How is the "Quality of Life" in and around L.A. ? (Los Angeles: for rent, car insurance)

[TheRealAngelion]

Originally Posted by kleigh

You are right about one thing......I am not single, but my husband and I make alomost 200k, and paying $900k for a decent condo that is centrally located so we do not have to commute to work is just wrong. We live in a beach area with mostly condos, so trying to find a decent house in our area under $1.1 million is not easy. We both have family in the Dallas area and have stayed there many times. The people that live there are overall much more friendly and inviting. Like I said before..........California is NOT what it used to be.

I was not responding to you specifically or trying to contradict anything you said. In fact, I agree with you that dollar for dollar, you can get more in Texas and perhaps can enjoy a better quality of life there. However, I say "perhaps" because I think it depends on a number variables such as whether or not you have kids, whether you are single or married, whether you are gay or straight, your level of tolerance for Texas culture vs. California culture, your tolerance or lack thereof for racial/ethnic/religious diversity, the weather, recreational activities and concentration of cultural resources, proximity to family and close friends, among other things.

What one considers a better quality of life is really based on personal preference and life style IMO. As a single, gay man, I for one would never choose Dallas over Los Angeles and would take a $1 million condo in Marina Del Rey over a $1 million manse in Dallas any day.

[prim2007]

Originally Posted by TheRealAngelion

I was not responding to you specifically or trying to contradict anything you said. In fact, I agree with you that dollar for dollar, you can get more in Texas and perhaps can enjoy a better quality of life there. However, I say "perhaps" because I think it depends on a number variables such as whether or not you have kids, whether you are single or married, whether you are gay or straight, your level of tolerance for Texas culture vs. California culture, your tolerance or lack thereof for racial/ethnic/religious diversity, the weather, recreational activities and concentration of cultural resources, proximity to family and close friends, among other things.

What one considers a better quality of life is really based on personal preference and life style IMO. As a single, gay man, I for one would never choose Dallas over Los Angeles and would take a $1 million condo in Marina Del Rey over a $1 million manse in Dallas any day.

I agree. I appreciate the "reality check" about Los Angeles not being the city it used to be but I'm planning to be positive about the move and smart about picking a location convenient to my downtown work commute. I'm looking forward to the diversity and recreational activities. I'm sure it's a lot better than when I lived in Columbus, GA which lacked almost everything when it came to the social scene and culture. I worked all the time and was miserable because there was nothing to do - cheap living though.

[californiahereicome58]

Hey guys, I am new to the forum. I joined because I am going to be moving to L.A. next summer. Although I have about $1000 to my name right now, no car, and no family/friends out there, that's the plan. I was wondering if someone(s) could give me some tips about moving out there.

I need to get a cheap car that will get me from Point A to Point B. I hear car dealers in L.A. like to rip people off. Should I get a car before moving there?

I do NOT care what kind of apartment I live in, as long as it's in a safe neighborhood. I will sleep in a roach-infested closet, as long as I have a place to go at night. Can anyone tell me the safest, cheapest neighborhoods to look at?

Those are the base of my questions, but MORE advice and tips are greatly accepted! Thanks!

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by californiahereicome58

I will sleep in a roach-infested closet, as long as I have a place to go at night.

Gross! You want to leave Denver, a nice, all around decent city to live in a "roach-infested closet" in LA??! With barely any money, no car, and no career? Sounds like a great plan!

[Sonrise]

Kleigh,
May I ask why Dallas and not somewhere a lil' nicer like Austin or San Antonio? My sister lives in Round Rock, a 'burb of Austin and Dell Computers world hq and it's pretty darn nice. Hot but nice and it isn't flat as a pancake like most of the state. Texas is very reasonable as well. Her and her husband bought a 3000sqft house on a golf course 3 years ago for $269,000 . lol

Dallas on the other hand, well....it's okay. Sorry for being nosey, just curious.

[cynwldkat]

Californiahereicome,
You sound like you are chasing a dream....and that's ok. You are fairly young, right? You will never know unless you try I guess. You are probably in for a big suprise. But let's stay positive. Your best bet would be to rent a room from a family until you can get a job and save the $$ necessary to get into a safe, clean place of your own. That way if you decide CA is not for you it would be much easier to pack it up and go elsewhere. When I went to college I rented a room for about a year from a lovely family. I had access to a swimming pool, my own bathroom and use of the washer and dryer. I paid a flat rate...no hidden charges like utilities. I did pay for my own food which was fine by me. You will still have to be careful where the home is located and just what the situation is. But that is what I would suggest for you to at least start. Good luck!!

[kleigh]

Originally Posted by Sonrise

Kleigh,
May I ask why Dallas and not somewhere a lil' nicer like Austin or San Antonio? My sister lives in Round Rock, a 'burb of Austin and Dell Computers world hq and it's pretty darn nice. Hot but nice and it isn't flat as a pancake like most of the state. Texas is very reasonable as well. Her and her husband bought a 3000sqft house on a golf course 3 years ago for $269,000 . lol

Dallas on the other hand, well....it's okay. Sorry for being nosey, just curious.

We are actually looking in Colleyville, just outside of Dallas. From the info. we have gathered, it is one of the most desired areas to live in Texas as well as one of the nicest. We also have family that live there. You can check out the info. on this site as well as many others.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by prim2007

Okay, the responses on quality of life in Los Angeles are really scary. I'm currently considering a promotional job offer with my company to move to L.A. In all honesty, I'd be looking at only a few years to gain the valuable experience from this unique job opportunity. I'm single with no kids and would be making $150K. Can I reasonably live a decent life on this salary especially if I would like to live in the city, maybe buy a small condo in a gated community so I live close to work. Your responses could make the difference on whether I accept.

Don't listen to the miserable and bitter. That sort of salary will bring you a sensational life here. You can buy a hot car, buy a condo and still have money left over to do whatever you want and feed a small shopping addiction.

[prim2007]

Originally Posted by Sorcerer68

Don't listen to the miserable and bitter. That sort of salary will bring you a sensational life here. You can buy a hot car, buy a condo and still have money left over to do whatever you want and feed a small shopping addiction.

Thanks. I accepted the offer on yesterday and the company has agreed to pay for my moving espenses, realtor fees and closing costs if I buy a home in LA as well as provide me with a guaranteed purchase on my home in Dallas if it doesn't sell in a reasonable time so all I can do is pray and trust things will work out.

[TheRealAngelion]

Originally Posted by prim2007

Thanks. I accepted the offer on yesterday and the company has agreed to pay for my moving espenses, realtor fees and closing costs if I buy a home in LA as well as provide me with a guaranteed purchase on my home in Dallas if it doesn't sell in a reasonable time so all I can do is pray and trust things will work out.

Congratulations. Welcome to LA!