How did people move to Los Angeles? (Redondo Beach, Malibu: best neighborhood, apartment)

[Tea Tea]

I'm just curious on how people made the move. Did some of you look for a job first and then rushed to find an apartment and rushed to learn all the routes to work etc? Though I hear driving in America is easy.

Or did people find an Apartment first and then rushed to look for a job?

How easy was it find a job? I'm interested in the graphic design field. Everyone tells me how well I will do when I move there.

I look forward to hearing how people moved and how hard/easy it was.

Thanks

[LALady]

Originally Posted by Tea Tea

I'm just curious on how people made the move. Did some of you look for a job first and then rushed to find an apartment and rushed to learn all the routes to work etc? Though I hear driving in America is easy.

Or did people find an Apartment first and then rushed to look for a job?

How easy was it find a job? I'm interested in the graphic design field. Everyone tells me how well I will do when I move there.

I look forward to hearing how people moved and how hard/easy it was.

Thanks

I applied for jobs in Los Angeles before I visited. When I came to LA for interviews was the first time I'd visited the center of LA. Accepted a job, then quickly looked for a cheap studio apartment. I stayed with relatives for a few days to make the transition.

[DoubleDownTrent11]

I moved out here without an apartment or job. I got both within 2 weeks.

[Tea Tea]

Originally Posted by DoubleDownTrent11

I moved out here without an apartment or job. I got both within 2 weeks.

So where did you stay at first? and what area did you get an apartment? Can I ask what job? what field?

So many questions, such little time :P

[kwirk]

I had a friend living here who was working in TV and he promised me he could get me an entry level job when I moved. I also lucked out because he also knew a friend who was moving out of her apartment the same weekend I was planning on moving in, and the apartment was such a good deal I didn't even have to look for another one, really.

[Sorcerer68]

I just moved back (I'm a native). I returned from Hawaii with my boyfriend, my pets and 4 suitcases. I have 11 boxes coming US Mail. I also have a few things sitting in a friend's garage in Hollywood (for 4 years). We stayed with a friend and then almost immediately got a house-sitting gig in Malibu. We stayed on my friend's floor in the Hollywood Hills until finding a place we both liked.

Had I not known anyone here, I would have rented something short-term. I had the experience (once before) of moving back to L.A. I transferred with my company to the neighborhood where I wanted to live and then came out here 2 weeks before the move and rented an apartment within walking distance (I don't commute...ever). I found it by driving around the neighborhood (this was pre-craigslist) It worked out well, I loved that apartment and the neighborhood where I lived and worked.

In my other moves, I've rented temporary digs while I sought out my new life. My big tip is to move as little junk as possible. Most of it can be replaced. This is where people blow most of their moving budget.

[fairweathergolfer]

Got a phone call telling me I had a job in LA if I wanted it by a head hunter.

Got specifics about the gig, people, and money. Interviewed THEM--LOL.

Took job.

Stayed in hotel for a few weeks while they prepared my temporary housing as I started work.

Lived in temporary housing.

Bought a home a month later in the best neighborhood I could find.

The market skyrocketed less then a year later. When opportunity knocks . . .. I was fortunate and blessed to hit things at the right time.

My move out of here however is just the opposite. I research every nook and cranny that I can about where my new home (neighborhood, city, town, practically down to the street) may be. It is my second home purchase so I am also much more informed and picky about choosing housing knowing we could spend 30+ years of our life there if necessary--doubtful, but who knows the U.S. or the globe's fiscal future? (although we scored on how wonderful our first home was).

Still destiny has a way of directing life even with the best of planning and choosing. This small, but impactful factor takes some of the pressure off that is for sure. Then again I live life with a sense of adventure.

Life is meant to be lived.

Originally Posted by Tea Tea

I'm just curious on how people made the move. Did some of you look for a job first and then rushed to find an apartment and rushed to learn all the routes to work etc? Though I hear driving in America is easy.

Or did people find an Apartment first and then rushed to look for a job?

How easy was it find a job? I'm interested in the graphic design field. Everyone tells me how well I will do when I move there.

I look forward to hearing how people moved and how hard/easy it was.

Thanks

[dennismpat]

Originally Posted by DoubleDownTrent11

I moved out here without an apartment or job. I got both within 2 weeks.

I don't know if I have enough courage and faith to do that! But I'm glad it worked out for you in the end.

[Elegia]

Originally Posted by Tea Tea

How easy was it find a job? I'm interested in the graphic design field. Everyone tells me how well I will do when I move there.

Tea...

I also am interested in the Graphic Design field & moving to LA within the next 2 months. Are you currently working in the field? I am taking classes online now...my current career is in sales/management.

I plan to secure a short term rental before moving, because it seems like there are a number of properties that are not listed on craigslist, LA Times, or other apartment listing websites...so I want to see if there is something better when I get out there.

Also, I don't know where I will end up working, so I don't want to sign a year lease on something that might be a 2 hour drive from work. I am looking to live in the South Bay/Redondo Beach area.

Thanks for all the great tips on this thread...and the no fridge info on the other thread! What is up with that?

I'll keep you posted on my move...you do the same!

[Tea Tea]

Originally Posted by Elegia

Tea...

I also am interested in the Graphic Design field & moving to LA within the next 2 months. Are you currently working in the field? I am taking classes online now...my current career is in sales/management.

I plan to secure a short term rental before moving, because it seems like there are a number of properties that are not listed on craigslist, LA Times, or other apartment listing websites...so I want to see if there is something better when I get out there.

Also, I don't know where I will end up working, so I don't want to sign a year lease on something that might be a 2 hour drive from work. I am looking to live in the South Bay/Redondo Beach area.

Thanks for all the great tips on this thread...and the no fridge info on the other thread! What is up with that?

I'll keep you posted on my move...you do the same!

We should talk on msn or something. There's a lot to say. I'll private message you.