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Hi Everyone,
I'm considering making the big leap from Chicago to Cali next year. I've visited both areas mentioned and love them both, however, my biggest concern is that I won't have my own transportation (can't drive at all due to my epilepsy) so I'm wondering how the bus or rail system are for both areas. I am not against using mostly taxi/car services, as I do now in Chicago and have been the majority of my life, so are taxis fairly available on the streets of these places?
I work from home so that is not an issue. I really only need a Whole Foods and decent shopping mall nearby, either walking distance or cab-able. Things like salons, doctors, hospitals don't need to be in extreme close proximity to me, as I usually only have use for those about once a month. I do like a little liveliness to my quarters and feel more comfortable with things convenient to me, though. So the more, the merrier.
I'm looking to spend no more than $1400/mo on a 1 BR or 1BR with den and prefer being close to the beaches.
Any suggestions as far as neighborhoods or sections of the above-mentioned are welcomed, or even other places you might think would suit me in SoCal that I haven't mentioned?
I can't really speak for San Diego other than it is way more suburban than most parts of LA.
LA public transit is not as developed as Chicago. There are plenty of buses, but check out the LACMTA website which will show you the underdeveloped rail network.
For the most walkable areas, downtown Santa Monica and Hollywood north of Hollywood Blvd closer to the 101 Freeway. Some will say West Hollywood, but public transit there is the worst. In Santa Monica, you have the Big Blue Bus route (look that up online) and in Hollywood you have both bus and rail access.
In any of those areas you will find grocery stores, restaurants, and nightlife. Check out google maps and type in grocery or restaurant or bar while looking at an LA map and you will see all the icons pop up.
As for cabs, they are not very numerous in LA like in downtown Chicago. The exception is Hollywood near Vine St. and that corridor. Santa Monica has some cabs as well. Those are your best choices.
Of note, Hollywood and West Hollywood are far the beach and difficult to get to without a car.
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