20yr old female moving to Los Angeles.... By herself (Torrance: apartments, job market) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

Blessed2011 · 02-06-2011, 02:33 PM

I am planning a move from Florida to downtown L.A. Reason being I am starting school in October. I have been searching the net for cheap studio/efficiency around $600-$725. However, because I am a female and will be living alone I do want to be in atleast a decent area. I do plan to take my car but I would like to stay around the 90015 or 90017 area because I would be close to my school. Any suggestions of Apartments in decent areas that I can consider???

disgruntled la native · 02-06-2011, 02:42 PM

Define decent, because I'm not sure your budget will get you a studio/efficiency in a decent area by my definition. Maybe Koreatown, which is near downtown but I hesitate to call it decent. What about sharing a place in Silverlake, Hollywood, echo park, or downtown.

Apartments you are able to afford will typically be in less than decent areas. Roommates are a good idea.

Blessed2011 · 02-06-2011, 02:50 PM

I would want to get a roommate but the fact I don't know anyone in L.A is the problem. Does anyone know what kind of areas public housing will be located?? Also, how is the job market, I plan to have an studio in early August and want to have a job by early October, is that realistic in L.A?? I will have my AA degree before I move, will that help me out a little bit with finding a job??

disgruntled la native · 02-06-2011, 03:55 PM

IN rough areas. Do you even qualify for it?

The job market is really bad. What kind of job are you thinking of. I'm sure you'd be able to land something in the service industry at least.

Looking for roommates, that's what craigslist and various other sites are for

Ceece · 02-06-2011, 09:43 PM

Are you starting school or looking for a job? Your school should be able to help you with student housing.

sweetheart1311 · 02-07-2011, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blessed2011

I have been searching the net for cheap studio/efficiency around $600-$725. However, because I am a female and will be living alone I do want to be in atleast a decent area.

Not realistic IMO. Only with a roommate.

sortagoat · 02-07-2011, 12:45 AM

I would think about getting a roommate and maybe looking up around Los Feliz or Atwater Village area. It will put you at ease. Some of the areas you are talking about, you may not feel comfortable living in. IMO

nmnita · 02-07-2011, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blessed2011

I would want to get a roommate but the fact I don't know anyone in L.A is the problem. Does anyone know what kind of areas public housing will be located?? Also, how is the job market, I plan to have an studio in early August and want to have a job by early October, is that realistic in L.A?? I will have my AA degree before I move, will that help me out a little bit with finding a job??

What school will you be attending? Oct is a strange time for the start of new semesters. I would suggest you go through the college housing dept and look for others that will need room mates.

the job market is plain awful, what is your field? As for public housing, what are you thinking of when you say "public housing"? You certainly do not really want to even consider that for a day, plus the wait lists can be years long.

I think you need to do a whole lot of research before you make this move.

Nita

nicolemphmsw · 02-07-2011, 04:41 PM

Whatever you do, make sure you're prepared to succeed before moving to LA. I'd say have at least 8 months of living expenses plus an emergency fund saved up; your own working car; and a full wardrobe. It's even better if you can have a couple of second interviews or a job offer lined up for you already when you get there.

When I moved to CA as a single gal about 20 years ago, I advanced my resume before I got there, so I had a job in a week. I was also able to stay with my friend's family until we found a place to share. I had a roommate for about 9 months, and then I moved to my own place for another 9 months. Even way back then, when my rents were $430 with a roommate in Torrance and $695 for an apartment on my own in Hawthorne, money was tight for me on a social worker's salary. I had a pretty hefty savings account to start, but it didn't seem to last very long.

Are you already accepted into and enrolled in your school? If not, you may want to do a lot more research before taking the plunge and moving to LA. School will still be there, and it will still cost money!

Roommates are fairly easy to find; you just have to talk to them A LOT and run reference checks before moving in. If you can find someone you get along with and that you can share expenses with, it makes life a lot easier.

As far as areas, I only know about living in Torrance (good) and Hawthorne (was OK 20 years ago, not so sure now). There are nicer neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and I'm sure folks will weigh in soon. You can check the apartment rents on Trulia.com to get a feel of what you'd pay for a place on your own or a roommate in the neighborhoods you like.

bigdumbgod · 02-08-2011, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmnita

what are you thinking of when you say "public housing"? You certainly do not really want to even consider that for a day, plus the wait lists can be years long.

One can always pay a visit to Imperial Courts or Nickerson Gardens to find out, but I wouldn't readily recommend such a plan.