydides

03-31-2004, 08:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
greyeyes ham on rye would be nice Location: I don't even know anymore	1500?? That's really crazy, I pay 300 for rent where I live now. I guess it's true about how much more housing is over there compared to Atlanta. cleanx Thanks for the offer man, I honestly do not know how my first few days will faire because I still don't know how to rent a room other than being there and signing the lease. I think the transition from four days of driving to finding a place to live will probably be the most difficult part of the move. Just recently I bought a book that describes the different neighbourhoods of LA and the two that stand out more than most so far are west hollywood and Topanga Canyon (I've only gotten through all of the west neighbourhoods) what do you think about these two areas from the vantage point of someone that lives in LA? Also, I am highly considering Purchaseing a motorcycle for the traffic. What are your opinions on this idea? Thanks so much for all of your input guys this information is really helpful to me. __________________ I'm kind of jealous of the life I'm supposedly leading. - Zach Braff Last edited by greyeyes; 03-31-2004 at 08:19 PM..

04-01-2004, 08:40 PM	#10 (permalink)
n0nsensical Junkie Location: San Francisco	Topanga Canyon, I don't know much about it but I imagine it's a bit like, well, living in a forest in the mountains. Better hope your house doesn't burn down in a forest fire next fall! Looks kind of remote, but at least there's some really nice scenery while driving to the more populated areas. West Hollywood, I like it a lot which explains why I live here. The city was founded in 1984; before that it was just an unincorporated part of LA county that never joined the city proper. Somewhat useful website at http://www.weho.org (Apparently we have an orchestra) It has a land area of 1.9 square miles and a population of under 40,000, so it's kind of a small community within the vastness of LA. Low crime, few homeless, and despite all the activity on the two main streets, residential streets are still very quiet and dark during sleeping hours. There is a pretty large gay population, something like 50%, which can be good or bad depending on your point of view; I just look at South Beach, San Francisco, and West Hollywood for concrete proof that it's a good thing, but just be prepared for some guys to hit on you if you're on certain parts of Santa Monica Blvd. after dark. Though women certainly aren't hitting on me, so at least someone is. Ha ha! Not as much of a problem on Sunset... Of course the location is great; walking or biking distance to Sunset Strip and the stuff on Santa Monica Blvd., and Hollywood, Santa Monica, the Valley, etc. are all within reasonable driving distance. If you had a job in West Hollywood you wouldn't even need to leave the city limits, or own a car. You'll find cheaper apartments in, say, the Valley or the more questionable areas of LA, but rents aren't too bad and about the same as the other nice areas, and in any case you get a lot for your money and it's a great value, especially if you need a central location. As for a motorcycle, it would be a great idea except for two issues. First is theft. Stealing a motorcycle is somewhat easier than stealing a car, and I don't know how much more it actually happens to motorcycles, but you might want to look into it, and get a tracking device installed in case it is stolen. You'll be better off if you have some kind of secured parking; I wouldn't recommend parking a motorcycle on any street overnight, every night. Second is idiot car drivers. Just last night someone nearly crashed into me by pulling in my lane when I happened to be going by. Minor accident with a car but could mean serious injury or death on a motorcycle. Not that there are a lot more idiot car drivers in LA than in the rest of the world but if you otherwise wouldn't be driving a motorcycle you should think about the risk.

04-19-2004, 05:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
hiltiman Upright	I made the same move from NH about 5 years ago. Still regret it.... It takes about 5 hours to go anywhere unless you live there. There are so many mental defectives in Hollywood you could die. You'll be leaving normalcy on the East Coast that is for sure. However, if you like cultural diversity, this is the place to be. I think my next move will be North, way North of LA, and out of California all together. Hope you like paying taxes too. And forget about owning a gun. Gas right now is running around 2.22 per gallon. Costs about $100 each time you go to the market. Get used to being begged for change if Hollywood is your destination. Lots of freaks and goons in that area. Any place nicer will cost you a fortune. I moved to Santa Clarita when I came out to the tune of 1250 per month.... in 1998!

04-26-2004, 01:59 PM	#12 (permalink)
assilem Insane Location: Eternity	Stay far away from a thing we call the "Inland Empire". When you get here you will understand why. Get close to a freeway and you can go anywhere in about 20 minutes if there is no traffic. All prices are through the roof right now. You will be lucky to find a studio for under $900.00 if you are shooting for Hollywood or LA proper. __________________ The mother of mankind, what time his pride Had cast him out from Heaven, with all his host Of rebel Angels

05-15-2004, 11:42 AM	#13 (permalink)
greyeyes ham on rye would be nice Location: I don't even know anymore	I'm definately going to try and live as close to the coast as possible. I just got back from a four day trip to LA in this trip I did some research on where I would like to live for sure and I have definately decided that Santa Monica or Venice would be perfect for what I would like to do. I have also learned about craigslist.com which will make my home searching much easier. Is there anything I need to know before I move my ass out there? __________________ I'm kind of jealous of the life I'm supposedly leading. - Zach Braff

05-15-2004, 03:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
n0nsensical Junkie Location: San Francisco	I told you about Craigslist on 03-29-2004. =P Anything you need to know in terms of moving or moving to LA specifically? Make sure you can support yourself and make sure you have a car. __________________ "Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln

05-16-2004, 12:34 AM	#15 (permalink)
Skeletongod Upright	hey, if your going to be looking for places in orange county let me know when you get in, i'll be on summer vacation (need a break from college), and ill show you around. i need to find a new apartment as well....my damn roommate is a pig. Right now im paying 1235 split between two people: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, living room, dinning room, kitchen. great location. but a few blocks down in downtown fullerton, the apartments are more expensive, but i believe they are furnished. you have to see downtown fullerton, it's an awesome place. anyway, best of luck to you. Ryan

05-17-2004, 02:48 PM	#16 (permalink)
omid Crazy Location: Aliso Viejo, California	get ready for a huuuuuuge surprise. california homes have basically tripled in value over these last three years. orange county is very expensive, along with the more well-known bel air and beverly hills homes. try to find a (for a lack of a better word) developing suburb so you can actually afford it and concentrate on your work. __________________ Kick butt buzz-cut dickheads who didn't like what I said. The good times are killing me. Jaws clenching tight we talked all night, oh but what the hell did we say? The good times are killing me.